Director of Finance

SHM Architects•Dallas, TX

13d•Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Finance leads SHM Architects’ financial planning, reporting, and controls to support sound business decisions, operational effectiveness, and the firm’s long-term financial health. Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, the role serves on the firm’s leadership team alongside the owners and other Directors, with direct access to owners on firm-level financial matters. The Director translates financial information into clear insights, anticipates risks and opportunities, and helps guide the firm’s strategic and financial direction. The position combines strategic financial judgment and operational leadership with hands-on Deltek Ajera expertise to maintain and improve financial reporting and project-accounting capabilities. The firm seeks someone who may progress into a Chief Financial Officer role as it grows. The Director leads and develops the Accounting Department, overseeing financial planning and forecasting, financial statements and management reporting, cash flow, project performance, billing and collections, internal controls, tax compliance, IT financial planning and vendor coordination, and relationships with external financial partners. The role advises owners and leadership on financial performance, prospective work, proposals, contracts, project budgets, resource allocation, risk, and growth opportunities. This is a regular, full-time, exempt position. It is based in a collaborative indoor office environment at the top of the historic Meadows Building at Energy Square in Dallas. Normal hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Central with a one-hour lunch; flexibility is possible 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 role is largely sedentary, with prolonged 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

10–15 years of progressive accounting and finance experience, including leadership responsibility, in a professional services environment.
Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a related field.
Strong understanding of financial statements, budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management, internal controls, and accounting principles applicable to a professional services firm.
Experience with project accounting, project profitability, and cost accounting in professional or design services.
Expert-level working knowledge of Deltek Ajera, including project accounting, financial reporting, data management, and system workflows; ability to serve as the firm’s internal subject matter expert.
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 a commitment to continuous improvement and long-term professional growth.
Experience leading an accounting or finance function and partnering with owners and senior leadership on budgeting, forecasting, financial analysis, and firm-level business decisions.
Must be authorized to work in the United States when an offer is accepted.

Nice To Haves

Experience in architecture, engineering, or construction (AEC); AEC experience is strongly preferred.
MBA or another relevant advanced qualification.
Familiarity with the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS).

Responsibilities

Serve on the firm’s leadership team as a strategic financial partner to owners, the Chief Operating Officer, and other Directors, providing analysis and recommendations 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 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 address issues and improve financial outcomes.
Advise owners and leadership 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 financial 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 the department delivers accurate, timely, and reliable financial services.

Benefits

Competitive salary with additional bonus opportunities.
Medical insurance 100% paid for employee-only coverage, based on coverage selected, plus a nurse concierge service.
100% paid short- and long-term disability insurance and group life and AD&D insurance 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.
Quarterly employer HSA contributions.
Safe Harbor 401(k) retirement plan with company contributions whether or not the employee contributes.
Personalized PTO.
Five paid holidays and a winter break typically running from December 24 through January 1.
Paid leave for new parents, including birth, adoption, and placement, with maternal and paternal leave.
Professional development opportunities.
Paid covered parking for all employees.
Company events and perks, including weekly breakfasts, monthly happy hours, office lunches, seasonal events, Texas State Fair Day, team building, Halloween contests, a Thanksgiving Family Luncheon, and a Winter Holiday Party.