Director of Finance

Clients worldwide seek WJE’s expertise to solve the most significant, interesting, and challenging problems in the built world. Our applied experience from more than 200,000 projects, combined with unparalleled laboratory and testing capabilities, has made WJE a leader in delivering innovative, practical solutions.  

The same commitment to excellence, professionalism, and thoughtful problem-solving that defines our technical work is reflected in how we manage and steward the firm’s financial resources. WJE is seeking a Director of Finance with exceptional integrity, sound judgment, and a collaborative leadership style to help guide the financial health and performance of the firm.  

Reporting directly to the Executive Director of Administration, the Director of Finance will work closely with WJE’s Controller and finance team to provide strategic financial leadership, oversee the firm’s financial performance, and support informed decision-making across the organization. This role serves as a trusted partner to leadership, helping ensure the financial strength and stability that enable WJE to continue delivering better solutions to problems in the built world. This position will be 100% onsite at our corporate headquarters in Northbrook, Illinois. 

Specifically, the Director of Finance will provide: 

Strategic Financial Leadership 

• Establish long and short-term financial objectives that support WJE’s business strategy, sustainable growth, and long-term success 

• Develop and communicate financial insights that support informed decision-making and reinforce fiscal responsibility throughout the organization 

Financial Management and Reporting 

• Oversee financial planning and analysis processes, including budgeting, forecasting, financial modeling, and consolidated reporting  

• Present financial reports and analyses to executive leadership and the Board of Directors, translating complex financial information into actionable business insights 

Regulatory Compliance 

• Oversee tax planning, reporting, and compliance for a multi-jurisdiction international operation while monitoring regulatory developments and assessing their impact  

• Ensure the effectiveness of internal controls and compliance with GAAP and applicable federal, state, and local financial reporting requirements 

Operational Leadership 

• Partner with project managers and operational leaders to provide responsive financial support, promote effective project management practices, and optimize invoicing and collections performance 

• Provide functional oversight of the Workday financial system implementation, including managing data continuity between legacy Deltek and Workday environments, and maintaining SQL-based querying capability against transitional datasets  

Desired Skills and Experience 

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance, MBA, and/or CPA highly desirable 

• Minimum 15 years of progressively responsible accounting/financial roles, preferably within the professional services field 

• Can-do mindset and the ability to work in a company culture that is based on trust and personal responsibility as opposed to rules and policies 

• Solutions-oriented approach with willingness and creativity to find innovative, practical, common-sense solutions to issues and problems 

• Collaborative nature with an others-centered attitude and the desire and the willingness to mentor and help others succeed 

• Demonstrated ability to efficiently lead and complete projects 

• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills 

• Experience with regulatory compliance and, in particular, differing tax regulations involved in international business 

• High level of dependability with a strong sense of urgency and a results-oriented approach 

• Practical, hands-on knowledge of computer-based information systems and their role in accounting functions and financial decision-making 

• Technical proficiency with accounting standards, regulations, and financial reporting concepts 

• Ability to assess and analyze controls, processes, and operations to suggest and implement improvements 

• Fully functional in Microsoft Office (particularly proficient in Excel), working knowledge of data analytics in SQL and Workday reporting preferred.