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If you’ve Googled “Director of Finance job description,” you’ve probably seen the same thing repeated across dozens of sites:
Bullet points. Buzzwords. Boredom.
Most of these templates feel like they were written by a robot—or worse, copied from a job board from 2012. They don’t reflect your company’s values, and they don’t actually help you attract a great Director of Finance.
But here’s the truth:
If you’re hiring a Director of Finance, you’re not just filling a role—you’re choosing the person who will oversee budgets, steer financial strategy, and directly influence the health of your business. That requires more than a templated job post.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to write a job description that does what most don’t:
Attract qualified, thoughtful finance leaders who actually want to work for you.
We’ll also show you:
- What this role really entails (in plain English)
- Two strong job post templates (for experienced vs. high-potential candidates)
- Why they work
- What a bad job post looks like (so you can avoid it)
- How to use AI without making your job post sound generic
And finally, we’ll give you a customizable copy-paste template you can tailor fast.
Before we dive in, if you haven’t already, check out our master guide on full guide on how to write a job post that attracts top talent: Link https://workscreen.io/how-to-write-a-job-post/ to learn the big-picture strategy behind crafting posts that connect.
Build a winning team—without the hiring headache.
WorkScreen helps you hire fast, confidently, and without second-guessing.
What A Director of Finance Actually Does
A Director of Finance isn’t just responsible for managing budgets or reviewing spreadsheets—they’re the strategic partner who helps leadership make smart, financially sound decisions.
Put simply:
A Director of Finance oversees your company’s financial operations, budgeting, forecasting, and reporting. They analyze data to guide strategy, ensure compliance, and help the business stay financially healthy and scalable.
But here’s the part many job descriptions miss:
A great Director of Finance doesn’t just report the numbers—they explain what the numbers mean, what risks to watch out for, and where your biggest growth opportunities lie.
In smaller companies, this role might be hands-on—managing cash flow, overseeing payroll, negotiating with vendors, and owning all financial operations.
In larger teams, they might lead a finance department, build models for investors, and collaborate closely with the CEO, COO, or board.
So while technical skills matter, your ideal candidate will also bring:
- Strong business acumen
- Clear, confident communication
- A proactive mindset that drives smarter decisions company-wide
This is a leadership role—and your job post should reflect that.
Great Job Description Templates
We’ll provide two tailored job description options:
1.✅ Option 1: For employers looking to hire an experienced Line Cook with prior experience.
2.Option 2: For employers open to hiring entry-level candidates or those willing to train someone with potential.
✅ Option 1: Director of Finance (Experienced)
📌 Job Title: Director of Finance at Lumina Health
💼 Location: Hybrid (Boston, MA)
💰 Salary Range: $110,000 – $145,000/year (based on experience)
🕒 Type: Full-Time
👋 A Quick Note from Our CEO
(Insert Loom or YouTube link here for a personal touch)
Hear from our founder on where Lumina Health is headed—and how this role fits into our long-term vision.
Who We Are
At Lumina Health, we believe access to quality healthcare shouldn’t be limited by income or zip code. We’re building a network of affordable outpatient clinics across the U.S.—and we’re growing fast. We’re now hiring a Director of Finance to help us build a rock-solid financial foundation that scales with our mission.
What You’ll Do
You’ll report directly to the CEO and own the company’s financial operations. This includes:
- Leading budgeting, forecasting, and long-term financial planning
- Building and presenting monthly financial reports for leadership and investors
- Managing cash flow, revenue tracking, and financial controls
- Overseeing tax compliance, regulatory filings, and audits
- Evaluating and improving internal financial processes
- Mentoring and growing a small finance team
- Advising leadership on growth strategy and funding models
What We’re Looking For
- 6+ years in a financial leadership role (healthcare, SaaS, or operations-heavy orgs a plus)
- Strong skills in forecasting, reporting, and strategic planning
- Clear, confident communicator who can simplify financial insights
- Proficiency in budgeting tools and accounting platforms (e.g., QuickBooks, NetSuite)
- Bachelor’s in Finance, Accounting, or Economics (CPA or MBA preferred)
Why This Role Is Worth Your Time
- Join a purpose-driven team scaling impact across communities
- Get autonomy and visibility across the organization
- Contribute to high-stakes decisions and meaningful growth
- We offer full benefits, generous PTO, and a bonus structure tied to performance
- Most of all—you’ll be part of something real, fast-moving, and mission-led
📥 How to Apply
We use WorkScreen.io to evaluate candidates based on ability—not just credentials. You’ll complete a short task to help us understand how you think and work.
