Job Details
Description
About Us
For over 130 years the mission of Chicago Commons has been to empower individuals, families, and communities to overcome poverty and systemic barriers, embrace opportunities, and thrive across generations.
Founded in 1894 as a settlement house, the organization serves over 3,500 people annually in under-resourced Chicago neighborhoods such as Humboldt Park, Pilsen, Back of the Yards, and Bronzeville through a multigenerational approach.
Position Summary
We are seeking a strategic, mission‑driven Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to lead finance, accounting, and facilities. The CFO will guide financial strategy, ensure operational excellence, and manage facilities to support organizational growth and long‑term sustainability.
Provide strategic leadership for financial planning, forecasting, and organization‑wide budgeting, ensuring alignment with long‑term goals and mission priorities.
Role & Responsibilities
- Oversee the fiscal management of federal, state, and city grants, ensuring full compliance with all regulatory requirements, reporting standards, and contract obligations.
- Develop, strengthen, and monitor internal controls and financial policies that reflect best practices and meet all grantor, regulatory, and audit expectations.
- Partner with program leadership to ensure financial strategy, resource allocation, and cost structures effectively support programmatic and growth objectives.
- Prepare, analyze, and present financial reports to executive leadership, the Board of Directors, funders, and key stakeholders to inform strategic decision‑making.
- Lead all audit processes—internal, external, and regulatory—and maintain strong relationships with auditors and oversight agencies.
- Supervise and develop finance staff, fostering a culture centered on accountability, operational excellence, and continuous improvement.
- Create and implement an organizational financial strategy designed to optimize working capital, strengthen liquidity, and support long‑term sustainability.
- Direct all revenue cycle functions, including charge capture, billing and collections, adjudication, charge master, health information management, and revenue cycle compliance.
- Oversee the implementation and accuracy of all fiscal reporting, including monthly financial statements, revenue/expense reports, balance sheets, and cash flow projections for Executive and Board review.
- Ensure the integrity of the organization’s internal control structure, safeguarding financial assets and ensuring compliance with all regulatory, contractual, and funding requirements.
- Provide strategic oversight of organizational investments, liabilities, assets, and receivables, ensuring sufficient financial resources for current and future needs; advise the President on market, regulatory, or financial shifts that affect strategy.
- Lead and oversee facilities and procurement functions, ensuring effective vendor management, cost efficiency, operational continuity, and compliance with safety and regulatory standards.
- Serve as the Leader of the Finance Committee, providing strategic guidance, clear reporting, and decision‑ready materials to support governance.
Required Qualifications
- Proven experience as a CFO or senior financial leader in a nonprofit or public sector organization.
- 7+ years of experience as a CFO or VP of Finance
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics or Business Administration
- Strong understanding of federal (e.g., Head Start, CCDF), state, and city funding streams.
- Demonstrated success in financial compliance, reporting, and audit readiness.
- Exceptional leadership, communication, and analytical skills.
Preferred Qualifications
- Proven experience working with financial systems and grant management platforms
- Strong understanding of OMB Uniform Guidance and federal compliance requirements
- Ability to interpret and communicate complex financial data in a clear, actionable way for non-financial audiences
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present information effectively in person, virtually, and in written formats
- Extensive knowledge of grant management, preferably in Early Childhood Education (ECE).
- CPA, MBA, or equivalent advanced degree preferred.
- Experience in strategic growth planning.
Compensation & Benefits
- Compensation Range: $185,000 – $200,000 annually
- Paid Time Off: 22 accrued PTO days per year
- Company Holidays: 10 paid holidays annually
- Insurance Coverage: Employer-paid short-term and long-term disability, life insurance, and AD&D coverage.
- To learn more about Chicago Commons' benefits package, please click HERE
How to Apply
Please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your applicable experience
