Chief Financial Officer at One Family Illinois – Chicago, Illinois

The Chief Financial Officer serves as a key member of the executive leadership team and strategic partner to the CEO. The CFO provides financial leadership, ensures organizational sustainability, and drives data-informed decision making. This role oversees financial management, planning, compliance, and reporting, while aligning financial strategy with the mission and growth of One Family Illinois.

This role leads financial strategy, planning, and performance while ensuring strong internal controls, regulatory compliance, and data-informed decision making. The CFO oversees financial operations and provides executive oversight of Information Technology functions to ensure alignment across systems, people, and financial performance.

The CFO partners closely with the Board of Directors and Finance Committee to support fiduciary oversight and advance the organization’s mission to strengthen families and communities.

Major duties include, but are not limited to the following:

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Strategic Financial Leadership

• Serve as a strategic advisor to the CEO and executive team on financial planning, growth, and sustainability
• Lead long-term financial strategy, including multi-year forecasting and scenario planning
• Align financial planning with organizational priorities, program impact, and strategic goals
• Translate financial data into actionable insights to support decision making

Financial Management and Oversight

• Oversee all financial operations, including accounting, budgeting, payroll, and financial reporting
• Ensure strong internal controls and compliance with GAAP, federal and state regulations, and nonprofit standards
• Monitor cash flow, reserves, and financial performance to ensure organizational stability
• Lead the annual audit and tax processes in partnership with external auditors

Budgeting and Financial Planning

• Lead the development and implementation of the annual budget and multi-year financial plans
• Partner with program and department leaders to align budgets with operational and strategic priorities
• Monitor financial performance and recommend adjustments to ensure fiscal health
• Implement systems that support accurate cost allocation and program-level financial analysis

Grant and Contract Financial Management

• Ensure financial compliance with all government contracts, grants, and funding requirements
• Oversee financial reporting, billing, and revenue tracking for all funding sources
• Support funding strategy through financial analysis and cost recovery optimization
• Serve as financial liaison with government agencies and funding partners

Board and External Relations

• Lead financial reporting and presentations to the Board of Directors and Finance Committee
• Provide clear, concise financial insights to support governance and decision making
• Maintain relationships with banking institutions, auditors, insurers, and external partners
• Advise on financial implications of contracts, partnerships, and organizational initiatives

Operational and Risk Management

• Ensure effective financial systems, processes, and controls are in place
• Oversee risk management strategies, including insurance, compliance, and financial safeguards
• Support agency-wide understanding of financial performance and accountability
• Provide financial oversight for agency events and initiatives as needed

Organizational Collaboration

• Partner with the Chief Strategy Officer to align financial planning with strategic priorities, performance metrics, and organizational growth, including Human Resources.
• Collaborate with the Chief Program Officer to ensure program budgets, cost structures, and financial performance align with service delivery goals
• Partner with the Chief Advancement Officer to support fundraising strategy, revenue forecasting, and donor reporting
• Support cross-functional planning and decision making through financial insight and analysis

Financial Systems and Risk Management

• Ensure effective financial systems, processes, and internal controls are in place
• Oversee risk management strategies, including insurance, compliance, and financial safeguards
• Support agency-wide understanding of financial performance and accountability
• Review and advise on technology investments that support financial operations and data security

Tax Compliance/Payroll/Benefits

• Oversee preparation of agency payroll and reporting. Perform analysis and projections on agency compensation costs and ensure proper cost recording.
• Serve as an Agency internal expert and provide guidance to agency staff on IRS regulations concerning not-for-profit organizations.
• Ensure receipt of agency tax returns completed by external auditors; ensure compliance with and filing and reporting of federal – state taxes for payroll and sales taxes.
• Provide leadership over the agency’s payroll and benefits programs. Ensure compliance with benefit laws, identify benefit opportunities and cost reductions.

Perform other duties as assigned by the CEO.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Provide direct supervision and leadership to all finance staff, including Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, and the Business Manager
• Build and lead a high-performing finance team focused on accuracy, accountability, and continuous improvement
• Support staff development in financial management, budgeting, and reporting practices
• Establish and maintain effective policies, procedures, and internal controls across financial functions

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, Finance, or related field required
• CPA strongly preferred; Master’s degree preferred
• Minimum of 7–10 years of progressive financial leadership experience
• Experience in nonprofit, human services, or government-funded environments strongly preferred
• Strong knowledge of nonprofit accounting, GAAP, and regulatory compliance
• Experience with budgeting, forecasting, and financial strategy development
• Ability to pass DCFS required criminal background check including CANTS/SACWIS and SORS.
• Ability to provide required DCFS Medical Report/TB test.
• Valid Illinois driver's license with acceptable driving record; insured and reliable transportation.

Core Competencies

• Strategic thinking with strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to translate complex financial data into clear insights
• Strong leadership and team development capabilities
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• High level of integrity, professionalism, and accountability
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment

ADA DISCLAIMER/STATEMENT: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the person assigned to this position. Position responsibilities are intended to describe those functions that are essential to the performance of this job. This position description does not state or imply that the above are the only duties and responsibilities assigned to this position. Employees holding this position will be required to perform any other job-related duties requested by management. All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with a disability.

ONE FAMILY ILLINOIS is an equal opportunity employer. Employment, assignment, and promotion practices are carried out in accordance with all applicable laws, rules, regulations and orders without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, physical handicap, social handicap, sex, age, or ancestry.