Senior Director of Finance

# Senior Director of Finance Chicago, IL 60622## Overview Salary Range$ - $ Salary## Description The 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.
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* 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.## Qualifications
** Required
* ** 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 Management and Board of…