Apply here: [Insert Application Link]
We review every application and update all candidates—no ghosting, ever.
🌱 Option 2: Director of Finance (Willing to Train or Promote Internally)
📌 Job Title: Finance Lead (Pathway to Director) at Lumina Health
💼 Location: Austin, TX (On-site)
💰 Salary Range: $55,000 – $70,000/year
🕒 Type: Full-Time | Entry-Level Welcome
👋 Meet Your Future Team
(Insert Loom or YouTube link here with a short message from your CEO or hiring manager)
In this short video, our team shares what we’re building, what we’re excited about, and why this role matters. It’s your chance to get a feel for who we are—beyond the job description.
🚀 Start Where You Are. Grow Into Leadership.
You don’t need 10 years of experience to become a financial leader. You just need sharp thinking, strong ethics, and a desire to grow.
We’re hiring a Finance Lead who’s ready to learn, level up fast, and take on increasing responsibility—with the goal of becoming our Director of Finance within 12–18 months.
What You’ll Do
- Support budgeting, bookkeeping, and reporting
- Help prepare monthly cash flow statements and balance sheets
- Work directly with the CEO and an external accountant to manage day-to-day finances
- Get hands-on experience building financial systems from the ground up
- Learn by doing—and grow your strategic thinking over time
What We’re Looking For
- 1–2 years experience in finance, accounting, or related work (internships count!)
- Sharp attention to detail and high integrity
- Good with numbers—and even better at learning fast
- Strong Excel or Google Sheets skills
- Bonus: Experience with accounting software or QuickBooks
We know not everyone will tick every box. If you’re coachable, curious, and motivated to grow—we encourage you to apply.
Perks & Growth Opportunities
- Clear promotion path to Director of Finance
- One-on-one mentorship from our CEO and external CFO
- Access to training, learning stipends, and performance reviews
- Team culture that values learning, ownership, and purpose
- Health insurance + paid leave + flexible work options
📥 How to Apply
We use WorkScreen.io to evaluate applicants fairly and efficiently. You’ll take a short skills-based test so we can understand how you think—not just what’s on your CV.
Apply here: [Insert Application Link]
We’ll keep you informed at every stage. No ghosting, ever.
Smart Hiring Starts Here
WorkScreen simplifies the hiring process, helping you quickly identify top talent while eliminating low-quality applications. By saving you countless hours and reducing the risk of bad hires, it empowers you to build a team that delivers results
Why These Director of Finance Job Posts Actually Work
Most job descriptions don’t fail because of bad intentions—they fail because they’re generic, vague, and disconnected from what candidates actually care about.
Here’s why the two examples above are designed to perform better:
✅ 1. The Titles Are Clear, Specific, and Purposeful
Instead of just saying “Director of Finance,” each job title is paired with:
- The company name
- The location
- (For entry-level) the growth opportunity: “Pathway to Director”
This instantly filters in the right candidates while making the post feel tailored—not copy-pasted.
✅ 2. They Start with a Human Connection
Most job posts launch into dry responsibilities. These openers:
- Give context about the company and its mission
- Explain why the role exists
- Invite the candidate into something meaningful
The optional video message from the CEO or team builds trust and gives applicants a sense of culture—something bullet points can’t do.
✅ 3. Salary Transparency Builds Trust
Both templates include salary ranges.
This:
- Saves time by setting expectations early
- Signals that your company values fairness and professionalism
- Attracts serious, high-quality applicants who want clarity—not games
✅ 4. The Responsibilities Are Framed Around Impact
Instead of just listing tasks like “manage budgets” or “create reports,” the descriptions show how those tasks affect the business:
“You’ll help us scale our mission.”
“You’ll shape the financial future of a fast-growing company.”
This makes the role feel strategic and valuable, not just operational.
✅ 5. The Requirements Invite, Not Intimidate
The experienced version lists clear qualifications, but doesn’t overload the reader.
The entry-level version is especially inclusive:
- It highlights “nice to have” skills without making them deal-breakers
- It encourages coachable, high-potential candidates to apply—even without every credential
This approach widens your talent pool without lowering standards.
✅ 6. The Hiring Process Is Respectful and Transparent
These job posts don’t end with “Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.”
Instead, they:
- Clarify what to expect
- Share that you use WorkScreen to evaluate fairly
- Promise updates (a small but rare courtesy in hiring)
This improves candidate experience and strengthens your brand.
