Director of Finance

SHM Architects•Dallas, TX

12d•Onsite

About The Position

SHM Architects, PLLC is seeking a Director of Finance to lead the firm’s financial planning, reporting, and controls in support of sound business decisions, operational effectiveness, and long-term financial health. Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, the Director serves on the leadership team alongside the owners and other Directors, with direct access to the owners on firm-level financial matters. The role translates financial information into clear insights, anticipates risks and opportunities, and helps guide the firm’s strategic and financial direction. The firm seeks someone who may move into a Chief Financial Officer role as it grows. The Director leads and develops the Accounting Department and serves as the firm’s subject matter expert for Deltek Ajera, maintaining and improving its project-accounting, data-management, and reporting capabilities. The position combines strategic financial judgment with hands-on operational oversight in a collaborative, high-volume professional-services environment. The role is based in a collaborative indoor office at the top of the historic Meadows Building at Energy Square. Normal hours are 8:30 AM–5:30 PM Central, Monday through Friday, with one hour for lunch; the schedule is flexible when business and customer needs remain the priority. Occasional work outside normal hours or on weekends may be needed to meet business needs and deadlines. The position is largely sedentary, involving extended sitting, keyboard use, and communication by phone, in person, and in writing; occasional situations may require lifting, bending, stooping, twisting, kneeling, or reaching. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States when an offer is accepted.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a related field.
10–15 years of progressive accounting and finance experience, including leadership responsibility, in a professional-services environment.
Expert-level working knowledge of Deltek Ajera, including project accounting, financial reporting, data management, and system workflows.
Experience with project accounting, project profitability, and cost accounting in professional or design services.
Experience leading an accounting or finance function and partnering with owners and senior leadership on budgeting, forecasting, financial analysis, and firm-level business decisions.
Strong understanding of financial statements, budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management, internal controls, and accounting principles applicable to a professional-services firm.
Ability to translate financial data into practical insights and recommendations for senior leadership and non-financial stakeholders.
Experience leading, coaching, and developing accounting or finance team members and establishing accountability and effective processes.
Strong analytical and technology skills, including advanced Excel and effective use of financial systems and reporting tools.
Excellent communication, collaboration, organization, prioritization, and follow-through skills, including the ability to manage competing deadlines and adapt to changing business needs.
High professional integrity, sound judgment, discretion, accountability, and commitment to continuous improvement and long-term professional growth.
Must be authorized to work in the United States when an offer of employment is accepted.

Nice To Haves

Experience in architecture, engineering, or construction (AEC) is strongly preferred.
An MBA or other relevant advanced qualification is preferred.
Familiarity with the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) is a plus.

Responsibilities

Serve on the firm’s leadership team and advise the owners, Chief Operating Officer, and other Directors on financial performance, profitability, cash flow, risk, and sustainable growth opportunities.
Lead annual operating budget development, periodic reforecasts, and analysis of actual results against budget and prior periods; present findings and recommendations to leadership.
Oversee timely and accurate monthly financial statements and management reports in accordance with applicable accounting standards, explaining significant variances, trends, and business implications.
Serve as the firm’s Deltek Ajera subject matter expert and oversee the integrity and effectiveness of Ajera data, reporting, workflows, and system use.
Monitor cash flow, working capital, project financial performance, billing, and collections; partner with project and studio leaders to identify issues and support corrective action.
Advise owners and leaders on financial aspects of prospective work and firm operations, including fee proposals, contract terms, project budgets, resource allocation, and strategic business decisions.
Lead and develop the Accounting Department by setting responsibilities, workflows, service expectations, and review procedures.
Maintain and improve internal controls, accounting policies, and processes, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, expense management, and financial close procedures.
Oversee tax compliance and reporting, including Texas sales tax and applicable federal, state, and local filings; coordinate with Human Resources on payroll-related reporting, tax filings, and 401(k) reporting.
Oversee financial planning and vendor coordination for information technology, including budgeting, purchasing, and alignment with firm priorities.
Manage relationships with banks, the independent CPA, insurance brokers, and other external advisors; oversee insurance renewals and evaluate coverage, risk, and cost with leadership.
Set priorities, assign and review work, coach and develop Accounting Department team members, and ensure accurate, timely, and reliable financial services.

Benefits

Competitive salary with additional bonus opportunities.
Medical insurance 100% paid for the employee only, based on coverage selected, plus a nurse concierge service.
Short- and long-term disability and group life and AD&D insurance paid 100% for employees.
Voluntary benefits including dental, vision, additional life insurance, Legal Shield/ID Shield, critical illness insurance, accident insurance, and pet insurance.
Annual healthy living benefit.
Free use of the Energy Square Fitness Center for employees.
HSA quarterly employer contributions.
Safe Harbor 401(k) retirement plan with company contributions whether or not the employee contributes.
Personalized PTO.
Five paid holidays plus a winter break typically from December 24 through January 1.
Paid leave for new parents following birth, adoption, or placement, including maternal and paternal leave.
Professional development opportunities.
Paid covered parking for all employees.
Workplace perks and events, including weekly breakfasts, monthly happy hours, office lunches, a Spring/Summer event, Texas State Fair Day, team-building event, Halloween contests, a Thanksgiving Family Luncheon, and a Winter Holiday Party.