Chief Financial & Administrative Officer

Forging Opportunities for Refugees in America; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Forging Opportunities for Refugees in America (FORA) seeks a Chief Administrative Officer to lead financial operations and human resources in Chicago's West Ridge.

The role oversees budgeting, payroll, and financial reporting, coordinates audits and regulatory filings, and advises the board on fiscal matters while ensuring internal controls and compliance with GAAP and IRS requirements. This is an in-person, Monday–Friday position with flexible hours to support FORA's mission and events.

Responsibilities

• Manages effective and streamlined financial systems, including banking, budgeting, purchasing, bill payment, and expense reporting.
• Oversees an outside financial consultant who is responsible for: bank and account reconciliations, fiscal reporting, bill payment, and payroll.
• Performs monthly payroll processing.
• Reviews and approves preparation and finalization of monthly and annual financial reporting materials and metrics.
• In coordination with the Board Treasurer, monitors budgeted versus actual spend and reports on financial matters to the MD and the Board.
• Coordinates all audit and IRS form 990 activities.
• Provides administrative assistance to the MD for the annual budget process.
• Responsible for maintaining and developing strong internal controls and month end close procedures; serve as external representative for financial matters related to the organization.
• Oversees government grant program reporting, including budgeting, amendments, fiscal reporting, and tracking.
• Manages charitable solicitation registrations and state “good standing” certifications via an outside resource.
• Executes IDES reporting.
• Oversees the record management process to ensure meticulous documentation of FORA’s financial and organizational activities.
• Drafts, updates, and ensures compliance with FORA’s Policy and Procurement Manuals.
• Ensures the integrity of financial statements and adherence to regulatory requirements, accounting standards (e.g., GAAP, IFRS), and tax laws.
• Oversees tax, audit, treasury, and compliance functions, ensuring all financial practices are compliant with local, state, and federal regulations.
• In coordination with the Board Treasurer and Board Finance Committee, stewards funds in accordance with financial policies, including long-term restricted funding pools.
• Assists the MD on FORA Board functions, such as but not limited to: Board proposals, Board memos, and Board meeting preparation. Ensures proper filing of all Board meeting minutes.
• Administers the payroll/HR platform for processing job postings, onboarding, payroll, benefits processing, etc. for employees.
• Onboards new employees, including but not limited to: required paperwork and training, selection of benefits, training of administrative processes, verification of employment eligibility, and successful completion of platform onboarding.
• Reports employee contributions to the State of Illinois IRA program.
• Tracks sick time and paid time off for all employees in accordance with FORA policy.
• Confirms hours submitted by employees to process payroll, including reviewing overtime requests for eligibility and compliance.
• Reviews and approves employee reimbursement requests.
• Oversees facilities management including routine office supply, building maintenance, and coordination of capital projects.
• As the managing authority for finance and human resources the Chief Administrative Officer will also ensure understanding and compliance in these matters across the organization.
• Directly supervises the Administrative Officer and the Administration Department.
• Maintains an active and comprehensive understanding of FORA’s programs, guiding principles, and short- and long-term organizational goals.
• Assists the Managing Director with special projects and initiatives as needed.
• Actively participates in staff meetings, professional development sessions, and technical training meetings.
• Supports donor relations and fundraising efforts as requested by the Managing Director and/or Chief Administrative Officer. Responsibilities may include attending donor events, including those held outside of regular working hours.

Job description

Forging Opportunities for Refugees in America (FORA) seeks a Chief Administrative Officer to lead financial operations and human resources in Chicago's West Ridge.

The role oversees budgeting, payroll, and financial reporting, coordinates audits and regulatory filings, and advises the board on fiscal matters while ensuring internal controls and compliance with GAAP and IRS requirements. This is an in-person, Monday–Friday position with flexible hours to support FORA's mission and events.