Director of Accounting & Finance

THE OPPORTUNITY

• Are you ready to bring your accounting and finance leadership experience to a creative, growing organization?
• Do you enjoy being both a strategic thought partner and a hands-on finance leader?
• Are you energized by translating financial data into actionable insights and improving how an organization plans, measures, and makes decisions?

ABOUT THE COMPANY

Kolar Design (Kolar) is a Cincinnati-based strategic design firm that specializes in creating workplaces and public spaces that improve employee engagement, customer experience, and organizational performance. Founded in 1990 by Kelly Kolar, the firm has grown into one of the region's most recognized architecture, interior design, branding, and experiential design companies.

Kolar’s culture is rooted in curiosity, creativity, collaboration, and a commitment to making a positive impact. The team approaches its work with an open mind and a willingness to dig deeper, bringing diverse perspectives together to solve problems and deliver thoughtful, high-quality experiences. The organization values people who take ownership, work collaboratively, and are motivated by both results and purpose.

As Kolar continues to evolve, the organization is focused on strengthening the financial infrastructure, insights, and processes that support the business. The Director of Finance and Accounting will have an opportunity to help shape that evolution—partnering closely with executive leadership and teams across the organization to improve financial visibility, inform strategic decisions, strengthen processes, and position Kolar for continued success.

This role offers a hybrid work schedule, with team members working onsite at Kolar Design’s Cincinnati office Tuesday through Thursday.

WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING

Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, the Director of Finance and Accounting will serve as a strategic partner to executive leadership while providing hands-on leadership across financial planning, reporting, controls, systems, and organizational decision-making. This individual will translate financial information into actionable business insights, build scalable processes, and strengthen financial fluency and accountability throughout the organization. Key responsibilities include:

Strategic Financial Planning & Leadership

• Guide the long-term financial vision and strategic planning processes.
• Partner with executive leadership on growth, hiring, and investment strategies, and provide scenario modeling and financial analysis to support business decisions.

Budgeting & Forecasting

• Lead the annual budgeting process, develop multi-year financial models, oversee rolling forecasts, proactively identify variances and risks, and partner with department leaders to maintain accountability.

Financial Reporting & Business Insights

• Deliver timely and accurate monthly and quarterly reporting to executive leadership and board stakeholders.
• Oversee project-based accounting and revenue recognition, including percentage-of-completion accounting, work-in-progress reporting, project profitability, and related financial analysis to ensure accurate reporting and visibility into project performance.
• Design dashboards, KPIs, and trend reports that improve visibility and support informed decision-making.

Margin & Fiscal Management

• Identify and recommend cost-saving measures and margin improvement strategies while proactively managing cash flow and overall financial performance.

Financial Fluency

• Develop tools, communication, and training that make financial information clear and actionable for non-financial stakeholders across the organization.

Internal Controls, Risk & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with internal policies, GAAP, and relevant regulations.
• Review and strengthen internal controls, risk mitigation practices, and audit readiness.
• Coordinate with legal, HR, and operations on contractual, insurance, and vendor compliance.

Team Leadership & Development

• Provide leadership and structure for core financial functions, identify resource needs, establish clear workflows and recurring financial cycles, and mentor colleagues while building financial capabilities across the organization.

Systems, Vendor & Technology Leadership

• Oversee the strategy and effectiveness of financial systems, tools, vendors, and data integrations.
• Identify opportunities to improve functionality, data accuracy, security, automation, and ease of use, and lead or support financial technology initiatives.

Cross-Functional Partnership

Align financial processes and reporting with broader business and department needs. Partner with project leaders to monitor project financial performance, including budgets, actual costs, percentage of completion, forecasts, margins, and changes in project scope, and provide early visibility into financial risks and opportunities.

IDEAL CANDIDATE QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or related field.
• 5 years of progressive accounting and finance experience with responsibility for financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, reporting, and analysis.
• Professional certification (CPA, CMA) preferred but not required.
• Strong knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), internal controls, financial reporting, and audit readiness.
• Experience with project-based accounting, percentage-of-completion revenue recognition, work-in-progress reporting, or similar project-driven financial environments strongly preferred.
• Advanced knowledge of accounting systems, financial tools, and Excel; experience with system upgrades, data integrations, automation, or reporting technology is valuable.
• Demonstrated ability to translate complex financial information into clear, actionable insights for executive leaders and non-financial stakeholders.
• Experience identifying cost-saving opportunities, margin improvements, and process efficiencies.
• Experience leading and developing finance and accounting talent and creating clear, scalable workflows and processes.
• Proven ability to work cross-functionally and serve as a consultative partner to leaders throughout an organization.

KEY PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Detail-oriented with exceptional organizational skills and the ability to prioritize effectively
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment
• Encourages a culture of open dialogue and constructive feedback within teams
• Decision-making capabilities and ownership mindset
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment with minimal supervision

THE PAYOFF:

• Partner closely with executive leadership and play an important role in shaping financial strategy and decision-making.
• Build and strengthen the finance function, including its processes, systems, reporting, and future capabilities.
• Join a collaborative, values-driven organization focused on transformation, curiosity, teamwork, quality, and positive impact.
• Receive a competitive base salary plus bonus and a full benefits package.

OUR COMMITMENT TO CANDIDATES

Gilman Partners is committed to strengthening leadership teams and elevating talent in our communities—and that means all qualified applicants will receive consideration. You do not have to meet every qualification in this job description to apply. If you are drawn to the position and believe your experience makes you a good fit, we encourage you to reach out.