Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

Chief Financial Officer

The 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.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic 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 Bring

EXPERIENCE 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 Offer

We 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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