Finance Director

The Salvation Army USA Central Territory•Chicago, IL

3d•$101,050 - $151,576•Onsite

About The Position

The Finance Director provides strategic and operational leadership for the financial activities of The Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center of Chicago. The role directs budgeting, forecasting, accounting, financial reporting and analysis, internal controls, grant fiscal oversight, and financial compliance. As a member of the Management Team, the Finance Director works with senior leadership and department leaders to evaluate financial performance, identify risks and opportunities, and support operational and strategic decisions. The position leads and develops Finance Department staff and ensures financial processes and reporting are accurate, timely, and consistent with Salvation Army policies and established accounting practices, supporting the Center’s mission and long-term financial sustainability. The Finance Director oversees financial operations, annual budgeting and forecasting, accounting activities, financial statements and analysis, receivables and revenue collection, grant administration, audits, payroll accounting matters, records, and compliance. The role serves as a financial resource to department leaders, recommends actions to address financial performance and control concerns, and directly supervises the Accountant and Accounting Clerk. The position reports to the Senior Kroc Officer and participates in Management Team and Manager on Duty responsibilities. The position requires a bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a closely related field, at least five years of progressively responsible accounting or financial management experience, and at least two years of supervisory or management experience. Preferred experience includes nonprofit or similarly complex organizations, grant administration, and financial or operational systems such as Shelby or Club Automation. The position involves moderate physical work, including lifting and carrying up to 10 pounds. It regularly requires use of standard office equipment and a PC; occasional participation in community center activities and occasional driving are also expected. The work environment is a community center with a medium-to-high noise level.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a closely related field from an accredited college or university.
At least five years of progressively responsible professional accounting or financial management experience, including budgeting, financial reporting, financial analysis, general ledger oversight, internal controls, and financial operations.
At least two years of supervisory or management experience, including directing work, coaching employees, managing performance, and establishing departmental priorities.
Ability to lead accounting and financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, internal controls, cash management, and financial analysis.
Ability to analyze financial results, identify trends and variances, evaluate financial risk, and develop practical recommendations for leadership.
Ability to establish and maintain financial controls and ensure the accuracy, timeliness, consistency, and integrity of financial records and reporting.
Knowledge of nonprofit financial operations, including restricted funding, grants, cost allocation, revenue recognition, audit requirements, and financial accountability, as applicable to assigned responsibilities.
Ability to lead, supervise, coach, and develop accounting staff, establish performance expectations, assign work, and hold employees accountable.
Ability to set priorities and manage multiple financial deadlines and responsibilities in a complex, fast-paced operating environment.
Sound judgment in addressing financial concerns, control issues, compliance matters, and competing organizational priorities.
Ability to explain complex financial information clearly and provide practical recommendations to leaders without a financial background.
Ability to collaborate with program, operational, Human Resources, payroll, and senior leadership while maintaining financial controls and accountability.
Strong written and verbal communication skills for presenting financial information to department leaders, management, auditors, and other stakeholders.
Integrity, discretion, confidentiality, and professional judgment in handling financial, payroll, employee, and organizational information.
Commitment to responsible stewardship, adherence to financial policies and controls, and support for The Salvation Army’s mission, values, and objectives.
Ability to perform moderate physical work and lift and carry 10 pounds; regularly use standard office equipment and a PC; occasionally participate in community center activities and drive.

Nice To Haves

Experience in a nonprofit, human services, community center, government-funded, or similarly complex multi-program organization.
Experience with government, private, or foundation grants, including grant budgeting, expenditure monitoring, financial reporting, reconciliation, and compliance.
Experience supporting organizations with multiple programs, departments, revenue streams, restricted funds, contracts, or cost centers.
Experience with Shelby, Club Automation, or comparable financial and operational systems.

Responsibilities

Plan, direct, and oversee the Center’s financial operations, including accounting, budgeting, forecasting, reporting, internal controls, cash management, and compliance.
Establish financial practices and controls that support stewardship and long-term financial sustainability.
Lead annual budgeting and forecasting with department leadership, and advise on operating plans, staffing costs, revenue projections, capital needs, and resource allocation.
Monitor financial performance and recommend adjustments in response to changes in revenue, expenses, operations, or organizational priorities.
Oversee accounting operations, including general ledger activity, journal entries, reconciliations, cash and reserve accounts, payroll accounting, financial close, and related controls.
Prepare, review, reconcile, or resolve accounting transactions and discrepancies as operational needs require, ensuring records are accurate and properly supported.
Evaluate financial processes and systems and implement improvements to internal controls, efficiency, and reliability of financial information.
Prepare, direct, and review monthly and annual financial statements, budget comparisons, management reports, and financial analyses.
Analyze budget-to-actual performance, revenue, expenses, trends, and variances; investigate unusual or material activity and identify risks or areas requiring attention.
Develop financial recommendations and work with senior and department leaders to address concerns and improve financial performance.
Oversee accounts receivable, contract billing, revenue collection, aging, and related controls; resolve billing and collection issues and take or direct corrective action.
Direct and participate in financial administration of government, private, and other restricted funding, including grant budgeting, expenditure monitoring, reporting, documentation, billing, and reconciliation.
Review grant-related financial activity for compliance and partner with program leaders and other Salvation Army departments on restricted-fund accounting, reporting, and stewardship.
Serve as the primary financial resource to department leaders, providing analysis, budget guidance, cost-control recommendations, and support for operational and revenue-generating decisions.
Evaluate financial implications of programs, staffing, facility rentals, special events, shared resources, and other initiatives, and provide recommendations.
Directly supervise and develop Finance Department staff, including the Accountant and Accounting Clerk; set expectations and priorities, assign and evaluate work, coach and train staff, conduct performance evaluations, and provide input on personnel decisions.
Maintain sufficient knowledge of departmental accounting functions and perform essential finance activities when staffing, workload, deadlines, or circumstances require.
Coordinate financial support for internal and external audits and maintain appropriate financial documentation, records, reconciliations, and supporting information.
Partner with Human Resources, Divisional Payroll, and other departments to ensure accurate payroll coding and financial reporting and resolve accounting matters.
Exercise independent judgment within established authority regarding financial controls, accounting practices, departmental priorities and resources, and corrective action.
Serve as an active member of the RJKCCC Management Team; communicate significant financial matters, risks, trends, and recommendations to Center and Divisional leadership.
Perform Manager on Duty responsibilities and other duties as assigned.
Adhere to organizational policies and procedures, commit only resources that have been allocated or approved, and keep designated leaders informed of critical issues.