Design Citizen

Location

Hybrid (Washington Based Applicants Only)

Reports To

Executive Leadership

Compensation

$150,000 – $180,000 base salary (DOE)

Duration

Full-Time

Who We Are

Design Citizen — a human‑centered talent agency partnering with organizations that drive creativity, innovation, and purpose through design, strategy, and leadership.

Our client — a well‑established design and architecture firm — is seeking a Finance Director to lead all financial operations and serve as a strategic advisor to the executive team. This is a pivotal leadership role that combines strategic planning, fiscal stewardship, and operational excellence.

The ideal candidate is an analytical yet creative thinker — someone who thrives in dynamic, project‑based environments where client work, people, and profitability intersect.

Why This Role Matters

The Finance Director will be the heartbeat of the organization’s fiscal health — ensuring the accuracy of financial reporting, the integrity of processes, and the clarity of insights that inform key business decisions.

This leader will balance hands‑on execution with high‑level strategic vision, guiding budgeting, forecasting, and compliance while helping shape the future growth of the company.

If you’re passionate about driving both operational rigor and strategic impact in a creative, entrepreneurial setting — this role is for you.

What You’ll Do Financial Leadership & Strategy

• Oversee all financial operations, including accounting, reporting, budgeting, and compliance.
• Act as a strategic partner to the CEO and senior leadership, providing data‑driven insights that inform key business and investment decisions.
• Develop multi‑year financial plans that support long‑term growth and sustainability.

Budgeting & Forecasting

• Lead annual budgeting and quarterly forecasting processes with precision and transparency.
• Translate complex financial data into clear, actionable insights for both finance and non‑finance stakeholders.
• Monitor project profitability, cash flow, and operating expenses to ensure targets are met.

Compliance & Risk Management

• Maintain full compliance with GAAP standards, tax obligations, and all relevant regulations.
• Partner with external auditors, accountants, and legal counsel as needed.
• Implement and update internal controls, policies, and procedures to safeguard the organization’s assets.

Payroll & Operations

• Oversee payroll administration, reporting, and compliance across state and federal jurisdictions.
• Partner with People & Culture leadership on compensation, benefits, and bonus planning.
• Support the development of systems and processes that improve efficiency and accuracy.

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, coach, and mentor a small but high‑performing finance team.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Model integrity, curiosity, and a solutions‑oriented mindset in every interaction.

What You Bring

• 10–15 years of financial experience, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role — ideally in a project‑based, client‑services, or creative industry.
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field (CPA or MBA preferred).
• Deep experience managing full‑cycle accounting, budgeting, forecasting, and payroll.
• Proven success advising executives and boards on financial strategy and organizational health.
• Strong understanding of compliance, tax regulations, and GAAP accounting principles.
• Advanced proficiency in Excel/Google Sheets; experience with accounting or agency management software (e.g., QuickBooks, Workamajig, NetSuite, Brex) a plus.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and problem‑solving skills.
• A balance of hands‑on execution and high‑level strategic thinking.

What Defines You

• Strategic Partner: you think beyond the numbers, connecting financial insights to business impact.
• Hands‑On Leader: you’re as comfortable rolling up your sleeves as you are advising executives.
• Resilient & Agile: you stay calm and adaptable in fast‑paced, evolving environments.
• Values‑Driven: you lead with integrity and care — for your team, your work, and your organization.

Join Us

At Design Citizen, we believe equitable and inclusive leadership happens when teams reflect the diversity of the people they serve. We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer, providing equal opportunities regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, veteran status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, or disability.

Seniority level

• Director

Employment type

• Full‑time

Job function

• Finance

Industries

• Design Services

Benefits

• Medical insurance
• Vision insurance
• 401(k)
• Disability insurance