Director of Finance

WRTP|BIG STEP•Milwaukee, WI

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The WRTP | BIG STEP Director of Finance is a strategic leadership role responsible for overseeing the financial health, integrity, and sustainability of the organization. This position provides direction and accountability for all financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, reporting, compliance, and internal controls, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and contractual obligations. The Director of Finance serves as a key member of the leadership team, partnering closely with the COO, Data Analyst Manager, and Regional Directors to align financial strategy with program performance, operational priorities, and data-driven decision-making. This role ensures that financial systems, processes, and reporting structures support organizational growth, transparency, and accountability to funders, stakeholders, and governing bodies. This position leads financial planning and analysis, strengthens fiscal management practices, and ensures compliance with all regulatory, audit, and grant requirements. Success in this role is defined by strong financial stewardship, improved decision-making through actionable insights, effective risk mitigation, and the ability to support program and organizational expansion through sound financial strategies.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or related field required (CPA or advanced degree preferred).
Minimum of 5–7 years of progressive financial management experience, preferably in nonprofit or workforce development environments.
Demonstrated experience in budgeting, financial reporting, and compliance management.
Strong knowledge of GAAP and nonprofit accounting standards.
Experience managing grants, contracts, and funder reporting requirements.
Proficiency in financial systems and Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
Proven leadership and team management experience.
Ability to work effectively with executive leadership, board members, and external stakeholders.
Strong organizational and project management skills.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive financial information.

Nice To Haves

CPA or advanced degree preferred.

Responsibilities

Provides strategic financial leadership and direction to ensure organizational sustainability and long-term growth.
Develops and manages the annual budget, multi-year financial projections, and forecasting processes in alignment with organizational goals.
Advises executive leadership and the Board on financial planning, performance, and risk management.
Translates financial data into actionable insights to support strategic decision-making across programs and operations.
Partners with leadership to align financial strategies with programmatic goals and funding requirements.
Oversees all financial operations, including accounting, payroll, accounts payable/receivable, and general ledger functions.
Ensures accuracy, timeliness, and completeness of financial reporting, including monthly, quarterly, and annual statements.
Develops and maintains effective financial systems, policies, and procedures to support operational efficiency and accountability.
Monitors cash flow and financial performance, identifying trends and implementing corrective actions as needed.
Ensures proper allocation of costs across programs and funding sources.
Ensures compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations, as well as grant and contract requirements.
Oversees preparation for audits and coordinates with external auditors to ensure successful outcomes.
Establishes and maintains strong internal controls to safeguard organizational assets and mitigate financial risk.
Monitors adherence to financial policies and procedures across the organization.
Ensures accurate and compliant financial reporting to funders and stakeholders.
Oversees financial management of grants and contracts, ensuring proper budgeting, expense tracking, and reporting.
Collaborates with program and leadership teams to align financial resources with program deliverables and outcomes.
Supports development of grant proposals by providing financial data, projections, and budget narratives.
Monitors grant performance to ensure compliance with funding requirements and avoid financial risk.
Partners with the Data Analyst Manager to integrate financial and programmatic data for performance monitoring and decision-making.
Collaborates with the COO and Regional Directors to ensure alignment between financial planning and operational execution.
Supports organizational performance tracking by linking financial outcomes to program metrics and impact indicators.
Provides financial training and guidance to program staff to strengthen fiscal accountability and understanding.
Supervises and develops finance staff, providing leadership, coaching, and performance management.
Builds a high-performing finance function aligned with organizational values and goals.
Promotes a culture of accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement.
Supports cross-functional initiatives and organizational priorities as part of the leadership team.