Director of Finance

Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc.; Northbrook (IL); On-site; USD 115,650 - 192,750; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Robust and affordable health plans

Generous 401(k) matching

Support for educational assistance

Job summary

Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc. in Northbrook, Illinois, seeks a Director of Finance to lead financial strategy and operations. The ideal candidate will have 15 years of experience in accounting and finance, with expertise in regulatory compliance and financial reporting.

This role offers a competitive salary range of $115,650 to $192,750, along with comprehensive benefits including health plans and generous 401(k) matching.

Qualifications

• Minimum 15 years of progressively responsible accounting/financial roles.
• Experience with international regulatory compliance and tax regulations.
• Hands-on knowledge of computer-based information systems.

Responsibilities

• Establish long-term financial objectives supporting business strategy.
• Oversee financial planning processes including budgeting and forecasting.
• Ensure compliance with GAAP and federal/state reporting requirements.

Skills

Leadership

Financial Analysis

Regulatory Compliance

Communication Skills

Problem Solving

Team Collaboration

Project Management

Data Analysis

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance

MBA or CPA

Tools

Microsoft Office (Excel)

SQL

Workday

Job description

Director of Finance

Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc. (WJE) is a global firm of engineers, architects, and materials scientists. Clients worldwide seek WJE’s expertise to solve the most significant, interesting, and challenging problems in the built world. Combining applied experience from over 200,000 projects with unparalleled laboratory and testing capabilities, WJE delivers innovative and practical solutions. The firm values trust, personal responsibility, and open communication.

Responsibilities

Strategic Financial Leadership

• Establish long‑term and short‑term financial objectives that support the firm’s business strategy, sustainable growth, and long‑term success.
• Develop and communicate financial insights that support informed decision‑making and reinforce fiscal responsibility throughout the organization.

Financial Management and Reporting

• Oversee financial planning and analysis processes, including budgeting, forecasting, financial modeling, and consolidated reporting.
• Present financial reports and analyses to executive leadership and the Board of Directors, translating complex financial information into actionable business insights.

Regulatory Compliance

• Oversee tax planning, reporting, and compliance for a multi‑jurisdiction international operation while monitoring regulatory developments and assessing their impact.
• Ensure the effectiveness of internal controls and compliance with GAAP and applicable federal, state, and local financial reporting requirements.

Operational Leadership

• Partner with project managers and operational leaders to provide responsive financial support, promote effective project‑management practices, and optimize invoicing and collections performance.
• Provide functional oversight of the Workday financial system implementation, including managing data continuity between legacy Deltek and Workday environments and maintaining SQL‑based querying capability against transitional datasets.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance; MBA, CPA highly desirable.
• Minimum 15 years of progressively responsible accounting/financial roles, preferably within the professional services field.
• Can‑do mindset and the ability to work in a culture that prioritizes trust and personal responsibility.
• Solutions‑oriented approach with willingness and creativity to find innovative, practical solutions to issues.
• Collaborative nature with others‑centered attitude and a desire to mentor and help others succeed.
• Demonstrated ability to efficiently lead and complete projects.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
• Experience with regulatory compliance, especially differing tax regulations in international business.
• High level of dependability with a strong sense of urgency and results‑oriented approach.
• Hands‑on knowledge of computer‑based information systems and their role in accounting functions and financial decision‑making.
• Technical proficiency with accounting standards, regulations, and financial reporting concepts.
• Ability to assess and analyze controls, processes, and operations to suggest and implement improvements.
• Fully functional in Microsoft Office (particularly proficient in Excel); working knowledge of data analytics in SQL and Workday reporting preferred.

Culture and Compensation

WJE offers a robust, total compensation structure composed of base salary, incentive pay, and industry‑leading benefits. Salary ranges are $115,650.00 – $192,750.00 (gross). Variable compensation is based on personal and company performance, typically resulting in above‑market total compensation.

Benefits include:

• Robust and affordable health plans for employees and families, including HSA and low and high‑deductible PPO options.
• Generous 401(k) matching of 110% for the first 6% of eligible pay, vesting immediately.
• Time off to care for yourself and others.
• Investments in employees’ educational assistance and professional development.

WJE is an Equal Opportunity Employer for all protected groups, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

WJE will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of Fair Chance Ordinances.