Director of Finance & Operations (Architecture Firm)

Director of Finance and Operations (Architecture Firm)

Lead growth and streamline operations at an award-winning architecture firm | NYC Katonah

This is a 100% in-person role in either our NYC or Katonah office. Remote or hybrid work is not available for this position.

Compensation range $120-150,000

Siegel, formerly Robert Siegel Architects, is an award-winning architecture firm based in New York City and Katonah. We deliver future-forward, performance-driven design solutions across student life, public, commercial, and residential projects — always grounded in the transformative power of space-making

We are seeking a Director of Finance and Operations to fully own and oversee the financial, operational, and administrative health of the practice. This key leadership role reports directly to the Principal and ensures the business is positioned for sustainable growth, enabling our design leadership to focus fully on creative excellence, mentorship, research, and business development.

If you are a strategic thinker with hands-on operational excellence and a passion for supporting creative firms, we would love to hear from you.

About You

·       8 years progressive experience in finance and operations, preferably in a professional services firm (architecture, engineering, consulting, or creative industries).

·       Strong understanding of project-based financial management (billing by phases, time & materials, fixed fees, reimbursables, consultants, etc.).

·       Experience working directly with firm leadership and owning strategic operational initiatives.

·       Highly organized, systems thinker - loves building processes, dashboards, and playbooks.

·       Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

·       Comfortable rolling up sleeves to do tactical work while thinking strategically.

·       Passion for supporting creative talent and building a thriving business environment.

Primary Responsibilities

Financial Leadership

• Lead firm-wide budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, and cash flow management.
• Oversee billing, invoicing, accounts receivable/payable, and collections.
• Monitor project profitability, firm KPIs, and operational metrics.
• Manage relationships with external accountants, bankers, and insurance providers.
• Lead annual tax preparation, compliance, and insurance renewals.
• Implement systems for project costing, fee tracking, and financial analytics.

Operations Management

• Design, refine, and manage core operational systems, tools, and workflows.
• Oversee technology infrastructure, IT vendors, software licenses, and subscriptions.
• Manage contracts, proposals, certifications, and legal compliance.
• Coordinate staffing plans, project resourcing, and internal scheduling tools.
• Build scalable processes that support future firm growth.

HR & Team Support

• Support recruiting, onboarding, performance management, and HR administration.
• Manage benefits programs (401k, healthcare) and oversee payroll coordination.
• Foster a positive, high-performing, and inclusive office culture.
• Organize internal team events, retreats, and professional development initiatives.

Strategic Leadership

• Partner closely with the Principal on annual planning, business development strategies, and operational improvements.
• Identify new opportunities for efficiency, profitability, and strategic growth.
• Lead special initiatives around firm scaling, new service offerings, and innovation projects.

Your Qualifications 

·       Bachelor’s degree required (business administration, finance, operations, or related fields); MBA or advanced degree a plus.

·       Minimum 8 years relevant experience.

·       Deep knowledge of professional services operations, preferably within an architecture or creative industry.

·       Financial systems proficiency (QuickBooks Online, Xero, Monograph, Deltek, or similar).

·       Project management and CRM software familiarity (Zoho, Asana, Hubspot, etc.).

·       Highly organized, proactive, resourceful, and solutions oriented.

·       Strong written and verbal communication skills.

·       Native or business-level English fluency.

Salary & Benefits

·       Competitive salary with twice-yearly bonus opportunities (Compensation range $120-150,000)

·       401(k) with employer matching

·       Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) and holidays

·       Comprehensive health and medical benefits

·       Professional development and mentorship program

·       Opportunity to grow into a COO-level role over time.

How to Apply

If this opportunity excites you, we’d love to hear from you! Please send the following materials as PDFs to work@siegel.design:

·       Cover letter explaining why you think you would be a good fit for us, and vice versa. If you are not a U.S. citizen, please describe your status to work in the United States.

·       Resume

About Siegel

Siegel, formerly Robert Siegel Architects, an award-winning architectural firm based in New York City and Katonah, is known for innovative and future-forward design solutions. The firm focuses on creating buildings that are easy to use and beautiful to look at. With global expertise and a commitment to holistic design, Siegel delivers exceptional projects in various sectors, including student life, public, commercial, and residential. We believe in the transformative power of space-making. In performance-driven architecture. In innovation through lifelong learning. In the value of a well-crafted partnership.

Since 1991, diversity has fueled our innovation and success. Based in New York and Katonah, we believe that our staff's myriad cultures and backgrounds is essential to generating new ideas and insights into our work. At Siegel, we celebrate and support diversity because it makes our team, work and the built environment better. We are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and take affirmative action to employ equally regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status.