✅ 7. They Explain Why the Role Is Worth It
Both posts include a dedicated section that sells the opportunity:
- Culture and values
- Growth potential
- Real benefits that matter (healthcare, mentorship, flexibility)
This turns a job listing into a pitch—and top talent needs to be sold just like top customers do.
Example of a Bad Director of Finance Job Description (And Why It Fails)
Let’s look at a typical job post you might find on any job board. It’s technically “correct,” but it completely fails to connect.
❌ Bad Job Post Example
Job Title: Director of Finance
Company: MidCity Solutions
Location: Chicago, IL
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Summary
MidCity Solutions is seeking an experienced Director of Finance to manage all financial operations. The successful candidate will oversee budgeting, financial reporting, compliance, and internal controls.
Responsibilities
- Manage all aspects of financial planning and analysis
- Develop annual budgets and forecasts
- Ensure compliance with financial regulations
- Prepare and review financial reports
- Work with external auditors
- Supervise finance team
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field
- 5–7 years of experience in a finance leadership role
- Proficient in Excel and accounting software
- Strong analytical and organizational skills
How to Apply
Email your resume and cover letter to hr@midcitysolutions.com by September 1, 2025. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
🛑 Why This Job Post Fails
1. Generic, Vague Job Title
“Director of Finance” gives no hint of company mission, team culture, or even industry. It doesn’t stand out and doesn’t filter in the right applicants.
2. No Context, No Story
The opening summary is cold and detached. It doesn’t say what the company does, what the role means to the business, or why someone should care.
3. No Salary or Benefits Mentioned
This creates friction and doubt. Top candidates want transparency—and hiding compensation usually signals a lack of respect or market awareness.
4. No Culture or Values
There’s nothing here about how the team works, what the company believes in, or what kind of environment a new hire is walking into. It’s all tasks and no heartbeat.
5. Responsibilities Are Copy-Paste Generic
The duties listed are vague enough to apply to any finance role at any company. There’s no insight into daily impact, team interaction, or business goals.
6. The Hiring Process Feels Cold
“Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted” is outdated and discouraging. It sends the message: “We don’t value your time or effort.”
7. No Call to Action, No Personality
Ending with “email your resume” offers zero motivation. There’s no energy, no encouragement, no excitement—just a formality.
💡 The takeaway: Even a technically accurate job post can fail if it doesn’t connect with people. Your job post isn’t just an HR task—it’s a first impression.
Bonus Tips to Make Your Job Post Stand Out
Once you’ve written a clear, human, and intentional job post, you can take it a step further with small touches that make a big difference—both for candidates and for your brand.
Here are a few powerful (yet often overlooked) ways to upgrade your Director of Finance job description:
🔐 1. Add a Security & Privacy Notice for Applicants
Help candidates feel safe by including a simple message at the bottom of your post:
🛡️ We take your privacy seriously. We will never ask for payment, financial information, or sensitive personal data during the hiring process. If someone contacts you claiming to be from our company and asks for this information, please report it immediately.
Why it matters: It builds trust, protects applicants, and shows that you’re professional and people-focused.
🌴 2. Mention Leave Days or Flex Time
Everyone values time to recharge—especially senior professionals managing high-responsibility roles. You could say:
Enjoy up to 25 paid days off per year, plus flexible remote days depending on the season and workload.
Why it matters: Leave policies and flexibility are top priorities for candidates—but are often left out of job descriptions. Mentioning them makes your company more attractive.
🎓 3. Highlight Training and Growth Opportunities
Even for senior roles like Director of Finance, learning never stops. If you offer coaching, courses, or stretch roles, include that here:
We invest in our leaders. You’ll have access to executive coaching, leadership workshops, and ongoing mentorship from our board and advisors.
Why it matters: Growth-focused leaders want to keep evolving. Show them you’re a company that supports that.
🎥 4. Add a Short Video from the Hiring Manager or Team
This could be a 60-second Loom video where your CEO or CFO says:
- What makes the company exciting
- Why this role is crucial
- What kind of person will thrive here
Why it matters: People connect with people. A short, genuine video builds instant rapport—and sets your job post apart from the rest.
Example:
Before you apply, take 60 seconds to meet our CTO. Here’s what we’re building and why we’re excited about it.
Here is an example that we used in our master guide on how to write a great job post description , you can check it out here https://www.loom.com/share/ba401b65b7f943b68a91fc6b04a62ad4
These simple tweaks can elevate a “pretty good” job post into something memorable—and that’s what it takes to attract the best candidates in a noisy hiring market.
