Senior Financial Analyst

Chicago Public Media•Chicago, IL

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Chicago Public Media is one of the nation’s largest local nonprofit news organizations, reaching over 3.3 million people weekly across broadcast, print, and digital platforms. As a mission-driven organization, they aspire to be the most trusted news source for understanding the people, events, and ideas shaping Chicago. They believe independent journalism is essential to a healthy democracy and that access to objective, fact-based news is a right for every citizen. They serve the public interest by creating diverse content that informs and enriches the community, supported by approximately 250 professionals. The Senior Financial Analyst is responsible for CPM’s financial modeling and reporting, including Executive Management and Board reporting, quarterly forecasts, annual operating plans, longer-term strategic analysis, detailed reporting for audit, tax, and grants, and reporting for the annual insurance renewal. This role creates the financial update and business narrative for Finance Committee and Board of Directors meetings. In addition to financial modeling and reporting, the Senior Financial Analyst is responsible for analytical decision support and scenario modeling to assist with executive-level, strategic decision-making. The Senior Financial Analyst is tasked with ensuring that CPM’s third-party financial software meets the organization’s financial objectives along with the organization’s reporting and compliance needs. In partnership with the accounting team, the Senior Financial Analyst serves as the project manager, systems implementation manager, systems administrator, and trainer for key financial systems including the general ledger reporting software, FP&A reporting software, and expense reimbursement software. The Senior Financial Analyst has one direct report (Senior Data Analyst).

Requirements

Advanced proficiency in financial modeling, key performance indicators (KPIs), budgeting, and forecasting
Very strong analytical mindset with financial analysis and modeling skills
Consistently able to demonstrate independent problem-solving and critical thinking skills
Proactive style with very strong organization and attention-to-detail
Strong understanding of financial analysis, U.S. GAAP, and not-for-profit accounting principles
Strong people management skills
Proficient in financial reporting (Sage Intacct, Limelight, Expensify), Excel (advanced skills), and data tools (SQL, Power BI)
Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple deliverables and priorities in a timely manner
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills – Ability to translate complex analytics into actionable business recommendations
10+ years of progressive finance experience with at least 5 years in financial planning roles.
Minimum of 3 years of experience in not-for-profit financial management, preferably with organizations of similar size and complexity.
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or related field

Nice To Haves

MBA preferred
CPA preferred

Responsibilities

Create and analyze financial models and reports to provide accurate and timely financial recommendations to the executive team for decision-making around new initiatives and projects
Explain complex financial concepts to non-finance partners in a clear and concise manner
Lead annual budget and forecasting cycles, setting out timelines and managing department heads to stay on plan
Prepare executive and Board level presentations and reporting on business and financial performance
Seek out areas where we can improve existing financial efficiencies
Project manage and lead third-party financial system implementations and training
Manages approval paths, users, dimensions, and other maintenance in third-party financial software, along with troubleshooting issues as they arise
In conjunction with People and Culture, administer the SAG/AFTRA collective bargaining agreement
Other duties as assigned