Finance & Accounting
A Finance Director leads financial planning, reporting and controls for a company or business unit. The role sits between operational accounting and the executive team, turning financial data into decisions on budgets, pricing and investment.
Median pay
$166,570a year
Financial managers, U.S. BLS, May 2025
The role
Companies hire one when the controller handles accounting but leadership still lacks planning, forecasting and strategic financial guidance.
Typical responsibilities
Core skills
Tools and systems
Related titles
Typical background
Typically eight to twelve years in finance with management experience; a CPA, CMA or MBA is common.
At a glance
The essentials for planning the hire: level, background, how you can hire and what the role typically pays.
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FAQ
Straight answers to the questions employers and candidates ask about this role.
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A Finance Director leads financial planning, reporting and controls for a company or business unit. The role sits between operational accounting and the executive team, turning financial data into decisions on budgets, pricing and investment. Typical responsibilities include: direct budgeting, forecasting and financial planning processes; oversee financial reporting and management accounts; advise executives on pricing, investments and cost reduction.
Look for financial planning, business partnering, forecasting, financial reporting, cost management and team leadership. Experience with NetSuite, SAP, Adaptive Planning, Power BI and Excel is common in this role.
It is possible, but most employers hire a Finance Director on a full-time basis because the role depends on continuity and long-term relationships. Contract-to-hire is a practical middle route if you want a trial period first.
Most companies hire a controller first to get the books accurate and controlled. A Finance Director adds value once reporting is reliable and leadership needs planning, analysis and strategy. Hiring in the wrong order often leaves a strategic hire doing bookkeeping cleanup.
In smaller companies the Finance Director reports to the CEO or owner. In larger organizations the role reports to a CFO and leads a business unit or function. Clarify this early because it shapes the seniority of candidates who will apply.
Related roles
Every role in the practice is recruited by the same specialist team.
