Director of Finance at ELEVATION 3D – Shrewsbury, Massachusetts

Elevation3D is a full-service exhibit, event, and environment company specializing in immersive brand experiences through custom trade show exhibits, experiential marketing environments, and corporate installations. With fully integrated in-house design, engineering, construction, production, logistics, and installation teams, we deliver turnkey solutions that combine creativity, craftsmanship, and operational excellence. Our collaborative culture values innovation, accountability, and exceptional client service from concept through execution.

The Director of Finance is responsible for leading the company’s finance and accounting function while serving as a strategic partner to the CEO and leadership team. This role oversees accounting operations, financial reporting, and internal controls, while also providing forward-looking financial analysis, operational insight, and strategic recommendations.

This individual will help transition the finance function from a primarily historical reporting orientation to a proactive, operationally integrated financial leadership capability.

The Director of Finance owns the full finance function — balancing operational rigor (controls, close, compliance) with forward-looking insight (planning, analysis, strategy) — and is the primary escalation point for complex financial, operational, and organizational issues.

The ideal candidate combines strong technical accounting expertise with business acumen, operational curiosity, and the ability to identify and drive meaningful financial and operational improvements.

Strategic Financial Leadership & Business Partnership

• Serve as a trusted financial partner and advisor to the CEO and leadership team, providing insight to support strategic, operational, and financial decision-making
• Translate financial and operational data into clear, actionable recommendations that improve profitability, efficiency, and scalability
• Develop financial models, scenario analyses, and performance metrics to support business planning and evaluate strategic initiatives
• Identify opportunities to expand gross margin, improve cost structure, and optimize overall financial performance
• Provide forward-looking visibility into financial performance, risks, and operational opportunities

Financial Planning, Forecasting & Performance Management

• Lead the annual corporate and departmental budgeting process and maintain rolling forecasts
• Develop and maintain cash flow projections and financial planning models
• Analyze actual performance against budget and forecast, identifying drivers of variance and improvement opportunities
• Provide financial support and analysis to operational leaders to improve business unit and project performance
• Establish and monitor key financial and operational performance indicators

Accounting Operations, Financial Reporting & Controls

• Oversee all accounting operations, including general ledger, reconciliations, accruals, revenue recognition, payroll accounting, and expense management
• Ensure accurate and timely monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes
• Maintain integrity and accuracy of financial statements in accordance with GAAP
• Ensure alignment between operational systems and financial reporting to accurately reflect business performance
• Strengthen internal controls, financial processes, and reporting consistency
• Oversee compensation accounting, commission structures, payroll processes, and expense programs

Team Leadership & Organizational Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop the accounting team, including Controller and accounting staff
• Establish clear ownership, accountability, and scalable team structure
• Improve process documentation and reduce reliance on institutional knowledge
• Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and operational excellence
• Build finance team capabilities aligned with the company’s growth and operational needs

Financial Systems, Infrastructure & Process Improvement

• Improve financial systems, reporting workflows, and operational integration
• Partner with internal ERP developer and cross-functional teams to enhance financial visibility and reporting capabilities
• Identify and implement process improvements that reduce friction, increase efficiency, and improve decision-making

Operational Integration & Cross-Functional Partnership

• Work closely with operations, project management, HR, and leadership to align financial insight with business execution
• Improve financial transparency and accountability across departments
• Support operational decision-making with relevant financial analysis and recommendations

External Financial Relationships & Compliance

• Serve as primary point of contact for external CPA firm, audit support, and tax coordination
• Maintain relationships with banking and financial partners
• Ensure compliance with financial reporting standards and regulatory requirements
• Support financial reviews, audits, and external reporting as needed

Required Qualifications

• 8+ years of progressive finance and accounting experience
• Prior leadership of an accounting function
• Strong GAAP knowledge and close management experience
• Proven ability to operate at both tactical and strategic levels
• Strong communication skills with executive stakeholders
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or related field

Preferred Qualifications

• MBA, particularly with a concentration in Finance or Accounting
• Master’s degree in Accounting (MAcc), Finance (MSF), or related discipline
• Experience in project-based or services businesses
• Experience scaling finance teams during growth or transition
• Prior experience as Head of Finance, VP Finance, or Controller with strategic remit

Additional valued credentials:

• CMA, CFA, or CPA-track candidates
• Experience working directly with executive leadership in a growth-oriented company

Success Measures (First 6–12 Months)

• Accounting department operating smoothly with clear ownership and backup
• On-time closes with minimal CPA adjustments
• Leadership relying on finance for strategic decision support
• Clear visibility into financial risks and opportunities
• Reduced reliance on institutional knowledge