Director of Finance

Stratus Firm is seeking a full-time Director of Finance to join its growing, fast-paced team. Reporting to the Principal, and working with the leadership team, the ideal candidate must be excited about representing the Stratus brand while continuing to support a rapidly growing company in the events industry.Company OverviewAt Stratus, we create high-impact experiences that transcend the ordinary. With over a decade of experience, weʼve grown into a full-service event production company, managing everything from large-scale galas and multi-day conferences to live and made-for-TV broadcasts. Our team are not just event planners but are producers, designers, project managers, and technical experts, delivering the highest quality experiences for our clients.As our Director of Finance, youʼll play a crucial role in supporting this creative vision. From managing budgets for high-profile events to overseeing the daily financial operations that keep Stratus running smoothly, your expertise will ensure we remain financially strong and agile as we continue to grow. Youʼll collaborate closely with leadership and various departments to provide strategic insight, manage costs, and maximize profitability across our diverse portfolio of projects.Our services include but are not limited to:Broadcast ProductionsNon-Profit GalasCorporate GalasPolitical and Government EventsMulti-Day Summits and ConferencesLarge Scale Social CelebrationsIntimate Dinner PartiesHigh-level Business MeetingsDestination Event Services (Domestic and International)Responsibilities include:Responsible for executing day to day accounting activities including but not limited to:Categorize transactions appropriately and consistentlyOrganize and store financial documents (client invoices, vendor bills and receipts, bank statements, loan documents, tax documents, etc.)Accounts payable services: review bills and facilitate the timely payment thereofAccounts receivable services: create and send client invoices, track payment status and follow-up with clients, as necessaryManage employee compensation and benefits:Manage payrollManage employee benefit administrationEnsure competitive compensation packagesManage independent contractor payments:Communicate our standard expectations for submitting timesheets, invoices, and expense reimbursement requestsFacilitate contractor paymentsFacilitate annual 1099 filingsCorporate compliance:Ensure the business’ adherence to labor laws, regulations, and reporting requirementsEstablish and maintain relationships with external stakeholders, including banks, auditors, accountants, and regulatory bodiesPartner with appropriate parties to ensure correct and timely submission of quarterly and annual tax filingsEnsure/maintain accurate records and compliance with MyTax DC, Access DC, Department of Labor, and moreCorporate financial strategy:Develop and execute financial strategies, plans, and policies to ensure the financial stability and growth of the organizationManage financial planning and analysis, budgeting, forecasting, and reporting activitiesMonitor and control financial risks, including cash flow management, investment strategies, and financial complianceAnalyze financial data, market trends, and key performance indicators to make data-driven recommendations to the executive teamProvide strategic financial insights to support decision-making and growth initiativesPartner with Stratus internal teams to create sales goals and pricing strategiesPartner with Stratus teams to create and monitor client/event budgets and internal/operating budgetsHuman Resources Liaison:Assist senior staff in the development and enforcement of HR related company policies and procedures that pertain to finance and ensure legal complianceAct as a neutral HR reporting resource for Stratus team members in instances including but not limited to hearing employee grievances and conducting employee exit interviewsAssist senior staff in execution of employee onboarding and offboarding tasks, with particular attention to matters of payroll and vendor payments (vendor accounts, software subscriptions, and the like)QualificationsBachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related fieldProven experience in a similar leadership role in finance, with at least 4 years of experienceProven experience working in Intuit QuickBooks Online and Microsoft ExcelExcellent attention to detail and very well organizedStrong financial modeling and analysis skillsExcellent understanding of financial regulations and reporting standardsExceptional communication skills (verbal and written) and presentation skillsStrategic thinking and problem-solving abilitiesHigh level of integrity and a commitment to ethical financial practicesDesired SkillsKnowledge of the events industry and accounting trends around the industryQuickBooks Online Advisor Pro Certified professional, with Advanced Certification preferredIdeal CandidatesEnjoys working in an environment where multiple tasks/projects are happening simultaneouslySelf-starter who is able to prioritize and carry out tasks with little supervisionValues the importance of documenting their process and providing supporting evidence/informationHave a “solutions firstˮ approach to interactions and problem-solvingMust be extremely organized and have prior experience with managing their own schedules, setting and meeting deadlines, and project managementHave a sharp eye for detail and wonʼt rest until everything is as close as possible to perfectBe a meticulous multi-tasker with strong communication skillsComfortable owning their roles and responsibilities while being decisive in their decisions and working collaboratively with the team.The ideal candidate is preferably based in the Washington, DC area with the ability to work in office. Open to hybrid or fully remote work for the right candidate.Comfortable managing the daily operational accounting duties as well as higher level functions of analysis, creative solutions, and business strategyBenefitsCollaborative and creative work environmentWell-appointed and comfortable office space with free food and drinksCompetitive salary range of $90,000 - $105,000 with potential for bonuses4 weeks annual vacation and 2 weeks sick leave accrued a year75% coverage of health, dental, and vision insurance for all employeesFull life and disability insurance coverage for all employees401k match 100% of employee contribution up to the first 5% of pay50% Charity matching up to $1000 a yearGenerous compensatory time benefit and annual cost of living evaluationStratus is an equal employment opportunity employer for all applicants and employees. RJ Whyte Event Production does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other protected characterization.If interested in applying for this position, please email your resume or CV to careers@stratusfirm.com. Please no phone calls.