The Association for association professionals in Chicagoland

A growing and mission-driven organization with multiple lines of business and approximately $12M in annual revenue is seeking an experienced and strategic Director of Finance to lead our financial operations.   We are a fully virtual organization.

This confidential search is ideal for a hands-on finance leader who combines strong technical accounting expertise with operational and strategic insight.

The Director of Finance will oversee budgeting, financial reporting, cash management, audit coordination, compliance, and internal controls while serving as a key advisor to executive leadership.

This requires a strong individual who can design and implement strategy.  Someone who is tactical and analytical.   Be a leader and a team player, responsible for building the annual budget, audit coordination/management, cash management, financial statements, month/year end closes, reporting to the organization as well as the governing board.

This role partners closely with executive leadership to ensure financial sustainability, operational efficiency, strategic growth, and strong internal controls across all organizational activities.

The position also ensures compliance with nonprofit association accounting standards, regulatory requirements, and organizational policies.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead all day-to-day financial operations including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll oversight, and monthly close
• Prepare and manage the annual organizational budget in collaboration with department leaders
• Produce timely monthly financial statements, forecasts, dashboards, and board reporting packages
• Monitor cash flow, investments, and financial performance across multiple business lines
• Ensure compliance with GAAP, regulatory requirements, grant restrictions, and organizational policies
• Coordinate annual audit and tax filings and serve as primary liaison with external auditors
• Develop and maintain strong internal controls and financial procedures
• Supervise finance staff and support ongoing professional development
• Partner with leadership on strategic planning, pricing, operational analysis, and long-range financial modeling
• Support process improvement initiatives and financial systems optimization

Preferred Competencies

• Strategic Financial Leadership
• Financial Planning & Analysis
• Nonprofit Association Finance & Compliance
• Accrual Accounting
• Multi-Entity or Multi-Line Business Operations
• Board & Executive Reporting
• Audit & Risk Management
• Cash Flow & Treasury Management
• Process Improvement & Systems Optimization
• Team Development & Cross-Functional Collaboration

 Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required; CPA preferred
• 7+ years of progressive accounting or finance leadership experience
• Experience in nonprofit association, professional services, or multi-entity environments strongly preferred
• Experience working for an organization with at least $7mill in revenue
• Strong knowledge of budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, and audit management
• Demonstrated supervisory and leadership experience
• High level of discretion, professionalism, and analytical ability
• Advanced Excel and financial systems proficiency required
• Experience working fully virtual