Chief Financial Officer

SmithGroup is an integrated design firm with a reputation for cultivating a top-ranked culture while pioneering award-winning innovative design solutions. We blend research, data and technology with ingenuity and a creative spirit to deliver resilient, inclusive spaces that solve our clients' greatest challenges. Our teams create exceptional design solutions for healthcare, science and technology, workplace, mixed use, higher education, cultural, waterfront, parks and open spaces, and urban environments. We are looking for passionate problem solvers who want to elevate design, push boundaries and create a more resilient future.

The Chief Financial Officer is a strategic partner to executive leadership and the Board of Directors on business matters and the financial management of the firm. The role is responsible for directing the financial operations of the corporation in accordance with company goals and policies, generally accepted accounting principles, tax regulations, and other regulatory and advisory organizations. The individual selected for this role needs to reside within a commutable distance to our Detroit, Phoenix, San Francisco or Washington DC office.

Key functions of this role:

• In-depth financial analysis and advice to inform strategic decisions.
• Accurate and timely reporting, dashboards, and preparation of financial statements.
• Effective cash management and forecasting to ensure the company's financial stability.
• Regulatory compliance and fiscal stability to support company growth.

Working with us, you will:

• Provide strategic financial leadership, aligning finance with company goals and operations.
• Evaluate merger & acquisition opportunities and capital investment strategies; lead due diligence and financial integration.
• Assess alternative potential revenue streams such as the development of apps and consulting services.
• Evaluate and advise on the impact of long-range planning, the introduction of new programs/strategies, and regulatory action.
• Plan, develop, organize, implement, direct, and evaluate the organization's accounting operations and financial performance.
• Produce cash flow projections, which includes minimum cash threshold to meet operating needs.
• Provide clear data-driven insights, timely and accurate analysis of budgets, forecasts, financial reports and financial trends to assist the Managing Partners, Board of Directors, and other senior executives in decision making.
• Serve as the primary liaison to external financial institutions, investors, and auditors.
• Lead the finance, accounting and payroll team promoting a culture of staff development, continuous improvement, efficiency, and effectiveness.
• Enhance and/or develop, implement, and enforce policies and procedures of the organization by way of systems that will improve the overall operation and effectiveness of the corporation.
• Effect continual improvement of the budgeting process; educate directors across the firm on financial issues impacting their budgets.
• Provide assistance and support to the corporation's Board-appointed Finance Committee and Audit Committee, as necessary.
• Optimize the handling of bank and deposit relationships and initiate appropriate strategies to enhance cash position with Finance Committee approval.
• Negotiate credit facilities and appropriate lending agreements with outside financial institutions.
• Act as an advisor from a financial perspective, on any contracts into which the Corporation may enter, as necessary.

An ideal candidate has:

• A bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field; MBA or CPA preferred.
• 15+ years of progressive experience in finance and accounting leadership.
• In-depth experience applying Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) standards to professional service firms.
• In-depth experience with financial reporting, planning, and analysis, cash flow and credit management, mergers and acquisitions.
• Applied a wide spectrum of professional/technical knowledge to correctly address complex situations.
• A strong knowledge of accounting and financial theories to develop financial reports; recommends and applies company policy; understands the impact of inter/intra-company transactions.
• Strong communication skills (verbal and written) to have a high-level of impact by objectively explaining and responding to questions regarding financial results, data, and complex issues.
• Demonstrated ability to lead a finance and accounting team and get results through others.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Experience with Microsoft Dynamics 365 preferred.

At SmithGroup, we are committed to helping our staff thrive with great projects and time to unwind. We offer flexible scheduling, a hybrid work environment, 3 weeks of PTO within your first year of employment with the option of purchasing additional time off, 8 paid federal holidays, plus 15 extra Fridays off! Our benefits plan includes medical, dental, and vision coverage, wellbeing resources, paid parental leave, a flex spending account and voluntary insurance options. We invest in your future through our 401(k) program with employer matching, tuition reimbursement program, one-on-one career coaching and professional development opportunities. While we may ultimately pay more or less than a posted salary range, at the time of posting the anticipated salary range for this position is $201,000 to $279,000 annually and you are eligible for a performance-based bonus each year. To be considered for this role, please create a profile and apply!

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected category under applicable federal, state, and local laws.If you require reasonable accommodation to complete this application, interview, or otherwise participate in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to careers@smithgroup.com.