Middle Seat is the go-to digital powerhouse agency for progressive candidates and causes—and we’re looking for a Finance Director, with Controller-level experience, to help us keep our financial engine running at full throttle.
We’ve raised hundreds of millions of dollars for game-changing campaigns, and our 40+ strategists, creatives, and tech wizards are all in on creating a more just and equitable world. Now, we need a seasoned financial mind to help us sustain that work—and take it even further.
About the Role:
We’re seeking a strategic finance leader to own all Middle Seat’s core financial operations. This role is responsible for overseeing accounting systems, managing financial reporting and compliance, and driving long-term planning and profitability.
Reporting directly to the COO, this role will serve as a trusted advisor across the company—helping to shape and implement the financial strategy that powers our growth. This is a great opportunity for a finance professional who knows when to get into the weeds of month-end close and when to step out to develop multi-year forecasts. The Finance Director will lead a small team and collaborate cross-functionally to ensure our systems are sound, our reporting is accurate, and our resources are being deployed wisely.
Key Responsibilities will include but are not limited to:
Accounting Operations
- Oversee general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and payroll
- Ensure accurate month-end and year-end close processes
- Maintain financial systems, controls, and documentation in compliance with GAAP
- Supervise client paid media accounting and reconciliations
- Coordinate with external accountants on tax preparation and filings
Financial Reporting & Analysis
- Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements
- Develop dashboards and performance metrics for internal stakeholders
- Analyze actuals vs. budget and provide variance explanations
- Ensure compliance with all applicable regulations and internal policies
Budgeting & Forecasting
- Lead the company-wide annual budget process
- Partner with department heads to develop and track team-level budgets
- Build rolling forecasts and long-term financial models to support strategic planning
- Prepare pro forma financials for new initiatives, investments, or hires
Strategic Financial Planning
- Identify opportunities for cost savings and margin improvement
- Evaluate capital expenditures and growth investments
- Monitor financial trends and provide data-driven recommendations to leadership
- Help design and implement financial policies, benefits strategies, and compensation planning
Cash Management & Treasury
- Monitor cash flow and maintain optimal liquidity
- Oversee bank relationships and any corporate debt
- Establish and maintain internal cash controls
- Track and advise on debt covenants, interest payments, and credit lines
Risk Management & Compliance
- Identify financial risks and implement appropriate mitigation strategies
- Ensure compliance with tax laws, labor regulations, and reporting standards
- Stay informed about emerging regulations that may impact the organization
Requirements
About You:
You’ve got a head for numbers and a heart for mission. You can tell a compelling story with a balance sheet and sleep well knowing every penny is in the right place. You're just as comfortable talking GAAP to a non-accounting colleague as you are advising on long-term growth strategies with the Partners.
You’re not just here to “keep the books”—you’re here to build a stronger, smarter, more sustainable organization from the inside out.
What You'll Do (in a nutshell):
- Lead budgeting, forecasting, and strategic financial planning
- Oversee all accounting ops—payroll, AP/AR, reporting, tax compliance
- Translate complex financial info into clear, actionable insight for our team
- Help guide our long-term strategy and ensure we're set up for scalable growth
- Spot risks before they become problems and build smart mitigation plans
- Contribute to a culture of transparency, continuous improvement, and cross-functional alignment
Must-Haves:
- 6+ years of accounting/finance experience. Bonus points if you’ve lead a department of 1 and/or managed a small team previously
- Interest in working in a fast moving, political environment
- A love of process, precision, and people (we’re a collaborative bunch)
- Experience with QuickBooks Online and Google Sheets
- Ability to work independently and make decisions with confidence
- CPA or CMA, Preferred
Nice-to-Haves:
- Experience using Ramp
- Managed finances in a nonprofit, political, or agency environment
Benefits
- Profit-sharing + 401k match (6%—yes, really)
- Fully covered health, dental, and vision– fully covered, as in 100% employer paid
- 20 days of PTO + birthday + work anniversary off
- Unlimited sick leave + 12 weeks paid parental leave
- $300 in mental health reimbursement + $100 student loan stipend + $50 cell phone stipend
- $1000 in professional development budget + remote coworking perks + commuter benefits
