Finance Director – Walker Macy

Overall Responsibilities: Walker Macy, a Landscape Architecture, Planning and Urban Design firm, is looking for a Finance Director to join our team. We are a well-organized, firm with 42 staff that has been financially stable for five decades. We are an Oregon-based LLC with a growing office in Seattle and are known for being diverse, collaborative, and passionate about our work. The Finance Director will work with an engaged senior management team and administrative assistant(s) to support the firm’s core mission of providing excellent design and a focus on public-facing work. Our ideal candidate has experience in finance and operations, HR, and an eye toward supporting a nimble, collaborative team culture and a successful business. The Principals rely heavily on the Finance Director to monitor and guide decision-making as it relates to the operations and financial health of the firm. Working closely with the Principals, the Finance Director leads all business-focused activities including accounting and HR. Organization and clear communication skills are key. Salary will be commensurate with skills and experience.

Overall Leadership

Provide strategic guidance to the firm’s leadership regarding all aspects of the firm’s finances.
Guide the work of the firm’s finance and administrative assistants.
Oversee and suggest improvements to the systems and processes required to manage the day-to-day financial health of the firm.
Provide advice, counsel and supporting data to the Principals in financial decision-making.
Foster the interaction between finance staff and design staff within the practice with a view toward elevating general financial literacy throughout the firm.
Manage the relationships with all outside legal, accounting, insurance brokers, benefits brokers, banks, and other professionals as needed.

Financial Oversight

Oversee all work of the finance department, working closely with finance and administrative staff.
Oversee and review monthly and annual Budgets, Work-in-Progress, Cash Flow, Staffing, Accounts Receivable, Productivity and other reports of the firm’s financial condition and performance. Prepare agendas, distribute executive summaries and lead financial discussions in weekly Business Meetings. Seek continuous improvement in providing financial information so that the firm leadership can easily grasp the significance and meaning of financial metrics.
Review and approve financial components of all capital expenditures, leases, and service agreements.
Establish/maintain banking relationships, lines of credit, and loans.
Coordinate and evaluate the work of consulting accountants. Oversee and review all Federal, State, and local tax returns.

Human Resources/Benefits

Manage Payroll and Human Resources
 Coordinate, review, resolve and/or approve HR related issues and questions in coordination with the principals.
 Ensure that current policies, employment regulations and best practices are compliant with relevant state and federal requirements.
 Oversee firm’s health insurance plan renewal.
 Oversee 401(k) plan and evaluation of providers.

Practice Development
- Assist in business and financial development of project fee proposals, marketing/PR investments, and staff development.
- Work with our project managers, who are professional design staff, to support project staffing and budget plans.
- Prepare financial documents for the Associates Business Meeting and lead discussions with our professional staff.
- With the assistance of the principals, research and understand Walker Macy’s position in the AEC industry, especially in the areas of salaries, benefits, technology, financial performance, quality control, contracts, delivery methods, etc. Make recommendations for improvement in these areas to the principals. Obtain and distribute useful industry surveys.
- Recommend targets for bonuses and raises. Provide advice and guidance to the principals regarding incentive compensation as it relates to the overall financial capability of the firm to distribute incentive compensation.
- Advise the principals on financial aspects of ownership structure and transition. Propose improvements and guide related discussions.
Insurance and Legal Requirements and Recordkeeping
- Manage and oversee all processes, requests, project Certificates of Insurance, renewals, and special circumstances for all forms of insurance: Professional Liability, Health, General Liability, Whole Life, Term Life, Life/AD&D, Disability, etc.
- Track and maintain the firm’s professional and business licenses and professional registrations.
- Monitor progress and the resolution of financial aspects of legal claims.
- Coordinate and advise project managers relative to project-related insurance requirements.