Director of Finance

Director of Finance

Choose Chicago is the official sales and marketing organization responsible for promoting Chicago as a global visitor destination to business and leisure travelers. The Director of Finance is a senior leadership role within the Finance department and serves as the second-in-command, working in close partnership with the CFO to lead financial analysis, evaluation, and reporting activities across the organization. This is a hands-on, high-visibility position for a strategic and detail-oriented finance professional who is equally comfortable in the numbers and in the room — someone who can step in for the CFO on internal and external presentations, board and committee reporting, and stakeholder communications when needed. Beyond ensuring accuracy and compliance, the ideal candidate is a forward-looking finance leader who actively seeks out new ways to track, measure, report, and protect the organization's financial resources. This includes a genuine interest in emerging technology, including AI-enabled tools, and a drive to modernize and streamline finance operations, policies, processes, cash flow, and efficiencies across the organization.

The Director of Finance is responsible for maximizing the return on financial assets by ensuring compliance with financial policies, procedures, controls, and reporting systems, and for legal and regulatory compliance across all accounting and financial reporting functions. This position oversees and manages cost and general accounting, accounts receivable and payable, and budgeting, and acts as a trusted deputy to the CFO. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Serve as the CFO's key partner and backup, representing the Finance department in internal and external meetings, presentations, and reports when the CFO is unavailable.
• Monitor and enforce financial policies and procedures; protect organizational assets by establishing, overseeing, and enforcing internal controls.
• Provide status of the organization's financial condition by collecting, interpreting, and reporting key financial data in tandem with the CFO.
• Identify, recommend, and implement new methods, tools, and technologies — including AI-enabled financial software — to track, measure, report, and safeguard organizational funds more effectively.
• Create, analyze, and manage the business requirements and budgets of all departments to ensure their needs are met.
• Manage budgets and control expenses effectively to ensure healthy cash flow.
• Provide financial analysis, forecasts, and projections as requested, translating financial data into clear, actionable recommendations for leadership.
• Coordinate corporate credit card management and monthly expense reconciliation.
• Manage the monthly financial reporting process, including variance analysis and management reporting.
• Prepare monthly general ledger and other account reconciliations.
• Manage the monthly and annual closing timeline to ensure all activity is captured and deadlines are met.
• Manage and develop finance staff effectively, fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
• Stay current on information, technology, and best practices affecting the finance function to increase efficiency and ensure compliance.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Sales, Marketing, HR, and other departments to support organization-wide planning and decision-making.
• Perform ad hoc duties such as monitoring cash and account balances; scheduling the annual audit; handling correspondence with the IRS and state tax departments; and participating in Finance Committee and Board meetings alongside the CFO.
• Any and all duties necessary for the success of Choose Chicago.

Qualifications:

Minimum qualifications include a Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Accounting, or a related field; CPA or CMA a plus. Seven or more years of progressive management experience in finance and accounting, ideally including experience as a second-in-command or deputy to a senior finance executive. Proficiency with financial and accounting software systems, including Sage Intacct; experience with Bill.com preferred. Proficient in using workplace AI technologies and automation tools to improve efficiency while maintaining strict adherence to data privacy, confidentiality, and company policies. Strong analytical and quantitative skills with the ability to translate complex financial data into clear, strategic recommendations. Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to confidently present financial information to executives, board members, and external stakeholders. Proven ability to multitask and manage competing priorities while collaborating effectively across a variety of departments. Strong proficiency in Excel and other analytical and data visualization tools. Experience managing and developing staff. Excellent organizational and leadership skills; sound judgment and strong business acumen. Experience in an association, destination marketing organization, or non-profit environment strongly preferred; familiarity with fund accounting, grant or restricted-fund reporting, and hotel/tourism tax revenue structures a plus. Comfortable and effective in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment; equally strong working with numbers and with people. Detail-oriented, conscientious, organized, adaptable, and professional in behavior and appearance. Sound understanding of internal controls, risk management, and regulatory compliance. Strategic thinker who takes pride and ownership in their work and exercises discretion with confidential financial information. Team player with the ability to work independently as a self-starter; seeks career growth and continuous learning. Trustworthy, ethical, loyal, and willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done.

Physical requirements include the ability to work at a computer for extended periods. Ability to work nights and weekends as needed, including attending business events with leadership members, venue openings, receptions, client appreciation events, media functions, and similar activities. Ability to work in-office a minimum of three (3) days per week. Choose Chicago is an Equal Opportunity Employer.