💬 5. Reinforce a Candidate-First Mindset
You can include a line like:
We know applying for jobs takes time, and we don’t take that lightly. We’ll review every application, and we promise to keep you updated throughout the process.
Why it matters: Candidate experience is a reflection of your internal culture. A respectful tone attracts respectful, thoughtful applicants.
Should You Use AI to Write Job Descriptions?
Let’s be honest—AI tools are everywhere right now. Many platforms (including some ATS software like Manatal or Workable) offer one-click job description generators.
And while that sounds convenient, here’s the hard truth:
AI-generated job posts are often the fastest way to create a bad first impression.
❌ Why You Shouldn’t Rely on AI Alone
If you ask AI something like:
“Write a job post for a Director of Finance,”
You’ll likely get something that’s:
- Generic
- Buzzword-heavy
- Completely disconnected from your company’s voice, values, and culture
The result?
A job post that attracts the wrong applicants—or worse, repels the right ones.
✅ The Right Way to Use AI
AI is a tool, not a shortcut.
It can save you time—but only if you provide it with the right inputs. Treat it like a writing assistant, not a replacement for thoughtful hiring.
Here’s a better prompt:
Help me write a job post for our company, Lumina Health. We’re hiring a Director of Finance to lead our financial strategy, support executive decision-making, and oversee all budgeting and reporting functions. Our culture is mission-driven, fast-paced, and values transparency and ownership. We want to attract candidates who are proactive, strategic, and comfortable working cross-functionally. We offer full health benefits, generous PTO, and growth opportunities including leadership coaching. Here are some rough notes to help you get started: [Insert your own bullet points, priorities, or examples].
You can even paste in a high-performing job post you admire and tell the AI:
Make it more concise, more human, or better aligned with our brand tone.
Let it help you shape, polish, and structure your writing—but never let it write in a vacuum.
💡 Pro Tip: Use AI to refine, not replace. Your job post is still your pitch—and if it feels robotic, candidates will scroll right past.
Don’t let bad hires slow you down.
WorkScreen helps you find the right people—fast, easy, and stress-free.
Need Quick Copy-Paste Job Description Templates?
We get it—sometimes you don’t have time to build a job post from scratch.
Maybe you’ve already gone through this guide and understand what a strong job description looks like. But right now, you just need a solid starting point—something you can copy, paste, and tailor to your company fast.
That’s what this section is for.
✏️ Important Reminder:
Don’t copy this word-for-word and expect magic.
This is a foundation, not a final draft.
Add a Loom video, inject your team culture, and edit the details to reflect your actual kitchen.
In this section, you’ll find two ready-to-use job description templates for quick copy-paste use — but please remember, like we mentioned above, don’t just copy them word-for-word and expect results.
Think of these as starting points, not final drafts.
- Option 1: A more conversational, culture-first job description that highlights personality and team fit.
- Option 2: A more structured format, including a Job Brief, Responsibilities, and Requirements for a traditional approach.
✅ Option 1: Conversational, Culture-First Job Description Template
📌 Job Title: Director of Finance at [Your Company Name]
📍 Location: [City, State or Remote]
💰 Salary Range: [$XXX,XXX – $XXX,XXX/year]
🕒 Type: Full-Time
👋 Meet the Team
(Insert a short video link or a message from your CEO/CFO introducing the company and this role)
About Us
[Your Company Name] is on a mission to [briefly state your purpose or what makes your company unique]. As we grow, we’re looking for a Director of Finance who can help us build a financially healthy, scalable organization—while bringing clarity and insight to every major decision we make.
What You’ll Do
- Lead budgeting, forecasting, and strategic planning
- Present financials to leadership and stakeholders
- Manage cash flow, reporting, and regulatory compliance
- Build systems that scale and support sustainable growth
- Mentor finance team members and partner across departments
What We’re Looking For
- 6+ years in finance leadership
- Experience owning P&L and working closely with executives
- Strong communicator who makes complex data easy to understand
- Proficient in financial tools (e.g., QuickBooks, NetSuite, Excel/Sheets)
- CPA, CFA, or MBA preferred but not required
Perks & Benefits
- Competitive compensation and equity options
- Full medical, dental, and vision insurance
- 25+ days PTO + flexible scheduling
- Learning stipends and leadership development
- Purposeful work, supportive team, and room to grow
📥 How to Apply
We use WorkScreen.io to evaluate all applicants fairly based on skill, not just resumes.
You’ll complete a short skills-based task that helps us understand how you think and work—not just what’s on your CV.
