Finance and Accounting Director

Description

Position Summary: Forest Park Forever seeks to hire a Finance and Accounting Director to serve as a strategic and operational leader. This role reports to the SVP Finance and Administrative services and supports the SVP in overseeing the organization's financial health, integrity, and sustainability. This role combines treasury management, controllership, financial planning & analysis, and external reporting to support mission-driven growth and innovation.

The Finance and Accounting Director partners with executive leadership to translate financial data into actionable insights, ensuring sound fiscal management while equipping both financial and non-financial stakeholders to make informed decisions.

Essential Job Functions

Treasury & Cash Management

• Lead cash planning and liquidity management to ensure operational stability
• Oversee daily cash positioning, forecasting, and banking relationships
• Develop and execute short-term investment strategies aligned with organizational risk tolerance and policy
• Monitor and optimize working capital and cash flow cycles

Investment & Endowment Oversight

• Provide oversight of endowment performance and strategy
• Serve as primary liaison to third-party OCIO (Outsourced Chief Investment Officer)
• Partner with investment advisors and board committees to ensure alignment with long-term financial objectives
• Support investment reporting and governance processes

Controllership & Internal Controls

• Design, implement, and maintain a strong internal control environment
• Ensure compliance with accounting standards, regulatory requirements, and organizational policies
• Oversee financial close processes, account reconciliations, and financial reporting accuracy
• Continuously assess and improve financial systems and processes

Audit, Tax & Compliance

• Lead the annual financial audit process, including coordination with external auditors
• Prepare and support Form 990 filings in partnership with third-party tax preparers
• Ensure timely and accurate regulatory filings and compliance reporting
• Serve as primary point of contact for audit and compliance inquiries

Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A)

• Lead the annual budgeting process and ongoing forecasting cycles
• Develop financial models to support strategic initiatives, growth opportunities, and scenario planning
• Provide variance analysis and actionable insights to leadership
• Support long-term financial planning aligned with organizational strategy

Strategic Financial Leadership

• Translate financial data into clear, compelling narratives for executive leadership, board members, and stakeholders
• Present financial results and forecasts to both financially sophisticated and non-financial audiences
• Serve as a thought partner in evaluating new programs, investments, and growth opportunities
• Promote data-driven decision-making across the organization

Organizational Education & Reporting

• Educate staff and leadership on fiscal management principles and financial accountability
• Support institutional reporting requirements, including grants, insurance, and external stakeholders
• Develop tools, dashboards, and reporting frameworks to improve financial transparency

Requirements

Position Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field (CPA or MBA preferred)
• Eight to twelve plus (8 - 12+) years of progressive financial leadership experience.
• Experience in nonprofit or mission-driven organizations strongly preferred.
• Ability to utilize software tools to create efficiencies through automation.
• Working knowledge of POS systems, Sage, Raiser's Edge and/or Yooz a plus.
• Demonstrated experience with treasury management, audit oversight, and FP&A.

Core Competencies

• Financial Acumen & Internal Controls: Deep understanding of financial systems, controls, and compliance
• Strategic Thinking: Ability to align financial management with organizational growth and innovation
• Analytical & Modeling Expertise: Advanced financial modeling and forecasting capabilities
• Communication & Storytelling: Ability to clearly articulate financial insights to diverse audiences
• Leadership & Influence: Collaborative leadership style with the ability to educate and guide stakeholders
• Business Partnership: Strong business acumen with a proactive, solutions-oriented mindset

Physical Work Requirements/Work Conditions:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

• Must be able to lift 15 pounds at times.

• Will be expected to access and navigate to each department at FPF's facilities.