Job Description

WHO WE ARE

We’re an award-winning creative studio founded in 2009 — a multi-disciplinary collective of designers, developers, writers, and strategists who create fertile ground for conversation, collaboration, and enduring relationships with clients, partners, and each other. Drawing inspiration from wildly diverse influences, we thoughtfully consider every detail — to create holistic solutions that are compelling, immersive, relevant, and part of richer lived experiences for emerging, evolving, and storied brands worldwide.

ROLE OVERVIEW

The Finance & Operations Director is responsible for the overall operation and financial health of the studio. This role ensures that projects, people, and finances are aligned, transparent and scalable. You will serve as a strategic partner to the founder and leadership team, translating creative ambition into clear financial models, operational systems, and informed business decisions. This is a senior leadership role with direct impact on profitability, growth strategy, and studio stability.

WHO YOU ARE

• College graduate with 8+ years of experience in finance, operations, studio management or studio leadership.
• Preferred degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field
• 3+ years in a leadership role
• Familiarity with accounting and operational tools such as QuickBooks, Harvest, Gusto or similar
• Background in a professional services environment
• Understanding of agency operations, including resourcing, utilization, capacity planning, and project margin management
• Experienced in building profitable pricing models for both services and products
• Strong financial acumen with hands-on experience in budgeting, forecasting, and profitability analysis
• Ability to communicate financial insights clearly to non-financial stakeholders
• Collaborative by nature; skilled at building relationships cross departmentally and securing buy in of key stakeholders
• Possesses a strong sense of ownership and accountability
• Experienced leader who is solution oriented and committed to transparency
• Extremely detailed oriented with strong organizational and time-management skills
• A critical thinker who demonstrates flexibility in approach in an industry constantly adapting to new trends and technologies
• Excellent communicator, written and verbal, confident taking the lead in key internal meetings
• Positive, and uplifting attitude that inspires coworkers and clients; a collaborative spirit open to feedback
• Internally driven to make things better, think creatively to solve problems, and to exceed expectations

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Finance and Business Management:

• Own studio financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management, and annual goal setting
• Maintain and interpret P&L statement, chart of accounts, and general ledger - provide clear financial reporting to leadership
• Execute all day-to-day bookkeeping tasks such as billing and invoicing, expense tracking and reconciliation, managing accounts payable and receivable, collections, payroll administration, etc.
• Track revenue pacing, margins, utilization, and profitability at both studio and project levels
• Identify financial risks and opportunities and recommend corrective actions 
• Identify trends and patterns across financial and operational data that will help optimize the business
• Partner with external accountants and tax advisors as needed

Project and Profitability Management:

• Track project type profitability and advise on appropriate pricing adjustments, margins, etc.
• Guide pricing strategy, scopes of work, retainers, and fee structures
• Ensure scopes, change orders, and timelines align with financial goals alongside Accounts Director
• Support creative and account leads in managing project financial health
• Analyze which clients, services, and work types drive sustainable growth 
• Balance profitability with realistic workloads and team well-being

Studio and Operations Workflow:

• Own end-to-end studio operations
• Design and maintain efficient, scalable workflows 
• Continuously improve processes that support both quality and efficiency 
• Assist ownership in managing professional partnerships including IT, accounting, legal, and facilities. 
• Work with established partners to complete annual business administration tasks such as certification renewals and insurance audits

Client and Business Partnership:

• Partner with leadership and the Business Development Director on proposal terms, contracts, and client negotiations when appropriate
• Ensure operational and financial consistency across client engagements
• Support long-term client planning and revenue forecasting

Systems and Tools:

• Manage procurement, licensing, renewals, and vendor relationships for all business-critical systems, including Dropbox, Google Workspace, Adobe, and project management platforms
• Ensure systems are integrated, well-adopted, and appropriate for studio scale
• Maintain clear documentation and operational playbooks
• Implement improvements as the studio scales

Strategic Leadership:

• Act as a trusted advisor to the owners
• Contribute to the long-term planning, growth strategy and organizational design
• Translate creative vision into financially and operationally sound execution
• Engage collaboratively with owners and department heads to support a unified, holistic approach to decision-making

NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR

To ensure focus and clarity, this role is NOT RESPONSIBLE for the following:

• Personal financial planning or investment decision-making for ownership
• Legal counsel or legal decision making (handled by external legal partners)
• Tax Preparation and filing (handled by external accounting partners)
• Creative direction or design decision-making
• New business sales or client acquisition (may support pricing and proposals but does not own sales)
• Benefits strategy and selection (Benefits broker to be utilized for Healthcare and Disability coverage renewals. Will include financial implications of benefits as they relate to payroll and management of the company 401k platform.)
• IT infrastructure management or internal tech support (may coordinate vendors, but does not provide technical support)

WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE

• The studio has clear financial visibility and stable cash flow
• Ownership has confidence in how the studio fits into their broader financial landscape
• Projects are consistently scoped and priced profitability
• Leadership can make confident, data-involved decisions

WHAT YOU'LL GET

• Play a central role in shaping the future of the studio alongside owners and leadership team
• Build systems that support people, creativity, and long-term financial stability
• Space to foster philanthropic opportunities during work hours
• The chance to work alongside a group of curious, talented thinkers, doers, and makers devoted to creating work that’s resonant, relevant, and meaningful
• Historic downtown Charleston office with some flex work-from-home benefits 
• Four-day work week
• Paid time off benefits, including holidays
• Healthcare benefits — $400/month premium coverage by SDCO following three months
• of service
• Optional Dental and Vision coverage following three months of service
• 401K retirement plan and employer 4% match following one year of service
• Opportunity for 401K Profit Sharing contribution based on company performance
• Short Term Disability, Long Term Disability, and Group Life coverage with the monthly premium paid by SDCO, following three months of service
• Continuing education benefits following three months of service
• Parental leave following one year of service
• Opportunities to gather in person as a full company for strategic brainstorming, inspiration sharing, and team bonding

SOUND LIKE YOU:

Email a cover letter, resume, and 3 references to jobs@sdcopartners.com

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