The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is a strategic and operational mission-driven executive responsible for overseeing PAWS Chicago’s finance department and partnering with program operations teams, with a focus on the organization’s financial health and sustainability, mission efficiency and effectiveness, managerial and financial analysis and reporting, and operational integrity. This executive has the granular grit to work with the trees and the strategic gravitas to expand and navigate the forest. Reporting to the Executive Director, the CFO serves as a key member of the Executive Team and a trusted advisor on financial and operational planning, strategy and operations, analysis, risk management, and organizational performance.
The CFO ensures that PAWS Chicago’s financial systems, staffing, policies, and practices support long-term mission impact, transparency, and accountability while enabling innovation and growth across programs and operations.
Duties & Responsibilities
Financial Strategy & Leadership
- Liaise with Board of Directors, and Board committees, including Executive Committee Audit Committee, and Finance Committee. Attend Board meetings as requested and present financial information and analysis.
- Partner with the Executive Director and Executive Team to develop and execute financial strategies and operating plans that support PAWS Chicago’s mission, strategic plan, and long-term sustainability. This will include short- and long-term financial planning and optimization.
- Oversee the development and maintenance of documentation for organizational financial policies, SOP’s, procedures and systems with an eye to best practice and internal controls.
- Provide financial analysis, forecasting, and scenario planning to support informed decision-making at the executive and board levels.
- Serve as a strategic thought partner on organizational growth, capital investments, and resource allocation.
- Support Executive Director on long-term strategic and operational planning and execution.
- Continue to develop finance team’s expertise and professional skills, ensuring their growth and development, with an eye towards succession planning across the department.
- Explore implementation of Balanced Scorecard and other planning and strategy tools.
- Lead and oversee strategic and organizational projects as requested.
Financial Operations, Planning, Management & Oversight
- Oversee all financial operations, including standard management and board reporting, planning and budgeting, for cash flow and other cash management functions, balance sheet/debt instruments, and internal controls.
- Ensure accurate, timely, and transparent financial statements in accordance with GAAP and nonprofit accounting standards. Ensure accurate and timely reporting of functional expenses.
- Lead the development and management of the annual operating, capital and all funds budgets, monitoring performance and variances throughout the year.
- Oversee bank accounts, cash management, and interface with investment advisors, ensuring appropriate tracking and reporting of all funds, restrictions and endowments.
- Oversee financial systems and general ledger by being a hands-on operational lead, supporting and guiding the finance team as needed with maintaining books and records.
Compliance, Risk & Governance
- Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local financial, tax, and regulatory requirements, including nonprofit reporting obligations.
- Oversee annual audits and work closely with external auditors and finance committees to ensure strong governance and financial accountability.
- Identify and manage financial risks, implementing policies and controls that safeguard organizational assets.
- Future state: Work with Audit Committee to help develop and oversee an Internal Audit function that reports to the Board of Directors Audit Committee.
Organizational Operations & Systems
- Oversee accounting/financial systems and infrastructure, tools, technology and processes to support efficiency, accuracy, and scalability.
- Partner with operations, development, and program leadership to ensure financial practices align with organizational needs and priorities.
- Manage capital expenditure management and build business cases for investment.
- Support cost analysis and financial modeling for new initiatives, program expansion, and operational improvements.
- Work with departments and the Controller on operational and mission planning, ensuring resources are being efficiently stewarded to optimize mission returns on investment.
Development & Revenue Collaboration
- Collaborate with the Development team to support fundraising strategy, revenue forecasting, and donor stewardship from a financial perspective.
- Ensure strong financial tracking and reporting for grants, restricted funds, and major gifts, including compliance with donor and grant requirements.
Team Leadership
- Lead, mentor, and develop the Finance team, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
- Build strong cross-functional relationships to ensure financial literacy and shared ownership of financial health across the organization.
Other Duties As Assigned
Qualifications
Education & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field; MBA or advanced degree preferred.
- CPA required; active licensure preferred but not required.
- 15+ years of progressive financial leadership experience, including 5-10 years of CFO experience in nonprofit arena.
Skills & Competencies
- Strategic financial leader with strong analytical, forecasting, and problem-solving skills.
- Demonstrated experience building and overseeing robust financial systems and internal controls.
- Technical proficiency and very hands-on with accounting systems.
- Ability to translate complex financial information into clear, actionable insights for non-financial leaders and board members.
- High level of integrity, sound judgment, and commitment to transparency and accountability.
- Experience interfacing with boards.
- Collaborative leadership style with the ability to partner effectively across departments.
- Passion for PAWS Chicago’s mission and commitment to supporting lifesaving impact through strong financial stewardship.
Benefits
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance, including ancillary options and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) through Blue Cross Blue Shield
- 403(b) retirement plan with employer match
- Paid time off, including vacation, sick days, and holidays
