Chief Financial Officer

SkyWater has been retained by Christian Brothers Services, a 250 employee, mission-driven, faith-based organization, to identify their next Chief Financial Officer. A long-standing and highly respected organization, this firm has a strong reputation for its culture, stability, and commitment to serving its members. With more than 60 years of history, the organization operates a complex, multi-entity model spanning health, retirement, risk, and consulting solutions, supporting thousands of institutions across the United States.The Chief Financial Officer role is open due to a leadership transition and represents a critical hire for the organization. Sitting on the executive leadership team and reporting directly to the President & CEO, the CFO will lead all financial strategy, planning, and operations while serving as a key thought partner to leadership and the Board.This is not a traditional CFO role. The organization is seeking a forward-looking, strategic finance leader who can operate beyond accounting, helping guide enterprise decision-making, anticipate downstream impacts, and bring greater clarity and discipline to a complex environment.The CFO will have significant visibility across the organization, regularly engaging with the Board of Directors, audit and finance committees, and other stakeholders. This individual will play a central role in helping the organization evolve, modernize its financial approach, and position itself for long-term, sustainable growth.*** This position offers a very strong overall package; including a competitive base salary, bonus incentives, and robust benefits. ****** We are currently only considering candidates in the Chicago area, or willing to relocate to the Chicago area. This role is based at their HQ in Romeoville, IL with an expectation of a regular on-site presence (Tues-Thurs). ***ResponsibilitiesStrategic Financial LeadershipServe as a trusted advisor and thought partner to the CEO and executive leadership teamProvide forward-looking financial insight to support enterprise decision-making, growth, and long-term planningEvaluate strategic initiatives, cost structures, and investment decisions with an ROI-driven mindsetHelp the organization anticipate second-order impacts of key decisionsFinancial Planning & AnalysisOversee budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting across a complex, multi-entity environmentMonitor financial performance and provide actionable insights to improve efficiency and outcomesEstablish discipline around financial planning, resource allocation, and performance managementTranslate financial data into clear insights for both financial and non-financial stakeholdersOperational ExcellenceOversee accounting, treasury, and financial operations, ensuring strong internal controls and complianceMaintain and enhance financial systems, processes, and reporting capabilities to support scalabilityDrive process improvements and operational efficiency across the finance functionEnsure adherence to regulatory requirements, plan documents, and service agreementsStakeholder ManagementServe as the primary financial liaison to the Board of Directors, audit committee, finance committee, and other governance bodiesMaintain strong relationships with external partners including auditors, financial institutions, and advisorsLead communication of financial results, forecasts, and key initiatives to internal and external stakeholdersLeadership & Team DevelopmentLead, develop, and mentor a high-performing finance team within a tenured, mission-driven cultureFoster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvementSupport the organization through ongoing leadership transition and generational changeDesired Skills And ExperienceMINIMUM REQUIREMENTS/QUALIFICATIONSBachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, economics, or related field15+ years of progressive financial leadership experienceExperience as a CFO, divisional CFO, or senior finance leader in a complex organizationDemonstrated ability to operate in multi-entity or highly governed environmentsStrong financial acumen across planning, reporting, and performance managementProven ability to partner with executive leadership and influence strategic decision-makingPREFERRED QUALIFICATIONSMaster of Business AdministrationCertified Public AccountantExperience within financial services, insurance, healthcare, or other regulated industriesExperience working closely with boards, trustees, or governance committeesKNOWLEDGE, SKILL & ABILITIESStrategic Thinking – Ability to anticipate risks, evaluate trade-offs, and guide long-term decision-makingFinancial Acumen – Deep understanding of financial drivers and ability to translate insights into actionExecutive Presence – Confidence and credibility to engage effectively with senior leadership and boardsCollaboration – Builds strong partnerships across functions and stakeholdersIntellectual Curiosity – Brings a forward-looking mindset, including interest in leveraging data, systems, and emerging technologiesLeadership – Proven ability to lead and develop high-performing teamsCommunication – Ability to clearly articulate complex financial concepts to diverse audiencesChange Agility – Comfortable operating in an evolving environment with organizational and leadership transition