Director of Finance

Title: Director of Finance and Administration

Reports To: Chief Financial and Operations Officer

Supervises: Accounting and Administration Coordinator

Department/Program: Finance and Administration

Organizational Context :

Forefront is one of the few statewide associations in the US whose membership includes grantmakers, operating nonprofits, and their advisors. Founded in 1974, Forefront has served as a trusted resource and leader committed to educating, unifying, and mobilizing the sector in Illinois. Our mission is to build a vibrant social impact sector for all the people of Illinois. We provide education, advocacy, and thought leadership, and facilitate collective action around issues that are important to our members and to the sector. Our goal is to create a united and thriving social impact sector that has a transformative impact on the wellbeing of and economic security of communities and promotes equity across the state of Illinois.

General Job Description:

Reporting to the Chief Financial and Operations Officer, the Director of Finance and Administration will be responsible for the management of the organization’s accounting and financial functions. The individual in this role will be measured by their ability to provide accurate and timely information to internal and external stakeholders, and to work respectfully and collaboratively in a diverse and sometimes fast paced environment.

• Manage day-to-day financial functions, including accounts payable/receivable, audits, and tax preparation, ensuring accurate and efficient processes.
• Prepare and analyze financial statements, projections, and reports for internal and external stakeholders, including the board of directors and funders.
• Process bi-weekly payroll.
• Oversee the annual audit process and ensure compliance with GAAP, form 990 preparation, and other relevant accounting standards.
• Develop and manage the annual budgeting process for individual programs and the overall organization, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities.
• Manage and participate in the transition of MIP/Abila to a new accounting platform.
• Manage grant tracking processes for various funding sources, specifically for foundation grants.
• Monitor cash flow and projections to ensure financial sustainability.

Leadership and Collaboration

• Lead and mentor accounting coordinator responsible for accounts payable and cash receipts processes.
• Ensure CFOO and Program Directors have information necessary to manage revenue and expenses, and to comply with grant and the overall strategic priorities of the organization.
• Work collaboratively with the advancement and program teams to ensure compliance with all grant deliverables and reporting requirements. Train staff in financial management concepts and budget management, as needed.

Human Resource Administration

• Support CFOO in administration of Human Resource function in updating records using Professional Employer Organization platform for new and existing employees. Forefront currently uses Trinet.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

The Director of Finance and Administration position will be a challenging and rewarding opportunity that requires a diverse set of skills and experiences. While we understand that no single candidate can possess every qualification listed below, the following are priority areas:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance required; CPA preferred.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in a not-for-profit environment.
• Knowledge of GAAP and other regulations specific to nonprofit finance.
• Experience with multiple programs and a variety of restricted funding sources.
• Advanced skills in Excel; a dept at adopting modern technology; comfortable using cloud-based collaborative software.
• Attention to details and accuracy in data entry, ability to review, identify and correct errors.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize tasks and follow through on projects.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain composure in a fast-paced environment.
• A record of supervisory experience effectively managing a small team.

Location:

Hybrid work environment requires weekly time in Chicago Loop office. Occasional overtime, especially during month end close, audit preparation, and audit fieldwork.

Position Classification: Full-time, Exempt