Job Description

Middle Seat is the go-to digital powerhouse agency for progressive candidates and causes—and we’re looking for a Finance Director, with Controller-level experience, to help us keep our financial engine running at full throttle.

We’ve raised hundreds of millions of dollars for game-changing campaigns, and our 40+ strategists, creatives, and tech wizards are all in on creating a more just and equitable world. Now, we need a seasoned financial mind to help us sustain that work—and take it even further.

About the Role: 

We’re seeking a strategic finance leader to own all Middle Seat’s core financial operations. This role is responsible for overseeing accounting systems, managing financial reporting and compliance, and driving long-term planning and profitability.

Reporting directly to the COO, this role will serve as a trusted advisor across the company—helping to shape and implement the financial strategy that powers our growth. This is a great opportunity for a finance professional who knows when to get into the weeds of month-end close and when to step out to develop multi-year forecasts. The Finance Director will lead a small team and collaborate cross-functionally to ensure our systems are sound, our reporting is accurate, and our resources are being deployed wisely.

Key Responsibilities will include but are not limited to: 

Accounting Operations

• Oversee general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and payroll
• Ensure accurate month-end and year-end close processes
• Maintain financial systems, controls, and documentation in compliance with GAAP
• Supervise client paid media accounting and reconciliations
• Coordinate with external accountants on tax preparation and filings

Financial Reporting & Analysis

• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements
• Develop dashboards and performance metrics for internal stakeholders
• Analyze actuals vs. budget and provide variance explanations
• Ensure compliance with all applicable regulations and internal policies

Budgeting & Forecasting

• Lead the company-wide annual budget process
• Partner with department heads to develop and track team-level budgets
• Build rolling forecasts and long-term financial models to support strategic planning
• Prepare pro forma financials for new initiatives, investments, or hires

Strategic Financial Planning

• Identify opportunities for cost savings and margin improvement
• Evaluate capital expenditures and growth investments
• Monitor financial trends and provide data-driven recommendations to leadership
• Help design and implement financial policies, benefits strategies, and compensation planning

Cash Management & Treasury

• Monitor cash flow and maintain optimal liquidity
• Oversee bank relationships and any corporate debt
• Establish and maintain internal cash controls
• Track and advise on debt covenants, interest payments, and credit lines

Risk Management & Compliance

• Identify financial risks and implement appropriate mitigation strategies
• Ensure compliance with tax laws, labor regulations, and reporting standards
• Stay informed about emerging regulations that may impact the organization

Requirements

About You:

You’ve got a head for numbers and a heart for mission. You can tell a compelling story with a balance sheet and sleep well knowing every penny is in the right place. You're just as comfortable talking GAAP to a non-accounting colleague as you are advising on long-term growth strategies with the Partners. 

You’re not just here to “keep the books”—you’re here to build a stronger, smarter, more sustainable organization from the inside out.

What You'll Do (in a nutshell):

• Lead budgeting, forecasting, and strategic financial planning
• Oversee all accounting ops—payroll, AP/AR, reporting, tax compliance
• Translate complex financial info into clear, actionable insight for our team
• Help guide our long-term strategy and ensure we're set up for scalable growth
• Spot risks before they become problems and build smart mitigation plans
• Contribute to a culture of transparency, continuous improvement, and cross-functional alignment

Must-Haves:

• 6+ years of accounting/finance experience. Bonus points if you’ve lead a department of 1 and/or managed a small team previously
• Interest in working in a fast moving, political environment
• A love of process, precision, and people (we’re a collaborative bunch)
• Experience with QuickBooks Online and Google Sheets
• Ability to work independently and make decisions with confidence
• CPA or CMA, Preferred

Nice-to-Haves:

• Experience using Ramp
• Managed finances in a nonprofit, political, or agency environment 

Benefits

• Profit-sharing + 401k match (6%—yes, really)
• Fully covered health, dental, and vision– fully covered, as in 100% employer paid
• 20 days of PTO + birthday + work anniversary off
• Unlimited sick leave + 12 weeks paid parental leave
• $300 in mental health reimbursement + $100 student loan stipend + $50 cell phone stipend
• $1000 in professional development budget + remote coworking perks + commuter benefits

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