Director of Finance — Media & AI-Driven Forecasting

Houston Chronicle

Houston (TX)

On-site

USD 140,000 - 210,000

Full time

39 hours ago

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Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental and vision coverage

Competitive retirement plan with a 401

Generous Paid Time Off

Paid parental leave

Monthly child & dependent care reimbur

Mental wellness benefits

Inclusive health services

Fertility coverage & menopause support

Pet wellness reimbursement

Job summary

The Houston Chronicle is seeking a strategic, hands-on Director of Finance to lead financial operations for a premier Hearst Newspapers local business. You will oversee close processes, reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and advertising accounting while partnering with department heads and senior leadership to translate numbers into actionable strategy.

You will build and develop the finance team, drive process improvements and automation, ensure internal controls and SOX compliance, and deliver

Qualifications

Undergraduate degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field required; MBA preferred.
8–10+ years of progressive finance or accounting experience.
Experience as a Director of Finance or comparable leadership role.
Strong technical accounting foundation with close, reporting, budgeting, and audit support.
Advertising accounting and media revenue operations experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Own the monthly close process, including accruals and variance analysis.
Lead weekly P&L reporting, monthly financial reporting, forecasting and business reviews.
Ensure accuracy and timeliness of financial reporting with clear communications on revenue, expenses, margins.
Manage and develop the finance/accounting team, including advertising accounting support.
Oversee advertising accounting activities: revenue recognition, margins, commissions.
Lead advertising analytics and KPI reporting with insights for executives.
Develop and monitor financial KPIs to drive performance and cost savings.
Partner with department heads to project, budget and monitor expenses.
Serve as liaison with centralized accounting for balance sheet reconciliations.
Support internal and external audits and maintain internal controls/SOX.
Provide technical accounting guidance and system improvements, automate processes with AI.
Prepare ad hoc analyses and executive-ready reporting.