Director of Finance

Position Summary

The Director of Finance will play a critical role in leading the finance function for a market‑leading family office membership organization by owning and elevating its core accounting and financial operations. This position involves hands‑on responsibility for the full close process and budgeting/forecasting, ensuring accuracy, discipline, and timely financial insight in a fast‑evolving environment. The successful candidate will work closely with a small, capable internal team (including a strong junior accountant) and report into an experienced, financially sophisticated board.

This role demands strong technical accounting knowledge and the ability to build and maintain practical FP&A tools (including budgets, forecasts, and cash models) within a lean, entrepreneurial setting. The position is based in Chicago with a significant in‑office presence and offers an opportunity to take true ownership of the finance function, gain exposure to senior investors, and help shape the next chapter of a highly respected platform.

Responsibilities

• Own the day-to-day accounting function for a ~40-employee membership services business, including overseeing the monthly close, general ledger, and preparation of accurate financial statements for the corporate entity.

• Lead budgeting, forecasting, and basic FP&A activities, including cash and revenue budgets, and provide clear visibility into performance and cash needs.

• Manage core cash management and treasury responsibilities, serving as the primary point person for cash movements, monitoring liquidity, and ensuring the business can meet its obligations.

• Partner closely with the CEO, board, and senior leadership to provide timely financial insights to support firm decision-making.

• Oversee and mentor a junior accounting team member who handles more routine tasks, ensuring high-quality work, clear processes, and appropriate controls while you focus on higher-value activities.

• Work hands-on in a lean, fast-paced environment—balancing controller-level responsibilities with finance and analytical work—and collaborate directly with experienced investors who set strategy and provide oversight.

Professional Experience and Requirements

• Deep knowledge of corporate accounting, including monthly closes, GAAP financials, and end‑to‑end ownership of the general ledger for a small to mid-sized operating company

• Proven experience building and managing budgets & forecasts, with the ability to translate operating drivers into clear financial projections

• Strong technical accounting foundation, ideally gained in public accounting (Big 4 or large firm) and/or an assistant controller/controller role in industry; CPA highly preferred

• Advanced Excel skills and comfort working with accounting/ERP systems, with the ability to design and improve reporting, models, and processes as the business evolves

• Hands-on, detail-oriented mindset with a track record of owning cash management, treasury activities, and day-to-day finance operations in a lean environment

• Clear and confident communicator who can partner closely with senior leadership and an engaged board, presenting financial results and insights with precision and poise

• Comfort operating in a fast-paced, change-oriented setting—bringing resilience, sound judgment, and a continuous-improvement mindset to a business in transition

Professional Attributes

• 5 to 8 years of progressive experience in accounting and finance, ideally including time in Big Four or large public accounting and/or an assistant controller or similar corporate role

• Strong proficiency in corporate accounting, including owning the monthly close, preparing financial statements; experience with budgeting and forecasting (FP&A) for an operating business is a plus

• Advanced Excel skills with the ability develop annual budgets, forecast cash, and analyze revenue and expenses

• Solid understanding of US GAAP and internal controls; CPA preferred and strongly valued

• Demonstrated experience managing or overseeing cash, including day-to-day cash movements, bank reconciliations, and basic treasury responsibilities

• Proven ability to work in a lean…