McKinstry

Director, Accounting Operations

McKinstry • $130K — $196K *
Seattle, WA 98115In-Person
Legal & Accounting
8 - 10 years of experience
Today
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Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field required; CPA required.
  • 10+ years of progressive accounting, finance operations, or shared services leadership experience.
  • 5+ years as a manager of people leader.
  • Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP, project-based accounting operations, and compliance.
  • Experience leading accounting operations in complex project-based environments.

Responsibilities

  • Own Accounts Receivable and Accounts Payable operations??? billing, collections, and vendor management.
  • Establish service levels, KPIs, and operating rhythms to enhance operational performance.
  • Lead the resolution of operational issues affecting cash flow and service delivery.
  • Build and develop a high-performing management team for Accounting Operations execution.
  • Ensure operational processes remain audit-ready and compliant with internal controls.
  • Partner with corporate departments to improve operational outcomes.
  • Serve as the lead for business initiatives impacting Accounts Receivable and Accounts Payable.

Benefits

  • Competitive pay and 401(k) with employer match and profit-sharing.
  • Paid time off and comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans.
  • Family formation benefits, including adoption and IVF assistance.
  • Up to 16 weeks paid parental leave and transgender inclusive benefits.
  • Learning and advancement opportunities via McKinstry University.
Full Job Description
The Opportunity with McKinstry

We are currently seeking a Director, Accounting Operations to join our Accounting and Payroll team in Seattle, WA. This position is responsible for leading Accounts Receivable and Accounts Payable operations, driving operational performance, working capital results, internal controls, and scalable service delivery. Serves as a critical leadership bench role for the Controller organization, responsible for developing future Finance & Accounting leaders and strengthening operational governance across Accounting Operations. Ensures efficient and effective transactional operations, develops and strengthens leadership capability, and continually assesses and improves the team's structure, processes, and operating discipline to support long-term growth. Additional responsibilities include:

Operational Leadership & Performance
  • Own Accounts Receivable and Accounts Payable operations, including billing, collections, cash application, accounts payable, subcontract invoicing, vendor management, payments, and P-Card administration.
  • Establish priorities, service levels, KPIs, and operating rhythms to drive operational performance, working capital results, and accountability.
  • Translate business requirements into processes, controls, and operational readiness plans to ensure Accounting Operations can effectively support evolving business needs.
  • Lead resolution of operational issues and risks impacting cash flow, controls, customer and vendor experience, and business performance.
  • Provide Accounting Operations leadership for ERP implementation and ongoing updates, including supporting process design, testing, UAT, readiness, training, and go-live support.


Leadership & Organizational Development
  • Build and develop a high-performing management team responsible for day-to-day execution across Accounting Operations.
  • Define ownership, decision rights, and accountability to strengthen execution and leadership effectiveness.
  • Develop managers and future leaders capable of independently leading operational performance, service delivery, and team development.
  • Build succession plans and organizational capability across transactional accounting functions.


Controls, Compliance & Risk Management
  • Ensure operational processes operate within a strong internal control framework and remain audit-ready.
  • Identify operational, compliance, and control risks and implement sustainable solutions.
  • Partner with Corporate Accounting and External Audit to support audits, remediation efforts, and process discipline.


Cross-Functional Leadership & Business Partnership
  • Partner with Line of Business Operations and Project Management, as well as various Corporate Service Units such as Treasury, Procurement, IT, Enterprise Project Management, and other areas of Finance and Accounting to improve operational and financial outcomes.
  • Lead initiatives that improve cash flow, service levels, operational efficiency, and business performance.
  • Serve as the Accounting Operations lead for business initiatives impacting Accounts Receivable and Accounts Payable, ensuring organizational readiness and successful adoption.

What You Need to Succeed at McKinstry
  • Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field required; CPA required.
  • 10+ years of progressive accounting, finance operations, or shared services leadership experience, including leadership of large transactional accounting organizations through managers and people leaders.
  • 5+ Years as a manager of people leader.
  • Public accounting audit experience preferred, with exposure to internal controls, financial reporting, compliance, and process improvement.
  • Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP, project-based accounting operations, construction and service billing, collections, Procure-to-Pay (P2P) processes, working capital management, internal controls, and audit requirements.
  • Experience leading accounting operations in complex project-based environments with diverse contract structures, subcontractor invoicing and payment workflows, decentralized stakeholders, and high-volume transactional activity.
  • Demonstrated success building high-performing management teams, strengthening leadership capability, addressing organizational gaps, and driving operational performance through leaders.
  • Experience establishing KPI frameworks, operating rhythms, accountability structures, and performance management practices that improve service delivery, operational effectiveness, and business results.
  • Strong leadership, executive presence, communication, stakeholder management, and cross-functional influencing skills.
  • Proven ability to lead through growth, organizational complexity, change, and operational challenges while maintaining focus on execution, customer service, controls, and business outcomes.
  • Strong analytical, problem-solving, decision-making, and risk management capabilities.

