Director of Finance

Director of Finance

The Houston Chronicle is seeking a strategic, hands-on Director of Finance to help lead financial operations for one of Hearst Newspapers' most important local media businesses. This role is ideal for a finance leader who combines strong technical accounting judgment with business curiosity, operational discipline, and the ability to translate financial results into clear recommendations and strategy.

Reporting to the VP of Finance, the Director of Finance will oversee key close processes, reporting, budgeting, forecasting, advertising accounting and analysis, and cost control activities while partnering closely with department leaders, centralized accounting teams, and senior leadership. The position requires a leader who can manage the details, improve processes, develop people, and support decision making across a fast-moving and transforming digital and print media operation.

What You Will Do

• Own the monthly close process, including accruals, variance analysis, review of financial results, and timely completion of close deliverables.
• Lead weekly P&L reporting, monthly financial reporting, forecasting, and business review support for the VP of Finance, Houston Chronicle leadership, and Hearst Newspapers finance teams.
• Ensure the accuracy, integrity, and timeliness of financial reporting, with clear communication of revenue, expense, margin, headcount, and payroll trends.
• Manage and develop the finance/accounting team, including advertising-focused accounting support and related operating analysis.
• Oversee advertising accounting activities, including revenue recognition, digital advertising margins, commission processing, goaling, and coordination with advertising operations.
• Lead advertising analytics and KPI reporting, including trends and insights to support the VP of Finance, VP of Advertising and Publisher.
• Develop and monitor financial KPIs that help leaders understand performance, optimize product P&Ls and advertising margins, improve budget adherence, and identify cost savings opportunities.
• Partner with department heads to project, budget, and monitor expenses, improve business processes, and strengthen accountability for financial outcomes.
• Serve as a liaison with centralized accounting teams for accounting functions such as balance sheet reconciliations
• Assist internal and external audit support in partnership with centralized accounting, including maintenance of internal controls and SOX compliance requirements.
• Provide technical accounting guidance and support system improvements, reporting enhancements, process automation, and AI-enabled efficiency opportunities.
• Optimize AI opportunities to automate daily and monthly reporting and improve process workflows. 
• Prepare ad hoc analysis, special projects, and executive-ready reporting for senior leadership, the VP of Finance, and the Publisher.

Key Relationships

• Vice President of Finance
• President and Publisher, Houston Chronicle
• Senior Vice President of Advertising
• Executive Editor and senior leadership across functions
• Hearst Newspapers finance and centralized accounting teams
• Department heads and operating leaders across the organization

What You Bring

• 8-10+ years of progressive finance or accounting experience, preferably in a complex operating environment.
• Undergraduate degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field required; MBA preferred.
• Prior experience as a Director of Finance, Finance Manager, Assistant Controller, or comparable financial leadership role required.
• Strong technical accounting foundation with experience in monthly close, financial reporting, accruals, variance analysis, budgeting, forecasting, internal controls, and audit support.
• Experience with advertising accounting and revenue recognition, digital margins, commission processing, or media revenue operations preferred.
• Experience in media, publishing, digital media, marketing services, or a related industry preferred.
• Proficiency with ERP, planning, and reporting systems; Oracle ERP, Oracle Cloud, Hyperion Planning, business intelligence tools, advanced Excel experience, and AI products preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, coach, and develop finance or accounting team members, including team members who support multiple business partners.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to explain financial results and business implications to non-finance leaders.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to prioritize multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong process improvement mindset, including interest in automation, AI-enabled tools, and scalable ways to improve accuracy and efficiency.
• High integrity, sound judgment, and a service-oriented approach to working with internal and external partners.