Director of Finance

Facing Forward To End•Chicago, IL

1d•$85,596 - $105,674•Hybrid

About The Position

Reporting to the Executive Director and serving as a member of the executive leadership team, the Director of Finance is Facing Forward's financial leader. This position provides strategic and operational leadership for the organization's accounting, budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, cash and treasury management, government contracts, audits, tax filings, internal controls, and financial systems. The Director of Finance partners with the Executive Director, Board of Directors, Finance Committee, senior leaders, and program and development teams to strengthen financial decision-making, protect organizational assets, maintain compliance, and support Facing Forward's long-term financial sustainability. This role leads and develops the Finance team while ensuring that financial information is accurate, timely, accessible, and useful across the organization. The employee holding this position may be required to perform additional duties to meet the organization's needs.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a related field required; an equivalent combination of education and directly related experience may be considered.
At least seven years of progressively responsible accounting and financial management experience, including significant responsibility for budgeting, financial reporting, audits, internal controls, and organizational financial planning.
At least three years of successful leadership and supervisory experience developing and managing a finance or accounting team.
Demonstrated experience managing government grants and contracts, restricted funding, grant billing, compliance reporting, and external audits.
Experience presenting complex financial information to executive leaders, boards, finance committees, funders, or other non-financial stakeholders.
Advanced knowledge of U.S. GAAP, nonprofit accounting, financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, cash management, and internal controls.
Strong strategic, analytical, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify risks, evaluate options, and provide practical recommendations.
Ability to communicate complex financial information clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, to a broad range of audiences.
Demonstrated ability to lead through change, improve systems and processes, establish accountability, and manage competing priorities and deadlines.
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and financial accounting systems; experience with payroll, budgeting, reporting, and database systems preferred.
Strong interpersonal and leadership skills, including sound judgment, collaboration, discretion, and a commitment to responsive service.
Keen attention to detail and an organization-wide commitment to accuracy, transparency, confidentiality, and high-quality work.
Commitment to Facing Forward's mission and to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a related field preferred.
Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or other relevant professional certification preferred.
Substantial nonprofit accounting experience strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Serve as a strategic financial advisor and business partner to the Executive Director, Executive Leadership Team, Finance Committee, and Board of Directors.
Lead annual and multi-year financial planning, including the organizational budget, program budgets, capital planning, cash flow projections, scenario modeling, and financial forecasts.
Translate financial information into clear analysis, recommendations, and decision-making tools for organizational leaders and governance bodies.
Monitor financial performance, identify emerging risks and opportunities, and recommend timely corrective actions or resource strategies.
Support organizational growth, program planning, contract decisions, and other strategic initiatives by evaluating their financial impact and sustainability.
Develop and monitor financial goals, performance measures, and dashboards that support Facing Forward's strategic priorities.
Ensure the accurate and timely preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and nonprofit accounting standards.
Present financial results, budget-to-actual variance analysis, forecasts, cash flow status, and recommended actions to the Executive Director, Finance Committee, Board of Directors, and senior leadership.
Establish and manage the annual budgeting process in partnership with department and program leaders, including appropriate review, documentation, and approval timelines.
Oversee cash flow and treasury management, banking relationships, cash reserves, investments, and short- and long-term liquidity planning within Board-approved policies.
Ensure accurate tracking and reporting of restricted and unrestricted funds, grant revenue, receivables, deferred revenue, allocations, and program expenditures.
Provide directors and budget owners with timely financial information, training, and guidance to support responsible budget management and expenditure control.
Provide executive oversight of all accounting operations, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, billing, cash receipts, general ledger activity, payroll accounting, allocations, reconciliations, and month- and year-end close.
Ensure financial transactions, journal entries, reconciliations, and supporting documentation are complete, accurate, timely, and properly reviewed.
Design, implement, document, and monitor finance policies, procedures, approval workflows, and internal controls that safeguard Facing Forward's assets and reflect nonprofit best practices.
Maintain appropriate segregation of duties and periodically assess internal controls, recommending improvements as organizational needs and risks change.
Oversee the chart of accounts, cost allocation methodologies, indirect cost treatment, financial records retention, and the integrity of financial systems and data.
Lead improvements to accounting systems, reporting tools, and workflows to increase efficiency, accuracy, transparency, and cross-departmental accountability.
Partner with Human Resources to ensure payroll is processed accurately and timely and that payroll-related taxes, deductions, benefits, and financial reconciliations are properly administered.
Provide financial oversight of federal, state, county, and city grants and contracts, including budgets, billing, vouchers, drawdowns, allowable costs, match requirements, reporting, and closeout.
Review and approve government vouchers, invoices, financial reports, and related supporting documentation before submission.
Ensure compliance with funder requirements, contract terms, applicable regulations, and federal grant requirements, including Uniform Guidance when applicable.
Monitor contract receivables and cash collections; coordinate follow-up with contracting agencies to resolve payment delays, disallowed costs, or reporting issues.
Partner with program and development teams to prepare grant and contract budgets, assess financial feasibility, monitor spending, and address variances.
Lead the financial response to monitoring visits, desk reviews, government audits, and requests for supporting documentation.
Coordinate and oversee the annual financial statement audit, Single Audit when required, Form 990, tax filings, benefit plan audits, and other external financial reviews.
Serve as the primary finance liaison to auditors, banking partners, investment advisors, government agencies, funders, and other external financial partners.
Prepare audit schedules and ensure timely, complete responses to audit requests and implementation of agreed-upon recommendations.
Support the finance committee by preparing meeting materials, presenting financial information, documenting follow-up items, and advising on financial governance matters.
Maintain current knowledge of nonprofit accounting standards and relevant federal, Illinois, and local requirements and evaluate their impact on Facing Forward.
Partner with leadership on financial risk management, insurance renewals, fraud prevention, and business continuity planning.
Lead, supervise, coach, and develop Finance team members, establishing clear roles, annual and quarterly goals, workplans, performance expectations, and accountability measures.
Conduct regular supervision, timely performance evaluations, and ongoing professional development that foster mutual feedback and strategic growth.
Address performance concerns and other personnel matters involving direct reports in partnership with Human Resources and in accordance with organizational policies.
Promote strong customer service, collaboration, and financial accountability across departments while serving as a trusted resource on finance and accounting matters.
Build financial knowledge among staff and budget owners through training, accessible guidance, and clear procedures.
Actively participate in required convenings, summits, retreats, staff meetings, and organizational initiatives, including virtual and occasional evening or weekend events.
Perform other duties required of all staff to support smooth internal operations and advance Facing Forward's mission.