Finance Director

Summary

Middle Seat is the go\-to digital powerhouse agency for progressive candidates and causes—and we're looking for a Finance Director, with Controller\-level experience, to help us keep our financial engine running at full throttle. We've raised hundreds of millions of dollars for game\-changing campaigns, and our 40\+ strategists, creatives, and tech wizards are all in on creating a more just and equitable world. Now, we need a seasoned financial mind to help us sustain that work—and take it even further. **About the Role:** We're seeking a strategic finance leader to own all Middle Seat's core financial operations. This role is responsible for overseeing accounting systems, managing financial reporting and compliance, and driving long\-term planning and profitability. Reporting directly to the COO, this role will serve as a trusted advisor across the company—helping to shape and implement the financial strategy that powers our growth. This is a great opportunity for a finance professional who knows when to get into the weeds of month\-end close and when to step out to develop multi\-year forecasts. The Finance Director will lead a small team and collaborate cross\-functionally to ensure our systems are sound, our reporting is accurate, and our resources are being deployed wisely. **Key Responsibilities will include but are not limited to:** Accounting Operations * Oversee general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and payroll * Ensure accurate month\-end and year\-end close processes * Maintain financial systems, controls, and documentation in compliance with GAAP * Supervise client paid media accounting and reconciliations * Coordinate with external accountants on tax preparation and filings Financial Reporting \& Analysis * Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements * Develop dashboards and performance metrics for internal stakeholders * Analyze actuals vs. budget and provide variance explanations * Ensure compliance with all applicable regulations and internal policies Budgeting \& Forecasting * Lead the company\-wide annual budget process * Partner with department heads to develop and track team\-level budgets * Build rolling forecasts and long\-term financial models to support strategic planning * Prepare pro forma financials for new initiatives, investments, or hires Strategic Financial Planning * Identify opportunities for cost savings and margin improvement * Evaluate capital expenditures and growth investments * Monitor financial trends and provide data\-driven recommendations to leadership * Help design and implement financial policies, benefits strategies, and compensation planning Cash Management \& Treasury * Monitor cash flow and maintain optimal liquidity * Oversee bank relationships and any corporate debt * Establish and maintain internal cash controls * Track and advise on debt covenants, interest payments, and credit lines Risk Management \& Compliance * Identify financial risks and implement appropriate mitigation strategies * Ensure compliance with tax laws, labor regulations, and reporting standards * Stay informed about emerging regulations that may impact the organization **Requirements** **About You:** You've got a head for numbers and a heart for mission. You can tell a compelling story with a balance sheet and sleep well knowing every penny is in the right place. You're just as comfortable talking GAAP to a non\-accounting colleague as you are advising on long\-term growth strategies with the Partners. You're not just here to "keep the books"—you're here to build a stronger, smarter, more sustainable organization from the inside out. **What You'll Do (in a nutshell):** * Lead budgeting, forecasting, and strategic financial planning * Oversee all accounting ops—payroll, AP/AR, reporting, tax compliance * Translate complex financial info into clear, actionable insight for our team * Help guide our long\-term strategy and ensure we're set up for scalable growth * Spot risks before they become problems and build smart mitigation plans * Contribute to a culture of transparency, continuous improvement, and cross\-functional alignment **Must\-Haves:** * 6\+ years of accounting/finance experience. Bonus points if you've lead a department of 1 and/or managed a small team previously * Interest in working in a fast moving, political environment * A love of process, precision, and people (we're a collaborative bunch) * Experience with QuickBooks Online and Google Sheets * Ability to work independently and make decisions with confidence * CPA or CMA, Preferred **Nice\-to\-Haves:** * Experience using Ramp * Managed finances in a nonprofit, political, or agency environment **Benefits** * Profit\-sharing \+ 401k match (6%—yes, really) * Fully covered health, dental, and vision\- fully covered, as in 100% employer paid * 20 days of PTO \+ birthday \+ work anniversary off * Unlimited sick leave \+ 12 weeks paid parental leave * $300 in mental health reimbursement \+ $100 student loan stipend \+ $50 cell phone stipend * $1000 in professional development budget \+ remote coworking perks \+ commuter benefits