Finance Director

The WRTP | BIG STEP Finance Director is a strategic leadership role responsible for overseeing the financial health, integrity, and sustainability of the organization. This position provides direction and accountability for all financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, reporting, compliance, and internal controls, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and contractual obligations.

The Finance Director serves as a key member of the leadership team, partnering closely with the COO, Data Analyst Manager, and Regional Directors to align financial strategy with program performance, operational priorities, and data-driven decision-making. This role ensures that financial systems, processes, and reporting structures support organizational growth, transparency, and accountability to funders, stakeholders, and governing bodies.

This position leads financial planning and analysis, strengthens fiscal management practices, and ensures compliance with all regulatory, audit, and grant requirements. Success in this role is defined by strong financial stewardship, improved decision-making through actionable insights, effective risk mitigation, and the ability to support program and organizational expansion through sound financial strategies.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Financial Leadership & Strategy

• Provides strategic financial leadership and direction to ensure organizational sustainability and long-term growth.
• Develops and manages the annual budget, multi-year financial projections, and forecasting processes in alignment with organizational goals.
• Advises executive leadership and the Board on financial planning, performance, and risk management.
• Translates financial data into actionable insights to support strategic decision-making across programs and operations.
• Partners with leadership to align financial strategies with programmatic goals and funding requirements.

Financial Management & Oversight

• Oversees all financial operations, including accounting, payroll, accounts payable/receivable, and general ledger functions.
• Ensures accuracy, timeliness, and completeness of financial reporting, including monthly, quarterly, and annual statements.
• Develops and maintains effective financial systems, policies, and procedures to support operational efficiency and accountability.
• Monitors cash flow and financial performance, identifying trends and implementing corrective actions as needed.
• Ensures proper allocation of costs across programs and funding sources.

Compliance, Audit & Risk Management

• Ensures compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations, as well as grant and contract requirements.
• Oversees preparation for audits and coordinates with external auditors to ensure successful outcomes.
• Establishes and maintains strong internal controls to safeguard organizational assets and mitigate financial risk.
• Monitors adherence to financial policies and procedures across the organization.
• Ensures accurate and compliant financial reporting to funders and stakeholders.

Grant & Contract Financial Management

• Oversees financial management of grants and contracts, ensuring proper budgeting, expense tracking, and reporting.
• Collaborates with program and leadership teams to align financial resources with program deliverables and outcomes.
• Supports development of grant proposals by providing financial data, projections, and budget narratives.
• Monitors grant performance to ensure compliance with funding requirements and avoid financial risk.

Data Analysis & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partners with the Data Analyst Manager to integrate financial and programmatic data for performance monitoring and decision-making.
• Collaborates with the COO and Regional Directors to ensure alignment between financial planning and operational execution.
• Supports organizational performance tracking by linking financial outcomes to program metrics and impact indicators.
• Provides financial training and guidance to program staff to strengthen fiscal accountability and understanding.

Leadership, Supervision & Organizational Contribution

• Supervises and develops finance staff, providing leadership, coaching, and performance management.
• Builds a high-performing finance function aligned with organizational values and goals.
• Promotes a culture of accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement.
• Supports cross-functional initiatives and organizational priorities as part of the leadership team.
• This role requires a high degree of accountability, leadership, and collaboration. The Director of Finance is expected to operate strategically while also ensuring operational excellence across all financial functions.
• This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. The employee may be required to perform other duties consistent with the role and organizational needs.

Physical Demands / Work Environment

• This is not a remote position. Work is primarily performed in a professional office environment in Milwaukee, with extended periods of computer use.
• Requires the ability to communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders in both individual and group settings.
• May require occasional travel to program locations, meetings, or external partner sites.
• Ability to remain seated for extended periods and occasionally lift up to 15–25 pounds as needed for office or program support functions.

Skills

• Financial Expertise: Strong knowledge of accounting principles, financial management, budgeting, forecasting, and reporting.
• Strategic Thinking: Ability to connect financial data to organizational strategy and long-term planning.
• Leadership & Management: Proven ability to lead, develop, and manage staff while fostering accountability and growth.
• Analytical Skills: Strong data analysis skills with the ability to interpret complex financial information and identify trends.
• Communication: Ability to clearly communicate financial concepts to both financial and non-financial stakeholders.
• Problem Solving: Identifies financial risks and develops solutions to address challenges proactively.
• Collaboration: Works effectively across departments to align financial and operational goals.
• Attention to Detail: Ensures accuracy and compliance in all financial processes and reporting.
• Adaptability: Ability to manage competing priorities and respond to changing organizational needs.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or related field required (CPA or advanced degree preferred).
• Minimum of 5–7 years of progressive financial management experience, preferably in nonprofit or workforce development environments.
• Demonstrated experience in budgeting, financial reporting, and compliance management.

Additional Requirements

• Strong knowledge of GAAP and nonprofit accounting standards.
• Experience managing grants, contracts, and funder reporting requirements.
• Proficiency in financial systems and Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
• Proven leadership and team management experience.
• Ability to work effectively with executive leadership, board members, and external stakeholders.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive financial information.

Benefits

• Health Insurance – Employer pays 85% of premium
• Dental & Vision Insurance – 100% employer-paid
• Life & AD&D Insurance – 100% employer-paid
• Short- and Long-Term Disability – 100% employer-paid
• Vacation and personal days after probation
• 14 paid holidays annually
• Retirement Contribution – 10% of monthly salary
• Annual Salary - $85,000 - $90,000