Director of Finance & Accounting

Directive is seeking a hands-on Director of Finance & Accounting to oversee the accounting function behind a leading B2B performance marketing agency. Reporting to the Head of Finance, you'll run close, reporting, controls and treasury, while having FP&A responsibilities. **Direct Reports:** - Controller - IT Department **Top Priorities:** - Move the finance department into a more strategic function. The primary opportunity is strengthening our labor model, optimizing staffing and billable utilization, and driving disciplined cost management to expand direct margins and overall profitability. - Be a strong voice with department heads so budgets have power and under-performance can be wisely identified. - Create a strong understanding/model of how growth investments impact EBITDA and ensure we are optimized in our capital allocation. - Deep improvement of tax planning. With strong EBITDA, we need better tax planning. We are weak here. - Build visibility into capital investment and have strong hypothesis around outcomes and timelines. It's important that we are able to invest cash while still growing EBITDA. - Build a high-performance financial operating engine that enhances visibility, margin discipline, and scalability as we prepare the business for long-term growth, incubation opportunities and potential future capital events. - Become investment ready. We are going to market in the next 36 months and need the right financial leadership in place. **Role and Responsibilities:** 1. **Close and Reporting:** Holding team accountable for a timely and GAAP-compliant 5 day financial close. Deliver financial reports and department P&Ls. 2. **Controls:** Design and enforce accounting policies, internal controls and segregation of duties. 3. **Treasury:** Cash is the most important number for Directive. Need to ensure it is managed at safe levels and continues to grow 1. Properly monitor AR/AP process to keep overdue receivables down and escalate when necessary 4. **Revenue & Margin:** Oversee revenue recognition for retainer and project-based client contracts. Prepare FP&A report to support the company's gross margin and EBITDA targets. 5. **Treasury & Banking:** Manage cash, banking relationships and 13-week cash flow forecast. 6. **Team Leadership:** Manage and develop the Controller, who covers AR/AP reconciliations and close support. 7. **Systems & Processes:** Improve system and reporting automation. **Goals:** 1. 65% Gross Margin 2. 35% ADJ. EBITDA **Requirements:** - Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field; CPA a bonus - 10+ years of progressive experience in finance and accounting roles, with at least 5 years in a leadership position within performance marketing agencies - Experience in a digital agency or similar services related industries a plus - Strong knowledge of financial regulations, accounting principles, and financial management systems - Proven ability to hold business units accountable to budget and goals - Solid understanding and experience with tax regulations and compliance - Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills - Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities **What We Offer:** - We have a set living wage at Directive; the actual salary may vary based on Directive's compensation practices, job related skills, and depth of experience - Medical, dental, vision plans, disability, and life insurance coverage for you and your family that fit your lifestyle - Including a 100% employer-paid plan for you and a 50% employer contribution for your dependents (US, CAD, MX) - Benefits to Support the Whole Person: - **Mental** - Access to certified therapists through **Spring Health**, membership to **Headspace** - **Physical** - Physical therapy through **Omada, **thousands of **Aaptiv** virtual workouts, complimentary **One Medical** membership for primary and virtual care - **Time Off** - Unlimited PTO (2-week minimum), Paid Company Holidays, Your Birthday Off, End of Year Recharge (Closed December 24 - January 1), Paid Parental Leave - **Financial** - Traditional and Roth 401(k) with a 3% company match - **Bonus** - Annual bonus based on tenure, which scales in total amount over time - **Annual Company-wide Retreat** **Work Environment Requirements** As a remote-first company, you'll have the ability to work from your home office. For some positions, as posted, we will accommodate global opportunities where we have established businesses, including Canada, Mexico, and the UK. For global locations, you must have established and current work authorization and permanently reside in that country. This role has the opportunity to operate 100% virtually from your home office. We primarily collaborate with our colleagues through virtual meetings (Zoom), and Slack. In this role, you will be required to operate a laptop computer (PC or Mac available), computer software platforms, and other office productivity tools as necessary. Due to the nature of this role, you must be able to remain stationary for extended periods, must be able to observe and interpret written and/or verbal communication, must have reliable internet access, and a professional background. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job duty satisfactorily.