Director of Finance and Accounting

About the role

The Director of Finance & Accounting will lead both the Finance and Accounting functions at Merit, reporting directly to the CFO. This role provides analytical and strategic support to Executive Leadership and the Board of Directors while ensuring the accuracy, integrity, and compliance of Merit’s financial operations. You will be responsible for overseeing financial modeling and reporting, accounting processes, and guiding a team to deliver high-quality analysis and recommendations that support Merit’s strategic vision.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the CFO’s strategic partner in driving financial strategy, execution, and decision-making.
• Lead and mentor the Finance team, ensuring tasks are executed efficiently using clearly defined processes and automation where applicable.
• Manage and review Merit’s 3-statement financial model, forecasts, and analyses to provide real-time financial information to the CFO and business leaders.
• Oversee preparation of Board and Executive-level presentations that provide clear insights and actionable recommendations.
• Evaluate financial performance across the company, identifying key drivers, risks, and opportunities.
• Provide forward-looking analysis supporting M&A, growth initiatives, and long-term investments.
• Anticipate business issues, conduct ad hoc analyses, and present clear solutions to the CFO and executive team.
• Guide the development and refinement of dashboards, KPIs, and scorecards providing key business metrics.
• Oversee analysis of the firm’s revenue pipeline and performance across practice lines, ensuring alignment with strategic goals.
• Manage the preparation of accounting information necessary for accurate financial reporting.
• Identify opportunities to streamline and automate accounting and reporting functions through the use of internal software and artificial intelligence.
• Oversee the monthly accounting close to ensure close deadlines are met.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial and management reports, providing management with information vital to the decision-making process.
• Direct the company’s accounting function, including oversight of payroll and treasury functions (accounts receivable, accounts payable, and cash management).
• Maintain GAAP compliance for the company’s accounting practices and procedures.
• Oversee and coordinate tax filings and regulatory compliance.
• Manage the year-end close, preparing annual financial statements, annual audit, and compiling required audit schedules and reconciliations.
• Manage the annual budgeting process, including directing team members on historical research and future estimation, incorporating final budgets into Merit’s ERP system, and ensuring the budget schedule stays on track.
• Analyze and interpret trends requiring management’s attention.
• Review and recommend modifications to systems, procedures, and internal controls.
• Assist in acquisitions, integrations, and system implementations as needed.

Requirements

• An experienced finance and accounting leader with a strong track record supporting or partnering directly with a CFO or executive team.
• Broad expertise across both FP&A and accounting operations, with equal comfort in forward-looking financial strategy and GAAP-compliant reporting.
• Exceptional critical thinking skills and the ability to translate complex financial and accounting data into clear, actionable recommendations.
• Strong executive presence and the capability to confidently present financial results and strategy to senior leadership, boards, and external stakeholders.
• The ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment while maintaining precision, accuracy, and adherence to deadlines.
• The capacity to roll up your sleeves when needed, while always keeping strategy front and center.
• Hands-on experience with ERP systems, accounting software, and automating financial and accounting functions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics, or related field from a top four-year college or university; MBA or advanced degree is a plus.
• CPA certification.
• 7–10+ years of combined finance and accounting leadership experience, with demonstrated success in FP&A, corporate strategy, and/or Controller-level accounting.
• Direct experience managing finance and/or accounting teams and partnering closely with CFOs or executive leadership.
• In-depth knowledge of GAAP compliance and financial reporting requirements.
• Advanced skills in Excel, PowerPoint, and financial modeling; strong ERP systems acumen.