Strategic Finance Director — Hybrid

Kolar Design; Cincinnati (OH); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Kolar Design, a Cincinnati-based strategic design firm, seeks a Director of Finance and Accounting to partner with executive leadership. You will translate financial data into insights, lead budgeting and forecasting, and build scalable processes that drive informed decisions. Hybrid schedule requires onsite presence Tue–Thu at the Cincinnati office.

Ideal candidate has 5+ years in accounting/finance, GAAP expertise, and strong leadership. CPA/CMA preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or related field.
• Progressive accounting/finance experience with planning, budgeting, forecasting, reporting.
• CPA/CMA preferred but not required.
• GAAP knowledge, internal controls, audit readiness.
• Project-based accounting and revenue recognition experience preferred.
• Advanced Excel and familiarity with financial systems and data integrations.

Responsibilities

• Strategic financial planning and leadership with executive collaboration.
• Lead budgeting, multi-year models, rolling forecasts, variance analysis.
• Deliver monthly/quarterly reports to leadership and board.
• Oversee project-based accounting, % of completion, WIP, margins.
• Design dashboards and KPIs to improve visibility for decision-making.
• Strengthen internal controls, risk management, and audit readiness.
• Manage financial systems, data integrations, and vendor relationships.
• Coach and develop finance staff; ensure scalable workflows.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Financial analysis

Dashboards

Communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Financial systems

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting or finance

CPA/CMA preferred

Tools

Excel

ERP systems

Financial software

Job description

Kolar Design, a Cincinnati-based strategic design firm, seeks a Director of Finance and Accounting to partner with executive leadership. You will translate financial data into insights, lead budgeting and forecasting, and build scalable processes that drive informed decisions. Hybrid schedule requires onsite presence Tue–Thu at the Cincinnati office.

Ideal candidate has 5+ years in accounting/finance, GAAP expertise, and strong leadership. CPA/CMA preferred.