Who You AreThe Chief Financial Officer (CFO) serves as a strategic and operational leader for the organization's financial functions, ensuring long-term financial sustainability, compliance, transparency, and alignment with mission priorities. The CFO is a trusted advisor to the CEO, Finance and Audit Committees, and the Board of Directors and plays a central role in supporting a complex
federated nonprofit model including approximately 70 individually governed affiliates.The CFO is responsible for enterprise-wide financial strategy, oversight of consolidated financial reporting, federal grant compliance, risk management, while fostering strong, collaborative relationships with affiliate leadership.
What You'll DoESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIESStrategic Financial Leadership- Serves as member of the Executive Leadership Team.
- Partner with the CEO and senior leadership to develop and execute long-term financial strategy aligned with mission and growth objectives.
- Provide financial modeling, scenario planning, and decision support related to strategic initiatives, investments, and enterprise risks.
- Balance strategic, enterprise-level financial leadership with the willingness and ability to engage deeply in financial details-reviewing journal entries, analyzing transactions, and developing hands-on financial models and analytical spreadsheets when needed.
- Serve as lead financial advisor to the Board, Finance Committee, Audit Committee, and other committees as assigned.
Financial Operations & Reporting- Oversee all accounting, budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting functions, including consolidated network reporting across affiliates, as applicable.
- Ensure timely, accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements.
- Lead annual budgeting processes and multi-year financial planning for the National Office.
Federal Grants & Compliance- Ensure full compliance with Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200) and other federal, state, and private funder requirements.
- Partner with the grant program team to align financial and programmatic oversight and compliance.
- Oversee finance-related aspects of federal grant administration, including indirect cost rates, cost allocation, and allowable cost determinations.
- Establish and maintain effective affiliate financial monitoring, technical assistance, and corrective action processes related to financial grant compliance.
Affiliate Financial Relationship Management- Build productive, trust-based relationships with affiliate CEOs, CFOs, and finance leaders.
- Provide guidance, standards, tools, and shared services that strengthen affiliate financial management while respecting local governance.
- Support affiliates through financial reviews, system improvements, and capacity-building efforts.
Audit, Risk Management & Internal Controls- Oversee annual independent audits, consolidated reporting (where applicable), and resolution of audit findings.
- Strengthen internal controls, enterprise risk management, and financial policies and procedures across the National Office.
- Partner with legal, operations and human resources on insurance, retirement plans, and financial risk mitigation.
Treasury, Investments & Assets- Oversee cash management, banking relationships, investments, debt, and reserves.
- Manage endowments, restricted funds, and board-designated reserves in accordance with policy and fiduciary responsibilities.
Systems, Shared Services & Process Improvement- Lead the continued modernization and integration of financial systems, including ERP and reporting platforms.
- Promote automation, data analytics, and continuous improvement in financial operations.
- Partner with Operations and IT to leverage technology tools to improve accuracy and efficiency.
Leadership & Team Development- Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing finance and accounting team.
- Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, service orientation, and continuous learning.
- Model a hands-on, servant leadership approach-willing to engage in any aspect of the finance function when needed, while holding accountability for outcomes at the enterprise level.
- Serve as a values-driven leader who reinforces transparency, integrity, and stewardship.
- Work collaboratively across the organization to build strong, trust-based relationships with department heads; proactively learn and understand the nuances of each department's function, strategy, and operational priorities to ensure financial planning, reporting, and decision-making are well coordinated and aligned.
What You BringEXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS- Bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, or related field required; CPA (required), MBA, or equivalent advanced degree strongly preferred.
- 15+ years of progressive financial leadership experience, including senior executive roles.
- Significant experience in the nonprofit sector, ideally within a federated, networked, or highly decentralized organization.
- Deep knowledge of federal grants management, Uniform Guidance, and complex compliance environments.
- Demonstrated experience working with Boards of Directors and Board Committees.
- Proven ability to lead enterprise financial strategy while balancing national standards and affiliate autonomy.
- Strong systems orientation with experience implementing or optimizing ERP and reporting tools.
- Chicago National Office based role, with periodic travel to affiliate locations, board meetings, and conferences.
SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES- Strategic thinker with strong business and financial acumen
- High level of judgment, integrity, and confidentiality
- Excellent communicator able to translate complex financial information for non-financial audiences
- Collaborative leadership style with the ability to influence without authority
- Change leader experienced in scaling systems and processes in complex organizations
- Commitment to mission, equity, and ethical stewardship of resources.
What We OfferWe offer a competitive compensation and benefits package!
Work Schedule and Compensation• Full-Time: 40 hours per week
• Schedule: Flexible within standard business hours (as assigned)
• Compensation: $200,000-$220,000 per year.
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