Director of Finance

About the role

We are looking for an experienced Director of Finance to lead financial operations and provide strategic guidance for a public-sector organization in Columbia, South Carolina. This role partners closely with executive leadership to strengthen budgeting, reporting, compliance, and long-range financial planning. The ideal candidate brings deep knowledge of governmental accounting, strong leadership skills, and the ability to translate complex financial information into clear recommendations for decision-makers.

Responsibilities

• Lead the finance function by directing team members and supervisors, setting priorities, and ensuring high-quality execution across daily operations.
• Organize departmental workflows, allocate resources effectively, and communicate timelines and expectations to support timely completion of financial activities.
• Develop and uphold sound financial practices, monitor compliance with regulatory and funding requirements, and prepare reporting data to support analysis and decision-making.
• Partner with executive leadership to shape annual budgets, evaluate funding needs, and provide financial insight based on historical results and current performance trends.
• Oversee accounting, payroll, and financial recordkeeping to ensure accuracy, completeness, and alignment with generally accepted government accounting standards.
• Prepare and present financial updates, budget information, and key performance indicators to executive leaders, board stakeholders, and other governing parties as needed.
• Manage contracts, leases, agreements, grant-related financial activity, and investment oversight while safeguarding the organization’s financial interests.
• Coordinate external audits, support required filings, and ensure adherence to applicable federal, state, and local financial regulations.
• Monitor organizational risk exposure, maintain appropriate insurance coverage, and advise leadership on financial implications of operational decisions.
• Contribute to long-term strategic planning by offering financial recommendations, forecasting insights, and guidance that supports organizational goals.

Requirements

• 7+ years of progressive finance and accounting experience, including leadership responsibility within a complex organization.
• Strong knowledge of governmental accounting principles, budget administration, financial reporting, and audit coordination.
• Experience overseeing core accounting functions such as accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and general ledger management.
• Proficiency with accounting and financial systems.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze financial data, prepare reports, and present recommendations to executive leadership and governing bodies.
• Familiarity with grant oversight, compliance requirements, and financial policies tied to public or regulated funding sources.
• Effective leadership, communication, and organizational skills with the ability to manage teams, deadlines, and competing priorities.