Director of Finance

Director of Finance

Jackson County Community Mental Health Fund

Kansas City, Missouri

The Moran Company is pleased to partner with the Jackson County Community Mental Health Fund to recruit the organization's Director of Finance.


Organizational Background

The Jackson County Community Mental Health Fund (CMHF) is a Missouri political subdivision managed by a Board of Trustees. CMHF was established following a ballot initiative approved by Jackson County voters in 1980, pursuant to Missouri State Statutes (sections RsMo 205.975-205.990), which allow a mental health tax levy to support a network of quality services for residents with mental illness.


Today, CMHF operates with a total annual contract portfolio of approximately $19 million, providing crucial mental health service budget supplements to more than 35 nonprofit network agencies. Collectively, these funded agencies serve over 20,000 uninsured and underinsured residents annually, of all ages and areas across Jackson County. CMHF's mission is to support a network of quality mental health services that are equitably accessible and responsive to the varied and unique needs of Jackson County residents. CMHF operates separately from County government, with the Board of Trustees providing fiscal oversight, strategy, governance, and policy approval, while the staff carries out day-to-day operations, quality assurance, and financial management.


Position Summary

Jackson County Community Mental Health Fund (CMHF) is seeking an experienced, strategic, and hands-on leader to serve as the Director of Finance. This critical leadership role serves as the Controller for CMHF, providing strategic stewardship, operational oversight, and financial management to ensure the organization's long-term sustainability and compliance.


The Director of Finance is a key member of a three-person leadership team, working collaboratively with the Executive Director and Director of Programs to provide coordinated strategic leadership for the organization. The Director of Programs leads the organization's grantmaking programs, while the Director of Finance provides strategic stewardship and oversight of the organization's financial management and operational functions. Reporting directly to the Executive Director, the Director of Finance balances big-picture strategic planning with tactical day-to-day execution. The successful candidate ensures compliance with financial standards, develops systems and controls that support organizational efficiency, and guides budgeting, forecasting, and resource planning. In collaboration with the Executive Director, the Director of Finance oversees day-to-day operations, implements policies and processes, and monitors financial and operational performance to advance organizational goals and long-term sustainability.


Key Responsibilities

Financial Strategy & Management

• Lead all financial planning, annual operating budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting processes. Monitor cash flow, expenses, and overall financial performance to ensure the fiscal health of CMHF.
• Perform all accounts payable (AP) transactions and prepare financial reporting to the Board of Trustees in partnership with the external CPA firm.
• Manage the annual independent audit process in close partnership with the external CPA firm.
• Develop financial models and analytical tools to assess scenario planning, potential operational risks, and strategic funding opportunities.
• Oversee treasury, credit, tax, and risk-management functions in partnership with the external CPA firm.
• Ensure strict compliance with all relevant financial regulations, accounting standards (GAAP/modified cash basis), and internal control policies.

Operational Leadership

• Direct and manage daily operational activities through subordinate managers or functional leads.
• Implement operational policies, procedures, and systems that support organizational efficiency and mission delivery.
• Evaluate and optimize operational workflows, technology, and IT infrastructure.
• Ensure organizational compliance with operational standards, regulatory requirements, and Board-approved policies.

Process Improvement & Risk Management

• Develop and maintain rigorous processes, policies, and controls that strengthen financial and operational integrity.
• Identify operational risks and proactively implement mitigation strategies.
• Lead initiatives to streamline internal systems, reduce operational inefficiencies, and enhance organizational performance.

Performance Monitoring & Reporting

• Track and monitor financial and operational metrics to assess progress toward organizational objectives.
• Track Tax Increment Financing (TIF) projects and calculate/monitor their financial impacts on CMHF levy funding.
• Prepare and present financial reports, dashboards, and detailed analyses for executive leadership, Board committees, and stakeholders.
• Use financial and operational data to inform strategic decision-making, resource allocation, and long-range planning.

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Leadership

• Partner actively with the external CPA firm that prepares CMHF's monthly financial reports and informs the annual audit.
• Partner with executive leadership (Executive Director & Board) to align financial and operational strategies with the organization's mission and goals.
• Provide guidance and support to teams across departments on budgeting, compliance, and operational processes.
• Foster a collaborative organizational culture centered on accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement.

Professional Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, business administration, public administration, or a related field is required. An advanced degree (MBA or MPA) or CPA designation is highly preferred.
• 7-10 years of progressively responsible experience in financial management, operations, or organizational administration.
• Experience in nonprofit, public sector, or mission-driven environments is a strong plus.
• Demonstrated experience overseeing budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, and compliance is required. Strong analytical skills with experience developing financial models and performance metrics are essential.
• Proven ability to lead operational functions, manage teams, and implement organizational systems.
• Demonstrated knowledge of regulatory requirements, financial standards, and operational best practices. Specific knowledge of Tax Increment Financing (TIF) and its impact on public levies is highly valued.

Competencies and Personal Attributes

• Curiosity and problem-solving skills: Willingness to dig deeply into financial systems and operational databases to figure out how they connect, identify discrepancies, and correct errors effectively.
• Exceptional communication skills with the ability to translate and break down complex financial issues, data, and variance reporting clearly for non-financial staff, community partners, and Board trustees.
• Forward-thinking mindset with the ability to challenge the status quo, implement systems improvements, and investigate modern operational solutions (including automation and database integration) to support organizational efficiency and scale.
• Highly ethical with a high level of integrity, self-motivated, dependable, detail-oriented, and passionate about accuracy in financial stewardship.
• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to meet strict regulatory and reporting deadlines.
• A collaborative leader who thrives in a non-siloed, mission-driven environment and delivers helpful, cross-departmental support.

Compensation

The annual salary range for this position is $100,000 - $120,000, commensurate with experience. (Please note: No relocation assistance is provided for this role).

CMHF offers a comprehensive, highly competitive benefits package including:

• "Gold level" health insurance (CIGNA Open Access Plus Plan) - employer pays 90% for employee
• Dental and Vision insurance - employer pays 100% for employee
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Company paid Life/AD&D, Short-term and Long-term Disability
• 18 days of personal/vacation time for years 1-4 of service, increasing to 23 days in year 5
• Opportunity to work remotely up to 2 days per week once probationary period is completed

Statement of Non-Discrimination

CMHF is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, veteran status, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any legally protected characteristic. CMHF is dedicated to maintaining a workplace free from discrimination, harassment, and retaliation.

Application Process

The search for the CMHF Director of Finance is being conducted by The Moran Company. Questions about the position can be directed to Jamie Berry, The Moran Company; jamie (at) morancompany.com. To apply for this position, submit cover letter and resume to Jamie Berry, The Moran Company, via the secure online portal. Resume should include all professional education and experience, dates of employment (month and year) and position/title and organization names. Cover letter should articulate relevant experience and fit with the stated preferences of the position.
PLEASE NOTE: All email correspondence from The Moran Company will originate from our official @morancompany.com domain or using our applicant tracking system domain @applytojob.com.