Director of Finance

JOIN OUR TEAM! Our team is redefining building design and engineering. AE Works is an award-winning firm ranked among the top U.S. A/E firms by Architectural Record and ENR East. We are recognized for our commitment to innovation and delivering exceptional results. Our mission is straightforward: to make building projects a better value. We thrive on solving complex challenges and creating solutions that enhance the built environment, enabling our clients to succeed in their most important endeavors.

About the role

AE Works is seeking an experienced Director of Finance to lead the company's financial operations, with responsibility for cash management, financial planning and analysis — including forecasting and budgeting — and maintaining accurate, up-to-date financial statements. This role will set the strategic agenda for the firm's fiscal function and define the KPIs needed to improve overall performance and maximize growth potential. The Director of Finance will establish clear financial baselines and ensure proper financial controls are in place, making it easy to see how each initiative creates value and ensuring those benefits translate directly to the bottom line.

Location: Pittsburgh, PA or Washington DC with travel to client and project sites.

Responsibilities

• Overall Business Leadership
  • Advise the CEO, COO, and senior leadership on short- and long-term strategic and operational planning and positioning
  • Provide financial input and leadership on major organizational decisions, including potential alliances, acquisitions, mergers, and investments
  • Advise on the financial and business implications of corporate contracts
  • Advise the CEO, COO, and Corporate Counsel on corporate insurance requirements and financing
• Finance
  • Lead the planning, development, organization, and implementation of AE Works' fiscal function, with daily management/oversight of the fiscal team
  • Manage cash flow to maintain a strong cash position, establishing regular cash flow reporting to support CEO/COO decision-making
  • Manage the capital stack, establishing and deploying capital sources to support AE Works' growth
  • Oversee and improve the month-end close process (balance sheet, prepaid expenses, accruals, revenue recognition) and prepare standard monthly financial statements
  • Maximize the effectiveness of the current ERP system (Unanet AE), and evaluate/improve access to and reporting critical operating data
  • Lead financial due diligence on M&A targets, partner with the CEO and COO on deal structuring, and support acquisition integration
  • Maintain existing banking relationships and establish new ones as needed
  • Develop and lead a quarterly forecasting and budgeting process with departmental budgets, enabling informed investment/spend discussions with budget owners
  • Understand FAR (Federal Acquisition Regulation) requirements, establish rates, and ensure compliance
• Professional Development
  • Research and analyze new laws, regulations, and industry guidance affecting AE Works' operations
  • Maintain technical knowledge through continuing education, professional publications, networking, and professional organizations
  • Achieve and maintain relevant professional certifications (e.g., Certified Management Accountant)

Requirements

What’s Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field from an accredited educational institution.
• 10+ years of finance/accounting experience, with at least 3-5 years in senior finance leadership role.
• Experience in a professional services/project-based business, preferably in the AEC (architecture, engineering, construction) industry.
• Working knowledge of FAR (Federal Acquisition Regulation), including indirect cost rate development and compliance for government/public-sector work.
• Experience managing or mentoring an accounting/finance team.
• Proficiency with ERP/accounting systems (Unanet preferred).

What Puts You Ahead:

• Master’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field from an accredited educational institution.
• CPA or CMA (Certified Management Accountant) certification.
• M&A experience – due diligence, deal structuring, and post-acquisition integration.
• Established banking relationships or experience negotiating new credit/financing arrangements.
• Experience managing finances across multiple affiliated entities or LLCs.
• Experience helping a firm transition from restricted to unrestricted licensure/public work eligibility.

Benefits

At AE Works, we believe in supporting each person in their professional and personal journey. We offer:

• Competitive salary
• Comprehensive benefits (medical, dental, vision, 401k)
• Generous paid time off, including a company-wide break from Christmas through New Year’s Day
• Flexible hybrid schedule
• Resources that promote mental health, financial wellness, and professional growth through training, education, and licensure support