Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation•Detroit, MI

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation (DESC) is a 501(c)(3) serving as the fiscal and administrative agent of the Mayor’s Workforce Development Board (MWDB), which is the local Workforce Investment Board (WIB). DESC is also the MichiganWorks! Agency for Detroit. In concert with the Mayor’s Office of Workforce Development, DESC is the implementation and operations partner for the City’s workforce strategy. Position Summary The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) serves as a strategic partner to the President, DESC executive leadership team, and Board of Directors providing financial stewardship and operational leadership for a dynamic nonprofit organization funded by federal, state, and private sources. The CFO is responsible for ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements, driving financial innovation, and fostering a culture of collaboration across departments. This role oversees all financial functions, including budgeting, grant management, accounting, procurement and reporting, while leading a comprehensive finance team that includes four functional leaders.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, or related field; CPA or MBA preferred.
Minimum of 10 years of progressive financial leadership experience, including at least 5 years in a nonprofit setting.
Expertise in managing federal, state, and private funding streams and compliance requirements.
Strong knowledge of nonprofit accounting standards and grant management.
Proven ability to lead teams and foster a collaborative, innovative work environment.
Excellent communication, analytical, and strategic thinking skills.
Background check and drug screen required.

Nice To Haves

CPA or MBA preferred.

Responsibilities

Partner with the President and Board of Directors to develop and execute financial strategies aligned with the organization’s mission and long-term goals.
Provide financial insights and recommendations to support innovation, revenue diversification, and organizational growth.
Oversee all accounting, budgeting, cash management, and financial reporting functions, ensuring accuracy and transparency.
Ensure compliance with federal, state, and private funding requirements, including grant reporting and audits.
Develop and maintain internal controls to safeguard assets and ensure adherence to GAAP and nonprofit best practices.
Lead, mentor, and develop a finance team that values and demonstrates collaboration and continuous improvement.
Work cross-functionally with program and operations teams to align financial planning with organizational priorities.
Implement technology-driven solutions to streamline financial processes and enhance reporting capabilities.
Identify opportunities for grant optimization and resource allocation to maximize impact.
Prepare and present financial reports to the Board of Directors, funders, and regulatory agencies as requested.
Serve as a key liaison with leadership and financial institutions.