Director of Finance

Audience Development Strategies (ADS)
Farmington, CT | Hybrid | Full-Time

Audience Development Strategies (ADS) is a fast-growing association management, events, and marketing firm based in Connecticut. We work with trade and professional associations across construction, infrastructure, healthcare, education, and more — helping them grow membership, deliver high-impact events, and operate smoothly.

We’re a close-knit, high-energy team that values accountability, collaboration, and getting things done the right way.

Position Overview

Due to an upcoming retirement, ADS is seeking an experienced Finance Director to oversee financial operations for ADS and our portfolio of association clients. This role will manage day-to-day accounting, provide financial oversight across multiple entities, and supervise our junior bookkeeper.

The Finance Director works closely with internal leadership, client executive directors and treasurers, and external accounting partners.

This is a hands-on role ideal for someone who enjoys structure, variety, and being a trusted financial resource in a growing organization. This role requires in-office work in Farmington, CT most days and we are specifically seeking a candidate who is comfortable working with non-profits/trade associations, grants and multiple entities.

This is not a remote position.

Key Responsibilities

ADS Corporate Accounting

• Oversee all finance and accounting functions for ADS, including AP/AR, payroll coordination, general ledger, and month-end close
• Manage cash flow, budgets, forecasting, and internal financial controls
• Prepare internal financial reports for leadership and operations
• Coordinate with external CPA, payroll providers, and benefits vendors

Association Client Financial Management

Manage accounting and financial reporting for multiple association clients, including:

• Monthly financial statements
• Budget tracking and variance analysis
• Event and program financial reconciliation
• Membership, sponsorship, and exhibitor revenue tracking
• Support audits, tax filings, and Form 990 preparation in coordination with external accountants
• Serve as a financial resource to executive directors and internal client teams

Team Leadership & Process Improvement

• Supervise and mentor the junior bookkeeper, ensuring accuracy and timeliness
• Establish and maintain accounting processes, documentation, and deadlines
• Improve systems and workflows to support growth and scalability

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
• 5+ years of accounting experience, preferably in a multi-entity or multi-client environment
• Experience with nonprofit and/or association accounting preferred
• Experience with association management systems (GrowthZone, WildApricot, etc) a big plus
• Technical aptitude to keep accounting systems, websites, payment portals and bank accounts in sync
• Proficiency in QuickBooks Online required
• Strong Excel / Google Sheets skills
• Experience supervising or mentoring junior staff
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and deadline-driven
• Comfortable communicating financial information to non-financial colleagues

Why Join ADS?

• Be part of a collaborative, high-energy, no-drama team
• Work with a growing firm and a diverse portfolio of clients
• Play a key role in strengthening and scaling our financial operations
• Competitive salary and benefits
• Gorgeous office space
• Option to work from home on Fridays

Pay: $80,000.00 - $100,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Professional development assistance
• Tuition reimbursement

Work Location: In person