Vice President of Finance

NEW LIFE CENTERS OF CHICAGOLAND NFP•Chicago, IL

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Vice President of Finance position is full-time, 40 hours per week (exempt, benefits eligible). The Vice President of Finance plays a critical leadership role in overseeing all financial operations and strategies to ensure the organization's fiscal health and sustainability. This position is responsible for developing and implementing financial policies, managing budgeting processes, and providing strategic financial guidance to support the organization's mission and long-term goals. The VP of Finance collaborates closely with the executive team and board of directors to ensure transparency, compliance, and effective resource allocation. This role leads financial planning, risk management, and reporting activities, ensuring adherence to regulatory requirements and donor restrictions. Ultimately, this role drives financial performance and accountability, enabling the organization to maximize its impact in the communities it serves. May require some local travel (reimbursable). Pay commensurate with experience.

Requirements

Certified Mandated Reporter (training provided).
Successful completion of required background checks (general, Child Abuse and Neglect Tracking System, National Sex Offender Registry); no pending cases.
Commitment to confidentiality and discretion with participant information.
Valid Illinois driver’s license, insurance, good driving record, and access to a vehicle (driving background check required).
Working phone with active phone number.
Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, or Business Administration is required.
Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience, and expertise in nonprofit accounting, financial strategy, and board reporting, preferred.
Strong knowledge of nonprofit accounting principles and regulatory compliance requirements.
Proficiency with accounting software and financial management systems.
Demonstrated leadership experience managing teams and driving process improvements.
Strong analytical skills to interpret financial data, forecast trends, and provide actionable insights
Effective leadership and communication skills to guide the accounting and finance team and collaborate cross functionally
Ability to clearly present financial information to leadership, the board, and donors
Proficiency with accounting software and financial management systems to ensure efficient operations and accurate reporting
Expertise in nonprofit regulatory compliance to meet legal and governance requirements, preferred.
Experience in grant management to ensure compliance with donor and funding guidelines, preferred.
Commitment to maintaining organizational trust, transparency, and financial credibility
Strong cross-cultural competency.
Proactive, self-directed, and able to problem-solve, multitask, and take initiative.
Highly organized, detail-oriented, with strong time management skills.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
Proficient in Microsoft Office.
Willingness to be trained and proficiently use databases and information-tracking systems relevant to duties.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree or CPA/MBA preferred.
Bilingual English/Spanish preferred, not required.

Responsibilities

Serve as the organization’s accounting and Vice President for a Chicago-based nonprofit with a $30M annual budget and 160 staff.
Act as a strategic advisor to executive leadership on financial sustainability, organizational growth, and long-term fiscal planning.
Align financial strategy with mission priorities while proactively identifying financial risks and opportunities.
Develop and oversee long-term financial plans, forecasts, and financial models to ensure organizational stability.
Lead the annual budgeting process, including development of budget assumptions, preparation of executive-level budget summaries, and ongoing monitoring of performance against plan.
Recommend and implement corrective actions in response to variances or changing organizational needs.
Manage organizational cash flow, liquidity, and reserves.
Oversee restricted and unrestricted funds to ensure proper use and reporting.
Oversee organizational insurance coverage and financial risk management strategies.
Prepare and present financial updates, dashboards, and reports to the Board of Directors and relevant committees.
Support board-level decision-making through clear, actionable financial analysis.
Oversee all accounting operations, including general ledger, reconciliations, and financial close processes.
Ensure accurate, timely financial statements and reporting for internal leadership, funders, and external stakeholders.
Maintain strong internal controls and financial management practices.
Direct the year-end audit process and serve as primary liaison with external auditors.
Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, including nonprofit and government grant requirements.
Oversee adherence to applicable accounting standards and funding regulations.
Ensure all legal communication requirements are satisfied.
Prepares materials as needed for required audits.
Ensure financial compliance with complex grant requirements and funding agreements.
Oversee restricted funding tracking and reporting tied to receivables and reimbursements.
Maintains accuracy of budget and spending plan for the department.
Stay informed about program activities and funding requirements to ensure alignment between revenue and program delivery.
Oversee payroll operations and financial administration of employee benefits for a large, multi-site workforce.
Coordinate closely with HR functions as applicable to ensure accurate compensation and benefits management.
Approves credit card reports and timecards as needed.
Ensure appropriate approval, documentation, and execution of organizational expenditures.
Supervise and develop finance staff and provide leadership across financial operations.
Supervision includes on-site visits, regular check-ins, and break-out planning meetings.
Participate in organizational meetings, program visits, and required trainings.
Maintain departmental accountability, performance tracking, and evaluation participation.
Demonstrate New Life Center’s Values in all professional interactions.
Perform other duties as needed to accommodate the changing needs of the organization.