Director, Outsourced Finance & Accounting

BDO USA•Metairie, LA

About The Position

The Director, Outsourced Finance & Accounting leads accounts payable operations and service delivery for outsourced client engagements. The role establishes operating standards, oversees transaction processing, strengthens internal controls, and ensures accurate and timely vendor payments. It provides strategic direction to accounts payable teams, supports client relationship management, monitors service-level performance, and identifies opportunities to improve workflows, technology, and reporting. The Director partners with finance leaders, engagement teams, vendors, and clients to resolve complex issues and deliver consistent, scalable accounts payable services. The role also develops business through targeted strategies and service offerings, prospect identification, cross-selling, proposal development, contract negotiation, and relationships with local BDO Alliance firms. It evaluates prospective clients and reviews and approves statements of work. The Director guides and supervises OF&A personnel, advises staff on career development, and evaluates performance and professional growth.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or Management.
At least 10 years of accounts payable, finance operations, or accounting experience.
At least 5 years leading accounts payable teams or finance operations teams.
At least 3 years managing client relationships and service-level agreements.
Experience with accounts payable process transformation and automation.
Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, including formulas, pivot tables, and data analysis tools.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365.
Knowledge of accounts payable controls, payment processes, vendor management, and accounting operations.
Knowledge of service delivery models, operational metrics, and process governance.
Knowledge of fraud prevention practices and segregation-of-duties principles.
Strong financial analysis, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Strong client service and relationship management skills.
Ability to manage multiple client engagements, priorities, and deadlines.
Ability to lead teams through process changes, technology implementations, and organizational growth.
Ability to interpret financial data and translate operational results into business recommendations.
Ability to resolve complex escalations with professionalism and sound judgment.
Ability to develop talent and promote accountability across distributed teams.
Ability to work independently and collaborate effectively with clients, engagement teams, and firm leadership.
Ability to travel up to 25% based on business requirements.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration.
At least 5 years managing outsourced accounting, shared services, or multi-client finance operations.
Experience managing budgets, forecasts, staffing plans, and operational performance.
Experience in a professional services organization.
Certified Accounts Payable Associate certification.
Certified Public Accountant certification.

Responsibilities

Lead accounts payable operations across outsourced client engagements.
Establish service standards, policies, procedures, and performance expectations for accounts payable delivery.
Oversee invoice processing, payment approvals, vendor maintenance, expense processing, and account reconciliations.
Ensure accurate, timely, and compliant processing of client accounts payable transactions.
Develop and monitor service-level agreements, key performance indicators, and operational dashboards.
Review accounts payable workflows and implement improvements to efficiency, accuracy, and control effectiveness.
Direct the design and implementation of accounts payable procedures for new client engagements.
Partner with client contacts and engagement leaders to define service requirements and resolve escalated issues.
Evaluate accounts payable risks and strengthen preventive and detective controls.
Support internal, external, and client audits by coordinating documentation and responding to information requests.
Review aging reports, payment exception reports, duplicate payment reports, and other accounts payable analyses.
Oversee vendor onboarding, vendor master data controls, payment fraud prevention, and banking verification procedures.
Coordinate payment schedules and cash management activities with client finance teams.
Evaluate accounts payable technology, automation opportunities, and system integrations.
Develop operating budgets, resource plans, and financial forecasts for accounts payable services.
Manage client transitions, process migrations, and service implementations.
Coach, develop, and evaluate accounts payable leaders and team members.
Establish staffing plans and assign resources based on client requirements and transaction volumes.
Prepare executive reporting on operational performance, risks, financial results, and improvement initiatives.
Maintain current knowledge of accounts payable regulations, controls, technology, and industry practices.
Travel to client locations and company offices based on business requirements; travel may be up to 25%.
Develop and execute business development strategies and service offerings targeted to various industries.
Enter prospect and sales information into the CRM as appropriate.
Participate in roadmap and strategic planning.
Refine solutions and work plans into client-focused proposals, manage the proposal process, and negotiate contract terms and conditions for statements of work.
Evaluate prospective clients for acceptance, including general risk matters, applicable regulations, international business, and background checks; review and approve statements of work.
Leverage industry expertise and firm relationships to pursue business development opportunities and incorporate firm industry expertise into a personal business development plan.
Identify new prospects and cross-sell to existing clients.
Explain Firm and Advisory service offerings to clients, prospects, and contacts.
Develop relationships with local BDO Alliance firms, participate in mini-area meetings and forums, and present OF&A service offerings and solutions.
Guide and supervise OF&A personnel and act as a career advisor to OF&A management and staff.
Provide professional growth and career advancement opportunities, evaluate team-member performance, and help develop goals and objectives aligned with Firm and OF&A objectives.
Perform other duties as required.