Job Title: Senior Director Finance
Organization: HARDI (Heating, Air-conditioning & Refrigeration Distributors International)
Reports to: CEO
Location: Columbus, OH
Date: May 27, 2026
Company Overview: HARDI is a non-profit trade association representing the HVACR wholesale distribution industry. HARDI employs passionate individuals who love a challenge and find fulfillment in supporting the organization.
Summary of Role: We are seeking a Senior Director of Finance who provides strategic and operational leadership for the finance function of a vibrant, diverse, and growing trade association, overseeing budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, internal controls, compliance, stewardship of organizational resources, and financial aspects of human resources. This role is a member of the executive leadership team and works closely with teams responsible for member engagement, meetings, education, sponsorships, communications, and advocacy, as well as board and committee leadership, to align financial strategy with the association’s mission, member company value, and long-term sustainability..
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead the association’s finance strategy, including the annual budget, long-range planning, rolling forecasts, pricing strategies, and alignment of financial resources with strategic priorities.
- Oversee monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reporting, including board-ready reporting packages, variance analysis, and department-level insights.
- Partner with executive and department leaders to evaluate financial performance, support strategic decision-making, and ensure resources are deployed effectively across member services, industry initiatives, events, and advocacy efforts.
- Maintain strong internal controls and ensure compliance with nonprofit accounting standards, tax regulations, audit requirements, and policies relevant to trade associations and membership organizations.
- Manage cash flow, operating reserves, liquidity planning, and financial sustainability to support member programs, policy priorities, major meetings, and organizational growth.
- Oversee accounting and reporting for key association revenue streams, including corporate membership dues, tiered sponsorships, exhibits, conferences and events, education programs, publications, advertising, and other non-dues revenue.
- Develop a high-performing finance and accounting team while fostering accountability, collaboration, and strong service to internal and external stakeholders.
- Coordinate the annual audit, Form 990 preparation, and relationships with auditors, banks, investment advisors, and other external financial partners.
- Improve financial systems, reporting processes, and data visibility to strengthen decision-making, support membership and event operations, and increase organizational efficiency.
- Prepare financial presentations and reports for executive leadership, the board of directors, finance or audit committees, and volunteer leaders representing member companies and industry stakeholders.
- Oversee payroll and HR administration including managing benefits and insurance providers (does not include responsibility for ownership of performance management processes or professional development)
- Other duties as required.
Qualifications:
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, business administration, or a related field required.
Preferred Qualifications
- MBA, CPA, CMA, or similar advanced degree/certification.
- Experience supporting company or corporate member associations with multiple revenue streams, major meetings, sponsorship programs, policy initiatives, and affiliated entities.
- Familiarity with tiered dues structures, deferred revenue, sponsorship agreements, event financial management, and association management systems.
- Experience presenting to boards, finance or audit committees, executive leaders, and volunteer leadership groups.
Professional Experience
5–10 years of experience in market research, economic analysis, or industry intelligence roles.
- 10+ years of progressive finance or accounting experience, including senior leadership responsibility, preferably within a company or corporate member trade association, chamber, business league, professional society, or similar membership organization.
- Strong knowledge of budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, nonprofit accounting principles, and revenue recognition across corporate dues, sponsorship, event, and other non-dues revenue streams.
- Demonstrated experience building and maintaining internal controls, financial policies, governance practices, and audit readiness in a membership-based organization with board and committee oversight.
- Excellent analytical, communication, and leadership skills, with the ability to translate complex financial information for non-financial audiences.
- Advanced proficiency in spreadsheet modeling, financial reporting tools, accounting systems (specifically Quickbooks), and preferably association management or ERP platforms.
Core Competencies
- Strategic thinking and business partnership
- Financial acumen and attention to detail
- Leadership and team development
- Decision support and problem-solving
- Change management and process improvement
- Executive communication and stakeholder management
Travel:
- Travel expectations are limited but may include 2-3 Board of Director meetings per year and 1-2 HARDI Conferences per year
Benefits listed below:
- Compensation dependent on experience
- Health and dental Insurance premiums paid in full by HARDI
- Single bank of paid-time-off, available upon hire
- Hybrid schedule
- Reduced summer hours Memorial Day - Labor Day
- 401(k) plan including non-elective employer contribution as well as employer match
Please complete the Predictive Index as part of the application process.
- HARDISr.DirectorFinance_May2026_195549
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $100,000.00 - $120,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Professional development assistance
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Columbus, OH 43235