Apply here: [Insert WorkScreen Application Link]
You’ll hear back from us at every step—we don’t ghost.
🧾 Option 2: Structured Format (For Job Boards or Internal HR Systems)
Job Title: Director of Finance
Location: [Insert location]
Salary: [$XXX,XXX – $XXX,XXX/year]
Job Type: Full-Time
Reports To: CEO or CFO
Job Brief
We are seeking an experienced Director of Finance to oversee all financial operations and guide company strategy. The ideal candidate will be detail-oriented, business-savvy, and capable of managing a growing finance team in a dynamic environment.
Responsibilities
- Oversee budgeting, forecasting, and long-term financial planning
- Prepare and present financial statements to senior leadership
- Ensure regulatory compliance and risk management
- Develop internal controls and improve financial processes
- Lead, train, and support the finance/accounting team
- Collaborate with leadership on fundraising and investor relations
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field (MBA or CPA preferred)
- 6+ years in financial leadership roles
- Deep understanding of financial reporting, modeling, and compliance
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
- Strong analytical and organizational abilities
Benefits
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- Paid time off and holidays
- Performance bonuses
- Professional development support
- Flexible work options
📥 How to Apply
We use WorkScreen.io to ensure a fair and skill-based hiring process. You’ll be asked to complete a short task that helps us understand your strengths and working style—so we can evaluate you based on your ability, not just your resume.
Apply now using this link: [Insert Application Link]
We review every application and promise to keep you updated throughout the process—no ghosting.
Let WorkScreen Handle the Rest.
You’ve crafted a compelling, thoughtful job post—one that reflects your values, attracts the right people, and sets expectations clearly.
Now comes the hard part: evaluating applicants fairly, quickly, and effectively.
That’s where WorkScreen.io comes in.
✅ WorkScreen helps you:
🔍 1. Quickly Spot Top Candidates
WorkScreen automatically evaluates every applicant and ranks them on a performance-based leaderboard. You’ll see at a glance who’s qualified—without spending hours screening resumes.
🧠 2. Test Real Skills, Not Just Buzzwords
Easily assign one-click skill assessments based on the role. Whether it’s analytical thinking, attention to detail, or scenario-based decision-making, WorkScreen helps you see who can actually do the work—not just talk about it.
🚫 3. Eliminate Low-Effort Applications
WorkScreen filters out candidates who:
- Use AI tools to auto-fill answers
- Apply with copy-paste cover letters
- Don’t engage with the process at all
This helps you focus only on the people who are genuinely interested, capable, and committed.
💡 Whether you’re hiring a Director of Finance or building out an entire leadership team, WorkScreen gives you a faster, smarter, and more reliable way to make great hires.
Ready to hire with clarity and confidence?
Sign up at WorkScreen.io, create your job post, and let the platform do the heavy lifting.
Director of Finance Job Description - Frequently Asked Questions
In the United States, the average salary for a Director of Finance ranges from $120,000 to $160,000 per year, depending on company size, industry, and location.
- At early-stage startups or nonprofits, the range may start closer to $100K–$120K.
- In larger corporations or high-growth sectors like tech or healthcare, compensation can exceed $180K—especially when bonuses or equity are included.
👉 Pro tip: Always include a salary range in your job post. It increases transparency, improves candidate quality, and builds trust from the start.
Look for a mix of technical and strategic skills, including:
- Financial modeling and data analysis
- Budget management and forecasting
- Accounting system proficiency (QuickBooks, NetSuite, etc.)
- Clear communication (especially when explaining numbers to non-finance leaders)
- Leadership and team management experience
- Ability to think strategically and contribute to business growth
Soft skills also matter—especially integrity, decisiveness, and cross-functional collaboration.
Both paths can work—it depends on your needs.
- Promoting internally is great if you have a capable finance lead ready to step up. It ensures continuity and culture fit.
- Hiring externally gives you access to new perspectives, deeper experience, and potentially stronger systems knowledge—ideal if you’re scaling fast or entering a new phase.
👉 Many companies succeed by hiring someone with strong fundamentals and leadership potential, then offering structured mentorship or external CFO support in the first 6–12 months.
Not necessarily.
- A CPA is helpful if the role is accounting-heavy.
- A CFA may be valuable in investment or capital-intensive environments.
- An MBA can bring strategic thinking and leadership training.
But in many growing businesses, proven experience, sound judgment, and communication skills outweigh formal certifications. Prioritize real-world capability over credentials—especially if you’re evaluating with tools like WorkScreen.
