Director, Finance

Description FLSA Status : Exempt General Summary GTI Energy has an exciting opportunity to bring on a Director of Finance to lead financial planning, performance management, and strategic decision support across the organization. This role serves as a key finance leader responsible for translating GTI Energy’s strategic priorities into actionable financial plans while ensuring strong financial discipline, operational efficiency, and compliance. The Director of Finance combines forward-looking strategy (FP&A, investment analysis, modeling) with s trong operational execution (close oversight, reporting, controls, and audit readiness) . This role partners closely with executive leadership and cross-functional teams to drive business performance, optimize resource allocation, and enhance organizational decision-making Why GTI Energy ? GTI Energy is where complex energy challenges meet bold solutions. With expertise in energy research, technology development, and business innovation, partners across every sector trust us to build and demonstrate solutions for better-performing energy systems. Guided by systems thinking, collaboration, and innovation, we are focused on driving progress that matters for people everywhere. Being part of the GTI Energy team means being surrounded by people that are passionate and purpose driven, empowered to continuously learn, ask hard questions, and leverage their knowledge and experience to drive toward a greater purpose. We offer generous benefits, competitive salaries, opportunities for professional growth and career advancement. We prioritize and maintain a respectful culture, and we ensure reasonable accommodation is made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their role. Benefits Overview GTI Energy offers a competitive total rewards package including health coverage, retirement plans, paid time off, and professional development opportunities. A high-level overview is available at: 2026 Benefits at a Glance GTI Energy Work Location The position will be based in the Chicagoland area at the GTI Energy Headquarters. We offer a hybrid/core work week, where employees are remote Mondays and Fridays, and required to be on-site Tuesday through Thursday. Travel : None Primary Responsibilities Financial Strategy, Planning, and Business Partnership Serve as a strategic financial advisor to executive leadership , influencing key business decisions and long-term direction Lead the development of long-range financial plans , aligning investment strategy with GTI’s mission and growth objectives Support enterprise-wide resource allocation , funding strategies, and prioritization of strategic initiatives Evaluate program economics, portfolio performance, and ROI , including grant-funded and DOE-related programs Provide forward-looking insights on financial risks and opportunities , including scenario planning and sensitivity analysis Budgeting, Forecasting, and Performance Management Own the annual budgeting process and rolling forecasts , ensuring alignment across all business units Lead monthly and quarterly financial performance reviews with executive stakeholders Provide robust variance analysis , identifying drivers and recommending corrective actions Develop and enhance financial models, dashboards, and KPIs to improve visibility into performance Monitor cost structures, margins, utilization, and labor economics to optimize financial outcomes Financial Reporting and Close Oversight Oversee timely, accurate, and GAAP-compliant financial reporting , including income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow Partner with Accounting to ensure a disciplined and efficient close process , including clear ownership and accountability Develop board-level and executive reporting packages focused on key business drivers and performance trends Ensure data integrity, system alignment, and reporting consistency across FP&A and Accounting platforms Compliance, Internal Controls, and Audit Readiness Ensure compliance with GAAP, Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200), and applicable regulatory requirements Partner with Accounting leadership to maintain a strong internal control environment and audit-ready processes Oversee the development and enforcement of financial policies, procedures, and governance frameworks Act as a key liaison to external auditors and audit committees , supporting audits and driving timely resolution of findings Proactively identify and mitigate financial, compliance, and operational risks Cost Optimization and Operational Efficiency Identify and execute cost optimization initiatives , balancing efficiency with program delivery and impact Drive finance transformation initiatives , including automation, standardization, and process redesign (e.g., Project Mint) Improve forecast accuracy, reporting speed, and scalability of finance operations Analyze headcount, capacity, and cost structures to inform staffing and resourcing decisions (aligned with your org redesign work) Leadership and Team Development Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing FP&A and finance business partnering team Establish clear accountability frameworks, performance expectations, and development plans Build a culture of ownership, continuous improvement, and strong business partnership Coach team members on financial storytelling and executive-level communication Cross-Functional Collaboration and Organizational Impact Partner closely with program, engineering, research, operations, and procurement teams Support grant, project accounting, and funding compliance efforts with strong financial insight Enhance financial transparency and data-driven decision-making across the organization Serve as a key contributor to organization-wide initiatives, including transformation and strategic planning Perform other duties as assigned Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Advanced financial modeling, forecasting, and analytical skills Ability to translate complex financial data into actionable business insights Strong understanding of GAAP, financial reporting, and internal controls Experience operating in project-based, grant-funded, or regulated environments Executive-level communication and ability to influence decision-making Strong leadership and team development capabilities Proven ability to drive process improvements and finance transformation initiatives High attention to detail with a strong focus on data accuracy and integrity Education and Experience Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field MBA, CPA, CMA, or CFA preferred 12+ years of progressive experience in finance leadership roles Strong experience in FP&A, financial reporting, and compliance environments Experience in DOE, grant-funded, or regulated environments strongly preferred Proven track record of partnering with senior leadership and driving business impact Physical & Work Environment Requirements Remaining in a stationary position, often standing or sitting for prolonged periods. Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands and/or fingers. Pay Transparency The salary range for this position is $150,000 - $200,000 USD annually. This salary range is GTI Energy’s good faith estimate, and the actual salary may vary based on a number of factors including, but not limited to, GTI Energy’s business or organizational needs and an individual’s relevant experience, education, qualifications, certifications, skills, seniority, geographic location, and/or performance. Compensation details listed in this posting reflect the base hourly rate, monthly rate, or annual salary only, and do not include bonus. The range listed is just one component of GTI Energy’s total compensation package for employees. Other rewards may include annual bonuses, paid time off, and region-specific benefits. EEO Statement GTI Energy is committed to developing a barrier-free recruitment process and work environment. If you require any accommodation, please e-mail us at [email protected] and we’ll work with you to meet your accessibility needs. You must have legal authorization to work for GTI Energy on your date of hire with no further action required by GTI Energy. We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and give consideration to qualified applicants without regard to race, color, age, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, pregnancy, or genetic information.