Director of Accounting - Nonprofit (HHS)

Continuserve•Chicago, IL

10d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Director of Accounting provides oversight of direct reports and senior controller services to nonprofit organizations. The role fulfills contractual obligations by managing full-cycle accounting functions for multiple clients, including financial statement preparation, cash management, grant management, budgeting, and audit preparation support. The position serves as the primary day-to-day operational contact for assigned clients, advising client leadership and supporting compliance, financial reporting, funding requirements, and financial process improvements. It also leads and develops the accounting support team and participates in client community and mission activities. The position predominantly operates in a hybrid arrangement between a home office and local client offices, with travel potentially required.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or a related field.
At least 5 years of relevant industry experience.
Strong business acumen and ability to understand and support organizational objectives.
Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including data analysis, reporting, and financial modeling.
Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
Ability to interact professionally and confidently with C-level executives and senior leadership.
Strong attention to detail, organization, and problem-solving abilities.
Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across teams.
Ability to perform daily tasks involving fingers, talking, sitting, listening, and vision.
Ability to lift up to 40 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Industry experience in health and human services, IDD, housing, or behavioral health.
Federal grant administration or management experience.
State of Illinois grant administration or GATA experience.

Responsibilities

Serve as the primary day-to-day operational point of contact for assigned nonprofit clients.
Analyze client budgets, cash flow, and financial statements to identify opportunities for improvement and efficiency.
Collaborate with clients to develop organizational and grant budgets aligned with long-term goals and objectives.
Oversee and support the preparation and delivery of accurate, timely financial reports.
Present financial information to client leaders, including Executive Directors and Program Directors.
Provide insights and recommendations based on financial metrics and industry trends.
Ensure client compliance with financial and funding regulations and reporting requirements, identifying and addressing potential compliance issues.
Assess and mitigate client financial risks and safeguard financial assets and investments.
Evaluate and streamline client financial processes and procedures using technology and best practices.
Support cost-saving measures and revenue-generation strategies, including recommending federal, state, and local grant opportunities.
Provide senior-level technical accounting support, including guidance on GAAP revenue recognition and federal grant compliance under 2 CFR 200.
Facilitate public and private funding requirements, including budget preparation and revisions, compliance, reporting, vouchering oversight, and allowability reviews.
Lead annual audit preparation and client funding audits.
Review the accounting support team’s work for accuracy and make revisions as applicable.
Build collaborative relationships with client stakeholders and serve as a trusted technical advisor and advocate.
Address client concerns and ensure their timely resolution.
Partner with the assigned ContinuServe client CFO on engagement matters, as applicable.
Oversee team deliverables and manage direct reports.
Provide mentoring, training, and professional development; review team performance, give constructive feedback, and sign off on individual development plans.
Participate in clients’ communities and missions, including through volunteer opportunities.
Perform other duties as requested.