VP/Director of Finance

Job Description

Job Description

We are looking for a strategic finance leader to guide financial planning, performance management, and operational decision-making for a respected architecture and planning firm in California. This permanent hybrid position offers the opportunity to work closely with executive leadership, the Board, and project teams to strengthen financial health, improve visibility into project performance, and support long-term business goals. The role combines high-level financial leadership with hands-on oversight of reporting, compliance, cash management, and process improvement in a collaborative services environment.

Responsibilities:
• Shape firmwide financial direction by advising senior leadership and the Board on planning, investments, profitability, and key business decisions.
• Direct the annual budget cycle, regular forecasting activities, and scenario analysis to support both short-term operations and long-range objectives.
• Partner with project leaders to improve financial performance by reviewing budgets, tracking fee utilization, and addressing margin variances.
• Oversee cash planning and working capital management, with close attention to receivables trends and overall liquidity.
• Lead monthly financial close and deliver clear reporting on company, practice, and project results for leadership review.
• Maintain effective accounting controls and coordinate audit, tax, banking, insurance, and other compliance-related activities.
• Supervise accounting team operations while supporting staff development and consistency in financial processes.
• Advance financial systems, reporting tools, and process improvements to increase data quality, visibility, and decision support across the organization.
• Collaborate on payroll and compensation planning by providing financial analysis related to salary structures and market-based cost considerations.• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related discipline.
• At least 10 years of leadership experience in finance and administrative operations within a mid-sized or large organization.
• Background in architecture, engineering, or another project-driven services setting is strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated expertise in financial planning and analysis, including budgeting, forecasting, and scenario modeling.
• Strong capability in cash flow oversight, working capital management, and financial reporting.
• Solid knowledge of accounting operations, internal controls, audit coordination, and tax compliance.
• Experience with Deltek Vantagepoint or comparable enterprise or project accounting platforms.
• Ability to communicate financial insights clearly to both financial and non-financial stakeholders.