Director of Finance & Accounting

Directive•Irvine, CA

1d•Remote

About The Position

Directive Consulting is seeking a hands-on Director of Finance & Accounting to oversee the accounting function at its B2B performance marketing agency. Reporting to the Head of Finance, this leader will run the close, reporting, controls, and treasury functions, while also taking on FP&A responsibilities. Direct reports include the Controller and the IT Department. The role is focused on elevating finance into a more strategic function: improving the labor model, staffing, billable utilization, cost management, direct margins, and profitability; helping department heads manage budgets and identify under-performance; and evaluating how growth investments affect EBITDA and capital allocation. The Director will strengthen tax planning, improve visibility into capital investments and expected outcomes, and build a high-performance financial operating engine that supports scalability, long-term growth, incubation opportunities, and potential future capital events. Directive aims to become investment ready and expects to go to market within the next 36 months. The position is responsible for a timely, GAAP-compliant five-day close; financial reporting and department P&Ls; accounting policies and internal controls; cash management and banking; accounts receivable and payable oversight; revenue recognition for retainer and project-based contracts; and FP&A reporting to support gross margin and EBITDA targets. The Director will manage and develop the Controller and improve systems and reporting automation. Company goals include 65% gross margin and 35% adjusted EBITDA. This is a remote-first role that may be performed 100% virtually from a home office. The role uses virtual meetings, Slack, a laptop, software platforms, and office productivity tools. Employees must have reliable internet access and be able to remain stationary for extended periods and observe and interpret written and/or verbal communication. Global opportunities are available in countries where Directive has established businesses, subject to current work authorization and permanent residence in that country.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field.
10+ years of progressive experience in finance and accounting roles.
At least 5 years in a leadership position within performance marketing agencies.
Strong knowledge of financial regulations, accounting principles, and financial management systems.
Proven ability to hold business units accountable to budgets and goals.
Solid understanding of and experience with tax regulations and compliance.
Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
Ability to perform essential job duties satisfactorily, with reasonable accommodations where applicable.
For global locations, established and current work authorization and permanent residence in a country where Directive has an established business.
Reliable internet access and ability to remain stationary for extended periods and observe and interpret written and/or verbal communication.

Nice To Haves

CPA.
Experience in a digital agency or similar services-related industry.

Responsibilities

Oversee the accounting function and run close, reporting, controls, and treasury, with FP&A responsibilities.
Hold the team accountable for a timely, GAAP-compliant five-day financial close.
Deliver financial reports and department profit-and-loss statements.
Design and enforce accounting policies, internal controls, and segregation of duties.
Manage cash at safe levels and support continued cash growth.
Monitor accounts receivable and accounts payable processes, keep overdue receivables down, and escalate issues when necessary.
Oversee revenue recognition for retainer and project-based client contracts.
Prepare FP&A reporting to support gross margin and EBITDA targets.
Manage cash, banking relationships, and a 13-week cash flow forecast.
Manage and develop the Controller, who handles AR/AP reconciliations and close support.
Improve systems and reporting automation.
Strengthen the labor model, staffing, billable utilization, and cost management to improve margins and profitability.
Work with department heads to enforce budgets and identify under-performance.
Assess how growth investments affect EBITDA and optimize capital allocation.
Improve tax planning and increase visibility into capital investments, hypotheses, outcomes, and timelines.
Build a financial operating engine that supports visibility, margin discipline, scalability, long-term growth, and investment readiness.

Benefits

Medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance coverage for employees and their families.
100% employer-paid plan for the employee and a 50% employer contribution for dependents in the US, Canada, and Mexico.
Access to certified therapists through Spring Health and membership to Headspace.
Physical therapy through Omada, Aaptiv virtual workouts, and complimentary One Medical membership for primary and virtual care.
Unlimited PTO with a two-week minimum.
Paid company holidays.
Birthday off.
End-of-year recharge with the company closed December 24 through January 1.
Paid parental leave.
Traditional and Roth 401(k) with a 3% company match.
Annual bonus based on tenure, with the total amount scaling over time.
Annual company-wide retreat.