PeopleFirst Benefits

When it comes to the basics, we have you covered:
  • Competitive pay
  • 401(k) with employer match and profit-sharing plan
  • Paid time off and holidays
  • Comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision with low or zero deductible options and low out of pocket maximums

People come first at McKinstry, and we go beyond the basic benefits with:
  • Family formation benefits, including adoption and IVF assistance
  • Up to 16 weeks paid parental leave
  • Transgender inclusive benefits
  • Commuter benefits
  • Pet insurance
  • "Building Good" paid community service time
  • Learning and advancement opportunities via McKinstry University
  • McKinstry Moves onsite gyms or reimbursement for remote workers

See benefit plan documents for complete details.

The pay range for this position is $130,300 - $196,900 per year; however, base pay offered may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. A bonus may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the position offered. Base pay information is based on market location.

#LI-DB1

About McKinstry

McKinstry is an engineering company specializing in designing, constructing, operating, and maintaining high-performing buildings. Its professional staff and tradespeople deliver consulting, construction, energy, and facility services. As an early adopter of the DBOM process, the company advocates collaborative and sustainable solutions that are designed to ensure occupant comfort, improve systems efficiency, reduce facility operational costs, and ultimately optimize client profitability for the life of their building. McKinstry works with school districts, universities, municipalities, hospitals, and private companies nationwide. Its clients care about long-term planning, saving energy, and driving out waste, and have sophisticated facilities that require nothing but the best. The company was established in 1960 in Seattle, Washington.

McKinstry Careers

Joining McKinstry presents a prime opportunity to be part of a team that values innovation, leadership, and diversity training. McKinstry, a leader in designing, constructing, and managing efficient buildings, offers a variety of job opportunities that cater to professionals eager to drive sustainable changes in the industry.

Explore Job Opportunities

McKinstry is actively hiring and offers a range of positions that suit different skills and career aspirations. From engineering to project management, McKinstry seeks passionate, curious, and solution-driven team players. Explore open positions that match your professional interests and skills.

Internship Programs

McKinstry provides robust internship programs designed to foster growth and offer real-world experience in a supportive environment. Internships are a cornerstone of McKinstry’s commitment to professional development, helping interns to enhance their resumes and prepare for full-time roles through hands-on projects and mentorship.

Employee Benefits and Company Culture

McKinstry is dedicated to supporting its team members not only in their professional lives but also in their personal growth and well-being. The company offers competitive benefits, including health, dental, and vision insurance, alongside opportunities for leadership development and diversity training. The culture at McKinstry is built on a foundation of respect and inclusion, where every team member’s contribution is valued.

Professional Growth and Development

Career growth at McKinstry is propelled by continuous learning and innovation. Employees are encouraged to take leadership roles within projects, participate in networking events, and engage in ongoing education programs. McKinstry supports career advancement through professional development courses and certifications.

Networking and Innovation

At McKinstry, networking and innovation go hand in hand. Employees are encouraged to collaborate across teams and disciplines, driving innovation that leads to industry-leading solutions and practices. McKinstry’s commitment to sustainability and efficient building solutions offers a unique platform for professionals to impact the future of the built environment.

Diversity and Inclusion

Diversity training and inclusion are integral to McKinstry’s ethos. The company strives to create a workplace where diverse perspectives are embraced, and everyone has the opportunity to succeed. McKinstry believes that a diverse workforce fosters creativity and innovation, which are critical for leadership in the industry.

Applying for a Position

When applying for a position at McKinstry, candidates are advised to tailor their resumes to highlight relevant experience and skills. The interview process is designed to assess not only professional qualifications but also a candidate’s fit within McKinstry’s culture and values.

Stay Connected with McKinstry Careers

Keep up to date with the latest from McKinstry through the Careers Blog. Gain insights from insider perspectives, and stay informed about new job opportunities and company news. Personalize your subscription to receive job alerts and insider tips tailored to your preferences.

Join McKinstry

Search for open positions that align with your skills and interests on the McKinstry Jobs portal. Discover what exciting and rewarding opportunities await at McKinstry, where your career development is supported by an unwavering commitment to innovation and leadership.

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READ CAREERS BLOG

Learn more about McKinstry
Size
5,001 employees
Industry
Real Estate & Construction
* Ladders Estimates

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