Chief Financial Office - Nonprofit (HHS)

ContinuServe Talent Acquisition & Organizational Development Services; Chicago (IL); Remote; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

ContinuServe is seeking an Assistant Vice President to oversee direct reports and deliver CFO services to nonprofit clients, managing full-cycle accounting, budgeting, cash management, grant oversight, and audit prep.

You will act as a trusted advisor to C-level executives, lead GAAP-compliant financial reporting, drive process improvements, ensure regulatory compliance, and mentor a team to support multiple engagements across the Chicago area.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or related field.
• 10+ years of senior-level accounting experience in nonprofits or similar sectors.
• Experience supporting nonprofit organizations and grant management.

Responsibilities

• Oversee direct reports and deliver CFO services to nonprofit clients.
• Manage full-cycle accounting functions including budgeting, cash management, and audit preparation.
• Provide strategic financial advice and ensure GAAP-compliant reporting across engagements.
• Develop budgets and forecasts in collaboration with client leadership.
• Lead risk assessment, internal controls, and compliance with funding regulations.

Skills

Excel proficiency

GAAP knowledge

CFO-level financial analysis

Client relationship management

Internal controls

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or related field

Master's degree in Accounting/Finance (preferred)

CPA designation (preferred)

Tools

ERP systems

Financial reporting systems

Excel (advanced)

Job description

We Are Built for the Pace of Possibility.

ContinuServe is a tech-enabled outsourcing firm that partners with clients to provide finance, accounting, human resources, and technology services. We have deep category knowledge and deliver personalized service to help businesses impact their bottom line daily. We provide strategies that streamline and strengthen operations in today’s fast-paced environment.

Purpose of the Job:

The Assistant Vice President provides oversight of direct reports and delivers CFO services to nonprofit organizations by executing contractual obligations, including managing the full-cycle accounting functions of multiple clients such as financial statement preparation, cash management, grant management, budgeting, and audit preparation support. The Assistant Vice President also serves as a brand ambassador and thought-leader of ContinuServe and helps initiate, maintain, and develop relationships.

Roles and Responsibilities:

Direct Client Services (80%)

• Serves as the primary point of contact for assigned nonprofit clients, offering strategic financial advice and guidance to support their organizational objectives
• Conducts thorough financial assessments for each client, analyzing budgets, cash flow, and financial statements to identify areas for improvement and efficiency
• Collaborates with clients to develop comprehensive budgets and financial forecasts, ensuring alignment with their long‑term goals and objectives
• Oversees and supports the preparation and delivery of accurate and timely financial reports to clients
• Delivers financial presentations to key client stakeholders such as the finance committee and board of directors
• Provides insights and recommendations based upon key financial metrics and industry trends
• Ensures client compliance with all relevant financial and funding regulations and reporting requirements by proactively identifying and addressing any potential compliance issues
• Assesses and mitigates financial risks for clients by implementing effective strategies to safeguard their financial assets and investments
• Evaluates and streamlines financial processes and procedures for clients, leveraging technology and best practices to enhance efficiency and effectiveness
• Reviews and recommends cost saving measures and revenue generation strategies, including but not limited to recommending funding opportunities such as federal, state, and local government grants
• Serves as subject matter expert and advisor on all client related accounting and financial matters including but not limited to the Code of Federal Regulations, indirect cost rates, allocation methodologies, and accounting standard updates (ASU’s)
• Applies deep GAAP knowledge to ensure compliant financial reporting and sound accounting practices across engagements
• Fosters strong, collaborative relationships with key stakeholders at each client organization, serving as a trusted advisor and advocate
• Addresses client concerns and ensures timely resolution

Supervisory Responsibilities (10%):

• Oversees team deliverables and the execution of contractual obligations
• Manages multiple direct reports and provides mentoring, training, and professional development
• Reviews team performance and provides constructive feedback and sign-off on individual development plans

Other Duties and Responsibilities: (5-10%)

• Provides thought leadership through presentations on technical and management issues to organizations and prospective clients
• Supports review and management of contract scope, pricing, and staffing to ensure financial profitability of assigned engagement(s)
• Engages and participates in the client’s community and mission through various means such as volunteer opportunities
• Other duties as requested

Extent of Public Duties:

• Serves as a representative of ContinuServe and a thought leader to organizations within the industry and broader community, displaying courtesy, tact, consideration, and discretion in all interactions

General Knowledge and Skills

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or a related field
• 10+ years of senior-level accounting experience (Director of Finance, Controller, CFO, CAO, or similar)
• 10+ years of experience supporting nonprofit and/or industry-specific organizations
• Strong knowledge of full-cycle accounting and financial management
• Advanced proficiency in Excel
• Advanced knowledge of accounting and financial reporting systems
• Strong business acumen and problem-solving skills
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to build relationships with key stakeholders and C-level executives
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize and manage multiple competing priorities

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field
• CPA designation
• Experience managing and developing teams
• Experience creating, implementing, and improving processes and operational efficiencies

Desired Qualifications

• Prior experience in a consulting environment
• Experience with Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) organizations
• Experience supporting multiple clients simultaneously
• Experience serving in a fractional CFO or outsourced finance leadership capacity

Industry Specific Matters (Preferred):

• Industry Experience: health and human service related organizations.
• Grant Experience: federal grant administration/management experience preferred, State of Illinois grant administration / GATA experience desired

Physical demands: This position requires daily use of fingers, talking, sitting, listening, and vision. Equipment used includes, but is not limited to: computers and keyboards, calculators, writing utensils, and telephones. Employee must be able to lift up to 40 pounds.

Travel Requirements: This position predominantly operates remotely from a home office or at a local office at the employee’s discretion. Travel, while unlikely, may be required at the discretion of the Company. Required travel is typically local to client sites in Greater Chicago but may require travel out of state for periods of time.

ContinuServe is an equal employment opportunity employer.