Director of Finance And Accounting

Finance & Accounting Director (501c3)Chicago (Onsite)Cherry Bekaert is partnering with a well-established, mission-driven organization serving communities across the Chicago area that is seeking a hands-on Finance Director to lead its accounting and finance function.This is a full-time, onsite role based on the North Side of Chicago. The position combines Finance Director and Comptroller responsibilities and reports directly to the Executive Director, with regular interaction with the Board’s Finance Committee.The Opportunity:The organization supports multiple programs and funding sources and is focused on strengthening financial processes, audit readiness, and systems efficiency. This role is ideal for a finance leader who is comfortable working hands-on, supporting day-to-day accounting operations, reinforcing controls, and incrementally improving systems and workflows.This is a working leadership role that requires the ability to balance execution and oversight while managing and developing a lean finance team.Key Responsibilities:Lead all accounting and finance operations, including general ledger, accounts payable/receivable, payroll oversight, cash management, and month-end closePrepare and present budgeting, forecasting, variance analysis, and financial reporting for executive leadership and the BoardManage external audits and ongoing compliance reportingSupervise, mentor, and develop a finance and accounting team (approximately four staff)Oversee compliance and reporting across multiple funding sourcesImprove documentation, controls, and financial processes; contribute to practical systems enhancements (QuickBooks Online, spreadsheets, integrations)Partner with executive leadership on financial planning and operational decision-makingIdeal Background:Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance5–7+ years of progressive accounting and finance experienceExperience within nonprofit environments strongly preferredDemonstrated ability to operate as a hands-on finance leader within a complex organizationAdvanced Excel/Google Sheets skills and experience with QuickBooks or comparable accounting systemsStrong communication skills, with the ability to present financial information to non-finance stakeholders and Board membersCPA or MBA a plus, but not requiredWork Environment & ExpectationsFully onsite (five days per week); in-office presence is non-negotiableHighly collaborative, hands-on organizational culture with significant visibility at the leadership and Board levelEngaged, detail-oriented Board environment requiring professionalism and clear communication