Sr. Director / Director, Finance Operations (Finance)

Job Summary

The Senior Director/Director, Finance will Develop and direct finance operations strategies, policies, and procedures across key areas, including project delivery, financial controls, and financial reporting, for a leading provider of central lab services. Provides strategic direction and decision-making support to senior leadership to drive financial performance and achieve business objectives.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide strategic financial advice and consultation to senior management, assessing the impact of current and future laws and regulations on organizational operations.
• Support business partners in addressing operational and financial challenges, offering insights and solutions to optimize performance.
• Prepare and deliver updated budgets, forecasts, and financial analysis to senior leadership on a monthly basis for consolidation and strategic decision-making.
• Regularly provide management reporting, key financial metrics, and results from special projects to senior leadership.
• Oversee the financial performance of assigned client portfolios and/or business units, ensuring accurate financial reporting and forecasting.
• Identify operational inefficiencies and lead change management initiatives to drive process improvements.
• Foster and strengthen client relationships through exceptional customer service, ensuring high satisfaction and retention.
• Develop and implement functional policies, while advising on modifications to company-wide policies and practices to enhance operational effectiveness.
• Lead the development of budgets, schedules, and performance standards to ensure alignment with organizational goals.
• Manage the Operations Finance team, including recruitment, job description development, performance management, coaching, mentoring, and staff development. Staff includes 3 managers and 10+ analysts.
• Mentor and guide teams to adopt a strategic mindset, approach problem-solving with creative solutions, and navigate change initiatives and organizational transformations effectively.

Education/Experience/Skills Required:

• Bachelor's degree or its international equivalent in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration.
• Masters or MBA (preferred).
• Experience within Central Lab and/or CRO, required.
• 5+ years of leadership experience in a finance role.
• Expert knowledge of accounting/financial principles and best practices, with a focus on project-based finance.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel for advanced data analysis, financial modeling, and reporting.
• Experienced in integrating ERP and Salesforce into evolving business processes to drive efficiency.
• Strong executive presence with excellent interpersonal, presentation, and written communication skills.
• Ability to influence and provide strategic recommendations to senior leadership and key stakeholders.
• Skilled in optimizing workflows and adapting to evolving customer demands and operational needs.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor, coach, and develop team members to enhance individual and team performance.
• In-depth understanding of project finance, with the ability to analyze financial performance and identify risks and opportunities.
• Combines strategic thinking with practical experience to deliver customer-centric, business-aligned solutions.
• Familiar with contract terms and legal considerations; able to resolve compliance and reconciliation challenges effectively.
• Applies governance standards and internal procedures to ensure accurate financial reporting and project tracking.
• Leverages in-depth knowledge of project lifecycles to provide valuable insights and drive project success.
• Expertise in financial analysis, including revenue recognition, unbilled revenue reconciliation, and financial statement interpretation.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment, manage multiple initiatives, and meet deadlines while maintaining a sense of urgency and high standards.

Work Location/Travel:

• Location in Raleigh, NC or Remote
• Occasional travel as needed