POSITION DESCRIPTION
Chief Financial Officer
OUR MISSION
The Chicago Urban League works to achieve equity for Black families and communities through social and economic empowerment.
OUR PURPOSE AND VISION
Economic and racial equity for Black Chicago
Position: Chief Financial Officer
Reports to: Chief Executive Officer
Located: Administrative Office
Classification: Exempt Salary
PRIMARY FUNCTION:
The Chief Financial Officer is a member of the Executive Leadership Team and manages all financial functions of the Chicago Urban League. Those functions include but are not limited to accounting, audits, billing, reconciliations, budget development and tracking, governmental grants reporting, financial operations, management of finance personnel, determination of insurance coverage, management of legal requirements and the development of projections on individual project budgets, grant budgets, and capital improvement budgets.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Oversee all accounts, ledgers, financial software and reporting systems ensuring policies and procedures are in compliance with appropriate GAAP standards and regulatory requirements;
- Oversee an inclusive process to establish an annual operating budget for the Organization as well as CULDC individual budgets;
- Provide staff training in the areas of budget development, budget management, fiscal accountability, finance procedures and related matters;
- Consistently analyze financial data and present financial reports in an accurate and timely manner; clearly communicate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements; monitor progress and changes and keep senior leadership abreast of CUL’s financial status;
- Develop plans to address areas of opportunity within the Organization’s financial health and financial processes
- Provide strategic vision, planning and oversight of CUL’s financial outlook.
- Manage finance department personnel to include hiring, training, delegation of duties, performance management, and review;
- Participate in weekly leadership meetings to discuss direction of the Organization and present financial data.
- Work closely with CUL leadership to: a) maintain, analyze, and interpret general ledger for all funds; b) manage the preparation and analysis of financial reports on a monthly and as needed basis
- Manage organizational cash flow forecasting by working in partnership with department and subsidiary leaders; collaborate to assess the financial efficacy of program operations and establish finance and administrative systems to support program operations.
- Work with external and state, county or city auditors to prepare and review audit schedules and annual report of audit findings.
- Oversee the process for identifying and evaluating opportunities for improved financial operations, recordkeeping and reporting.
- Monitor investment and cash management accounts and work to maximize return on our investments and resources while operating within government regulations.
- Assist the development team in preparing budgets for grant proposals which fit into the organizational strategy.
- Lead organizational planning and development of operating and fund account budgets, and control expenditures against budget.
- Ensure the maintenance of financial records and recordkeeping systems, including grant/fund accounting, to ensure compliance with all regulations, generally accepted accounting practices and contractual requirements.
- Ensure a productive work environment within the finance and accounting function.
- Manage and support financially-related organizational committees such as the Finance Committee, Audit Committee, Investment Committee, and other related groups.
- Attend additional committee and board meetings in an advisory capacity
- Represent the organization as a member of Executive Leadership Team.
RELATIONSHIPS:
Internal – Maintain contact with the Executive Leadership Team and department heads to provide technical assistance in matters of financial operations; interact regularly with Chief Executive Officer and the Board to develop fiscal policies and budgets, and to present regular reports in an advisory capacity. Direct, consult and counsel all organization employees, board members, volunteers and community members in all financial aspects of CUL.
External – Maintain contact with external auditors, vendors, insurance carriers, and other groups.
SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED:
- CPA and/or Master’s Degree preferred.
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in accounting, finance, or business administration, or equivalent.
- A minimum of five years of progressively responsible work experience managing the accounting functions in a non-profit agency or equivalent experience.
- Previous experience with accounting software such as Blackbaud Financial Edge, Razer’s Edge or similar accounting software.
- Thorough knowledge of budgeting and accounting practices, processes, and procedures of non-profit organizations.
- Demonstrated ability to organize, direct and coordinate operations in personnel supervision; the recruitment and retention of key personnel and budget management.
- Good verbal and written communications skills.
- Strong organizational and analytical skills.
- Consistent attention to detail.
- Advanced knowledge and utilization of Excel.
- Strong computer literacy to include use of Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, and more.
- Ability to interact professionally with CUL staff, Board members, volunteers, and other related agencies.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENT:
- Ability to remain stationary for long periods of time
- The worker is required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as: preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; extensive reading
CUL provides equal employment and advancement opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment, without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, pregnancy, gender, disability, national origin, ethnic background, citizenship, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
SALARY: $100,000 – $140,000 in accordance with credentials and experience.
