Breakwater Accounting + Advisory

Compensation

Full Description

Compensation: $150,000 salary + bonus potential Location: Remote (US based) with option for Hybrid if you are located close to Wilmington, DE. About Us Breakwater Accounting & Advisory provides outsourced bookkeeping and accounting services to businesses and nonprofit organizations across the U.S. We pair great people with smart technology to deliver accurate, timely, and meaningful financial insights. We are a woman-led company, a Top Workplace (Delaware News Journal, 4 years running), and an Inc 5000 fastest-growing company. Our Philosophy: Great people first, technology-forward thinking second – with just the right combination. We offer a flexible, positive, energetic workplace where teamwork, initiative, and proactive communication are highly valued. Our Core Principles: We are proactive, positive, purposeful, protective, prepared, and principled — and we practice these daily. The Role: The Director of Financial Operations is a key executive leader responsible for the strategic and operational excellence of Breakwater's client service delivery. You will lead a team of people leaders (Pod Leaders) and oversee a 60+ person division of bookkeepers, accountants, assistants, and specialists. This role reports directly to the COO. You will ensure scalable, high-quality work across all client engagements by driving workflow consistency, capacity alignment, operational innovation, and exceptional client experiences — all while fostering a strong, values-driven culture. Client Leadership: • Own executive-level relationships with top-tier clients to ensure satisfaction, retention, and proactive communication. • Ensure high-quality, timely delivery of services aligned to client agreements. Oversee scope reviews, contract updates, pricing adjustments, and service alignment. Team Leadership: • Lead and mentor Pod Leaders through clear expectations, coaching, and operational guidance. • Provide direct, constructive feedback and follow through on issues raised by staff. • Model excellence in accounting fundamentals and people management. • Champion accountability practices throughout the division. Empower team members to act as advisors and business partners — not task doers — through problem solving, critical thinking, and resource alignment. • Operational Excellence: • Drive workflow innovation, operational efficiency, and team capacity alignment. • Establish and enforce consistent standards for service delivery and client communication. Manage departmental budgeting and financial reporting. • Executive & External Leadership: • Support internal communication, change management, and engagement initiatives across the company. • Represent Breakwater externally through presentations, thought leadership, and industry involvement. Stay ahead of accounting, workflow, and AI technologies; share learnings through training, webinars, and internal content. • Qualifications: • 10+ years in financial operations, accounting services management, or professional services delivery • Experience leading people managers and large teams (20+) • Experience within a CPA firm, outsourced accounting firm, or high-volume accounting services environment strongly preferred • Strong understanding of bookkeeping and accounting workflows (non-tax, non-CFO) • Demonstrated success scaling service delivery, improving operations, and managing complex client portfolios • Bachelor's in Business, Finance, Accounting, or related field required; MBA preferred • Technology-forward mindset with experience leveraging modern accounting tools and AI Skilled in change management, workflow design, and leadership development • What We Offer You: • A positive, people-first workplace where you can lead with purpose • A values-driven culture grounded in integrity and client service excellence • Opportunities for visibility, professional development, and thought leadership • Full time, Salaried, W2 position • FIVE weeks of PTO (in addition to company holidays) • Health, vision, and dental benefits • 401(k) with company match Breakwater Accounting + Advisory provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.