Senior Director of Finance

Job DetailsJob Location: Chicago, IL 60622Salary Range: $150,000.00 - $163,000.00 SalaryThe Senior Director of Finance provides executive-level strategic financial leadership across the organization, ensuring its long-term financial health while supporting the mission. The SDF serves as a trusted advisor to the ED and Board of Directors on all matters related to financial strategy, risk, and long-term sustainability. They champion fiscal integrity and translate financial data into strategic insight that drives organizational decision-making.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Financial Leadership 

Serve as a strategic business partner to the CEO, helping to guide, communicate, and execute the organization's strategic and financial vision across all departments. 
Lead the development of short- and long-term financial goals and objectives aligned with the organization's strategic plan. 
Develop performance indicators and measurement systems for tracking progress against strategic plan objectives; evaluate and redesign business models where necessary. 
Prepare financial reports for the Executive Director, Directors, and Board of Directors. 
Anticipate emerging business needs, sector trends, and economic developments and translate their implications into actionable organizational plans. 
Evaluate and anticipate current and future economic, social, and governmental influences on the organization's financial performance; provide recommendations to achieve optimal outcomes.

Financial Planning & Oversight 

Develop and maintain the agency's financial operations in alignment with the organization's policies and strategic goals. 
Prepare the annual operating and capital budgets in close collaboration with the Executive Director and Senior Leadership Team. 
Lead the annual audit process, including coordination with external auditors and preparation of all relevant financial materials for the timely completion of the organization's annual audit and IRS Form 990. 
Ensure Single Audit compliance and coordinate responses to audit findings. 
Monitor monthly financial operations; prepare timely analysis and reports and provide guidance to executive and program staff. 
Manage cash flow and financial forecasting; optimize banking relationships and liquidity strategies. 
Identify and address financial risks and opportunities proactively; recommend and implement strategies to safeguard organizational assets. 
Evaluate and recommend process improvements, internal controls, and technology solutions to enhance organizational efficiency and financial reporting accuracy. 
Manage and oversee joint cost allocation methodologies and identify cost savings opportunities. 

Board & Stakeholder Relations

Serve as a key resource and advisor to the Executive Director and Board of Directors on financial operations, risk, and long-term financial security. 
Develop and maintain a trusting, productive relationship with Board members; regularly present monthly financial reports, year-to-date financials, and the multiyear financial forecast. 
Work directly with the Finance Committee to develop policies, monitor implementation, and address the Board's financial oversight needs. 
Recommend changes in strategy, policy, and program operations to achieve the organization's strategic and financial objectives. 
Build compelling financial narratives that support the annual budget approval process and quarterly Board reporting. 

Team Leadership & Development 

Lead, manage, and develop the Finance team, driving continuous process improvement and high performance across the function. 
Establish individual performance goals, conduct regular one-on-ones, and foster a culture of accountability, growth, and professional development. 
Communicate organizational standards, policy changes, and strategic priorities to ensure the team is aligned, focused, and prepared to meet departmental goals. 
Supervise the Comptroller and provide oversight of day-to-day financial operations carried out by the finance team. 

QualificationsRequired 

Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field; CPA or MBA strongly preferred. 
Minimum of 8–10 years of progressive financial leadership experience, including prior CFO, VP of Finance, or Comptroller experience. 
Demonstrated experience in nonprofit finance, including fund accounting, grant management, and federal/state compliance reporting. 
Proven ability to translate complex financial information into clear strategic guidance for executive and board-level audiences. 
Track record of leading and developing high-performing finance teams. 
Deep knowledge of GAAP, internal controls, audit processes, and nonprofit regulatory requirements. 
Experience working with IRS 501(c)(3) organizations and knowledge of fund accounting strongly preferred. 
Superior written and oral communication skills; ability to interact professionally with Senior Manag