Sr. Director / Director, Finance Operations Position Available In Wake, North Carolina

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