Director of Finance

Who We Are The Chicago Architecture Center (CAC) is a certified nonprofit organization that uses tours, public programs, and exhibitions to support education and community engagement. From 75+ walking tours and an award-winning river cruise to a striking riverfront Center, CAC connects visitors with Chicago’s architectural heritage and urban future. Revenue from tickets and programs directly funds youth education initiatives, world-renowned events like Open House Chicago, and public information campaigns.

These efforts empower residents and visitors to better understand architecture, urban design, and their role in shaping the future of cities. Team members contribute to an organization recognized for its impact on civic engagement and architectural education.

Job Summary

Reports To:

Chief Financial/Operating Officer, Executive Vice PresidentFLSA Status:
Full-time, Exempt

Employment Type:

Temporary-to-Permanent, Full-Time The Director of Finance provides leadership and oversight of the organization’s financial and accounting operations, ensuring strong financial planning, accurate & timely reporting, effective controls, and sound financial decision-making. This role supervises the Accounting Manager and Finance Manager, and serves as the primary finance partner to organizational leadership.

The Director is responsible for connecting accounting, budgeting, forecasting, cash flow, and financial analysis into a clear picture of the organization’s financial position. This position is structured as a temporary-to-permanent opportunity with an annual salary range of $95,000–$115,000.Duties and responsibilities

Provide overall leadership and direction for the Finance function, including accounting, budgeting, forecasting, reporting, and financial operations.

Supervise and support the Accounting Manager and Finance Manager, establishing priorities, reviewing work, and ensuring clear accountability across the department.

Lead the annual organizational budgeting process and oversee ongoing budget-to-actual performance.

Partner with department leaders on budgets, financial planning, forecasting, variances, and resource allocation.

Prepare and present financial analysis, forecasts, trends, and recommendations to executive leadership.

Maintain visibility into organizational cash flow, revenue, expenses, commitments, and overall financial position.

Review monthly and quarterly financial statements and ensure leadership has accurate and timely financial information.

Oversee the relationship with the organization’s external accounting firm and ensure accounting services are aligned with organizational needs.

Provide oversight of accounts payable, accounts receivable, allocations, reconciliations, and other core finance processes.

Ensure appropriate financial controls, policies, procedures, documentation, and approval practices are maintained.

Provide leadership-level oversight of the annual audit, tax filings, and other financial compliance activities while supporting the Accounting Manager as the operational lead.

Ensure appropriate financial tracking and accounting treatment for grants, contributions, restricted funds, earned revenue, and organizational programs.

Identify financial risks, trends, and opportunities and recommend appropriate action to leadership.

Improve financial systems, reporting tools, workflows, and processes to strengthen efficiency and internal controls.

Support financial modeling, scenario planning, and special projects as organizational needs evolve.

Core Values One Team:
Collaborate
• Listen to others’ points of view and be open to feedback, new information and changed circumstances.
• Resolve disagreements and conflicts directly and promptly.
• Support group decisions.

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