Finance Director (Chicago)
About Firehouse Community Arts Center Firehouse Community Arts Center (FCAC) is a Chicago-based nonprofit advancing community safety, youth development, and economic mobility through violence intervention, arts-based healing, and workforce pathways. We operate street outreach and case management, deliver trauma-informed programming, and convene partners to reduce gun violence and strengthen neighborhood well-being. Our work is supported by a diversified portfolio that includes government contracts, foundations, corporate partners, and individual donors. Position Summary The Finance Director is a strategic leader responsible for safeguarding FCAC’s financial health and building a modern, compliant, and data-driven finance function. This role oversees all fiscal operations, including budgeting, cash flow, reporting, internal controls, grant compliance, and audit readiness. The Finance Director manages a small, growing team: Finance Coordinator (receipts, payroll, budget support), Bookkeeper (QuickBooks and monthly reconciliations), and the Accounts payable specialists, and partners closely with program, development, and operations leads. The Finance Director does not perform the audit but leads all preparation, liaison, and follow-up. This role is ideal for a mission-driven nonprofit finance leader who can blend high-level strategy with hands-on systems building in a scaling environment. Key Responsibilities Strategy, Planning, and Reporting Lead annual organizational budgeting and quarterly forecasting; align budgets to strategic priorities and funder requirements. Own the monthly close package: actuals vs. budget, cash position and runway, program P&L, and variance analysis for leadership and board finance committee. Develop rolling 12 - 18 month cash flow projections; model scenarios and mitigation strategies. Establish key financial dashboards and KPIs for leadership and board use. Conduct analytical reviews and financial analysis: trend analysis, cost-per-outcome, unit economics by program, margin diagnostics, and scenario sensitivity to inform decisions. Grants & Controls Oversee the Bookkeeper’s monthly reconciliations and ensure timely, GAAP-compliant close. Strengthen internal controls, approvals, documentation standards, and segregation of duties. Ensure payroll, benefits, and personnel records are accurately administered and documented through BambooHR and aligned with allocations, compliance, and internal controls. Maintain compliant HR policies, procedures, and employee documentation in coordination with leadership. Grants, Contracts, and Cost Allocation Implement grant budgeting, restricted funds tracking, time & effort allocation, and allowability under federal, state, and county rules (including Uniform Guidance where applicable). Government contract management: oversee full lifecycle (budgeting, compliance, invoicing/drawdowns, amendments, desk reviews/site visits, and closeout) for city, county, state, and federal awards. Prepare drawdowns, reimbursement packets, and audit-ready documentation; coordinate with program leads to validate programmatic support for expenses. Standardize grant reporting calendars and deliverables across departments. Treasury and Risk Manage banking relationships; maintain appropriate signatories and user permissions. Oversee cash management, reserves policy development, and investment guidance in alignment with board policy. Coordinate employee insurance coverages, benefits administration, annual renewals, and HR-related risk mitigation practices. Systems and Process Improvement Own the finance tech stack (QuickBooks Online, BambooHR for payroll/time, and related tools); drive automation, accuracy, and auditability. Document and train staff on standard operating procedures for purchasing, reimbursements, payroll allocations, and documentation retention. Partner with data systems (e.g., Apricot or similar) to ensure finance-program data integrity for outcome-based reporting. Team Leadership and Board Relations Supervise the Finance Coordinator, Bookkeeper, and Building Director/Bill Payer; set goals, coach performance, and build capacity. Staff the board finance committee; present clear, decision-useful materials and risk updates. Serve as primary liaison to external auditors and tax preparers. 90-Day Success Outcomes Deliver a current, reconciled month-end close and board-ready finance dashboard. Publish an updated finance policies and procedures manual and control matrix. Implement a grants calendar with standardized reporting packets and allocation methods. Produce a cash flow model with risk triggers and mitigation steps. Qualifications 5 years progressive nonprofit finance leadership, including budgeting, grants management, compliance, and audit preparation; experience with government grants strongly preferred. Mastery of GAAP for nonprofits, fund accounting, restricted contributions, and cost allocation. Proficiency with QuickBooks Online and Excel/Google Sheets; familiarity with BambooHR or comparable HRIS/payroll systems. Demonstrated success building internal controls, closing processes, and board-level reporting in a scaling organization. Excellent communication skills; able to translate complex financials into plain language for non-finance stakeholders. CPA or MBA a plus; commitment to FCAC’s mission is essential. Compensation and Schedule $100,000 annually, full-time, exempt; compensation commensurate with experience. Flexible schedule within standard business hours; occasional evening meetings (e.g., board/committee). START DATE: January 4, 2027 To Apply Send a resumé and a brief cover letter outlining relevant finance leadership experience and examples of systems or controls you have implemented. Include two references. EEO Statement FCAC is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
