Interim Finance & Accounting Director – Year-End Leader

Connect Search, LLC; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Connect Search, LLC seeks an experienced Director of Finance / Controller for an interim, contract-to-hire engagement in downtown Chicago. You will lead the Finance & Accounting function, oversee a small team, and drive day-to-day operations through year-end close, tax coordination, K-1s, and distributions.

The ideal candidate has senior accounting leadership experience in professional services, strong GAAP and reporting skills, and a track record of improving controls and processes while

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics or related field is required.
• CPA and/or MBA preferred; progressive leadership in finance is essential.
• Experience at Controller/Director of Finance level in a professional services environment is required.
• Strong understanding of billing and project-based financial operations.
• Extensive knowledge of GAAP, financial reporting, month-end/year-end close, internal controls, budgeting and forecasting.
• Experience partnering with external auditors and tax professionals; payroll oversight a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead accounting and finance functions (GL, AR, AP, cash, billing, payroll, budgeting, forecasting, reporting).
• Own month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close with accurate statements and analyses.
• Coordinate year-end activities with auditors/tax professionals, including K-1s and distributions.
• Manage and develop a small Finance & Accounting team; optimize workflows and processes.
• Partner with executives to evaluate performance, identify trends and provide insights.
• Strengthen internal controls, policies, and documentation of workflows.
• Oversee cash flow, banking relationships and payroll administration.
• Lead budgeting, forecasting, management reporting, KPI development and variance analysis.
• Evaluate processes and systems to improve efficiency and reporting.
• Provide financial guidance to operational leaders and strengthen financial accountability.

Skills

Leadership

GAAP knowledge

Financial analysis

Executive communication

Billing / project accounting knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance/Economics

CPA and/or MBA preferred

Tools

Deltek/Vantagepoint

ADP

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Connect Search, LLC seeks an experienced Director of Finance / Controller for an interim, contract-to-hire engagement in downtown Chicago. You will lead the Finance & Accounting function, oversee a small team, and drive day-to-day operations through year-end close, tax coordination, K-1s, and distributions.

The ideal candidate has senior accounting leadership experience in professional services, strong GAAP and reporting skills, and a track record of improving controls and processes while