Director of Finance

Lead end-to-end finance operations for The Boulevard of Chicago, advising senior leadership and supporting Board-level financial governance.

Responsibilities

• Oversee accounting, general ledger, financial reporting, and annual Form 1099 filings in line with GAAP, regulatory and grant requirements, and organizational policies.
• Manage timely monthly, quarterly, and annual closes, including financial statements, supporting schedules, and reconciliation of significant balance sheet accounts.
• Produce monthly financial reports, analyses, and budget-to-actual comparisons for management and Board reporting.
• Maintain accurate financial records and partner with Operations to strengthen accounting systems, reporting tools, integrations, and internal processes.
• Lead internal finance team transition by assessing gaps and preparing compliant finance policies and procedures.
• Run annual budgeting with senior leadership and department managers.
• Build forecasts, projections, and scenario analyses to support operational and strategic planning.
• Evaluate trends, risks, opportunities, and budget variances; recommend corrective actions with decision-ready insights.
• Manage cash flow and liquidity to support operations and strategic priorities.
• Serve as primary liaison with financial institutions; manage banking and investment relationships in partnership with the COO and CEO.
• Oversee restricted and unrestricted fund accounting, ensuring compliance with grant, contract, governmental, and donor requirements.
• Prepare and review funding reports and vouchers with Development, HR, and program leaders, monitoring budgets, deadlines, allowable costs, utilization, allocations, and balances to maximize grant dollars.
• Provide financial data and guidance for proposals, funding requests, and compliance reporting.
• Develop and maintain financial policies, internal controls, authorization procedures, and segregation of duties to safeguard assets and mitigate risk.
• Partner with Operations on compliance and financial contract reviews.
• Lead annual financial statement audit and Form 990 processes; act as primary liaison with external auditors and tax professionals.
• Coordinate audit schedules, documentation, responses, and implementation of audit recommendations.
• Support the Finance and Audit Committee by staffing, preparing reports, dashboards, presentations, and strategic financial guidance for the Board Treasurer, COO, CEO, leadership team, and Board.
• Develop and supervise Finance Department staff, set clear expectations, and promote accountability and continuous improvement.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting (required); MBA or CPA preferred.
• 7–10 years of progressive experience across accounting, financial reporting, budgeting, and financial management, with significant nonprofit sector experience.
• Knowledge of nonprofit GAAP, restricted fund accounting, grant accounting and compliance, and strong internal control practices.
• Experience with budgeting and forecasting, cash flow management, balance sheet oversight, and financial analysis.
• Experience leading or coordinating annual financial audits and Form 990 preparation; ability to present financial information to executive leadership and Board or Finance Committee audiences.
• Ability to analyze financial data, identify trends and risks, and provide sound recommendations to senior management.
• Strong supervision and team-development skills; ability to establish effective Finance Department processes and accountability.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills required.
• Proficiency with accounting systems and financial reporting technology required; QuickBooks experience is a plus.
• Professional, detail-oriented, highly organized; strong written and verbal communication skills, including explaining financial concepts to non-financial colleagues.

Technologies

• GAAP
• Microsoft Excel
• QuickBooks

Benefits

• 401(k) retirement plan
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Long-term and short-term disability coverage
• Paid time off

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Ability to remain stationary, use a computer, and review detailed financial information accurately for extended periods.
• Work is primarily performed in an office environment with minimal physical demands.
• Occasional attendance at Board, committee, leadership, and community meetings outside normal business hours may be required.

• Reports to: Chief Operating Officer
• Supervises: Staff Accountant (TBD)
• Status: Full-Time, Salaried, Exempt
• Salary range: USD 90,000 - 110,000 per year
• Location: Chicago Metropolitan Area
• Work location: In person