The Association for association professionals in Chicagoland

Position Summary

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is a key member of the NAIS senior leadership team, responsible for the strategic direction, oversight, and integrity of the organization’s financial operations. Reporting to the President, the CFO leads the Finance and Accounting team and partners with other departments to ensure financial sustainability, compliance, and alignment with NAIS’s mission and strategic goals. The CFO oversees accounting, budgeting, financial reporting, investments, financial planning and analysis, audits, and financial systems, as well as risk management with the general counsel and management team, while fostering a culture of accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities:

Strategic Financial Leadership

• Lead long-term financial planning, forecasting, and modeling to support strategic decision-making.
• Serve as a key advisor to the President and senior leadership on financial strategy, risk management, and sustainability.
• Present financial reports and recommendations to the Board of Trustees and relevant committees.
• Collaborate with department heads to align financial planning with organizational priorities.

Financial Operations & Compliance

• Oversee all accounting functions including general ledger, accounts payable/receivable, payroll, and monthly close.
• Ensure compliance with GAAP, IRS regulations (including Form 990), and multi-state tax requirements.
• Manage the annual audit process and relationships with external auditors and financial institutions.
• Maintain and enhance internal controls and financial policies to safeguard organizational assets.

Budgeting & Reporting

• Lead the development and monitoring of the annual operating and capital budgets.
• Provide timely, accurate, and accessible financial reports to internal and external stakeholders.
• Promote fiscal transparency and financial literacy across departments.

Investment & Cash Management

• Monitor cash flow and manage short-term investments to optimize returns.
• Oversee the organization’s investment portfolio in accordance with Board policy.

Team Leadership & Systems Oversight

• Supervise and develop the finance and administration team, including the Controller, AR/AP/Payroll Managers, and Assistant Controller.
• Ensure effective use and continuous improvement of financial systems (e.g., Sage Intacct, ADP, Salesforce, PN3, Ramp).
• Foster a collaborative, service-oriented team culture.
• Other responsibilities related to financial operations and management as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field (CPA or MBA preferred).
• Minimum 10 years of progressive financial leadership experience, preferably in an association, nonprofit or education-related organization.
• Demonstrated experience in strategic planning, budgeting, audit management, and compliance.
• Experience supervising, coaching, and developing employees.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and team-building skills.
• Proficiency in financial systems and data tools (e.g., Excel, Power BI, Sage Intacct, ADP).

 Preferred skills and Qualifications:

• Demonstrated experience in managing a comprehensive insurance portfolio, including evaluating coverage needs, negotiating policies, and overseeing claims processes, with a proven ability to develop and implement risk mitigation strategies that reduce financial exposure and support organizational resilience.
• Partnered with the Legal team to ensure organizational compliance with risk management requirements and maintain timely execution of insurance renewals.

Competencies:

• Strategic Thinking & Business Acumen: Ability to align financial strategy with organizational goals.
• Financial Stewardship & Risk Management: Ensures compliance and protects organizational assets.
• Leadership & Team Development: Builds and motivates high-performing teams.
• Communication & Collaboration: Communicates complex financial information clearly to diverse audiences.
• Integrity & Accountability: Demonstrates ethical leadership and sound judgment.
• Operational Excellence & Innovation: Continuously improves systems and processes.

Position Attributes

• HR Role: Management Team
• Status & Classification: Regular, Full-time, Exempt
• Business Unit: Finance & Accounting Team
• Supervisor: President
• Location: Remote in the United States with preference for candidates located near NAIS headquarters in Washington, DC
• Physical Requirements: This position primarily involves sedentary work and requires the ability to operate a computer and other office equipment. The CFO must be able to communicate effectively in person, over video conferencing, and via phone and email. Occasional travel may be required for meetings, conferences, or visits to the organization's headquarters. 
• Travel: Some travel is required for this role, including attendance at conferences, organizational events, and visits to our DC headquarters. Candidates located outside the Washington, DC area may be expected to travel more frequently to support collaboration and engagement with the team. Travel needs may vary based on business priorities.

The National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, personal appearance, marital status, family responsibilities, political affiliation, matriculation, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. Disclaimer: This document describes the position currently available. It is not an employment contract. NAIS reserves the right to modify job duties or job descriptions at any time, as determined by the needs of the organization.