CAAS - Market Facing CFO (Nonprofit Industry)

CLA is a top 10 national professional services firm where our purpose is to create opportunities every day for our clients, people and communities through industry-focused wealth advisory, digital, audit, tax, consulting, and outsourcing services. Even with more than 8,500 people, 130 U.S. locations, and a global reach, we promise to know you and help you.

CLA is dedicated to building a culture that invites different beliefs and perspectives to the table, so we can truly know and help our clients, communities, and each other.

CLA is looking to hire a Market Facing Chief Financial Officer for our fast‑growing Client Accounting & Advisory Services (CAAS) practice, based out of either Ohio or Illinois.

In this role, you will manage a team of 10+ accounting and finance professionals to deliver outsourced accounting solutions to clients as well as provide CFO consulting services. This role will implement strategic initiatives to continue to grow the team and scale operations.

Market Facing / Business Development

• Develop key external business network to grow the CAAS practice.
• When applicable, be known as a CAAS thought leader both within the firm and externally.
• Manage internal and external referrals through use of firm customer relationship management software.
• Interact and coordinate with internal client relationship leaders to grow services with existing CLA clients seamlessly.
• Lead proposal writing and presentation efforts as needed.

As a CFO you will

• Work with clients to set financial policy and drive overall business strategy.
• Frequently partner with client leadership on operational and strategic issues, providing recommendations based on financial analysis of projections, cost identification and allocation, and revenue/expense analysis.
• Monitor progress of budgets and present operational metrics.
• Ensure financial staff maintains financial record systems in accordance with appropriate principles and monitors the use of funds. Manage cash flow and forecasting, directing financial accounting.
• Build strong client relationships and become a key member of client management teams.
• Manage capital planning, risk management, ratio and KPI analysis, and board of director interactions.
• Maintain knowledge of client’s organizational policies and procedures, federal and state policies and directives, and current accounting standards.
• Understand GAAP and industry related technical expertise.

Job Requirements

• Experience: 8+ years in an accounting or finance role.
• Deep nonprofit industry specialization.
• General knowledge of accounting software; working knowledge of QuickBooks, Intacct, and Bill.com preferred.
• Experience building and managing teams through growth and using professional network for business development.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree required in accounting, finance, business administration or related field; combination of experience, education, training may be accepted.
• CPA not required but highly preferred.
• Travel: primarily in‑office with frequent local travel to client sites and occasional non‑local or overnight travel.

Our Perks

• Flexible PTO
• Up to 12 weeks paid parental leave
• Paid Volunteer Time Off
• Mental health coverage
• Quarterly Wellness stipend
• Fertility benefits

Compensation range for this position in Illinois: $127,000–$228,000 annual.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Protected Veterans / Individuals with Disabilities

We emphasize collaboration and career growth. Compensation is competitive and may vary based on geography, experience, education, skills and knowledge.

Wellness at CLA

We focus on well‑being and offer comprehensive benefits: health, dental, vision, 401(k) and more.