CTU Foundation: Finance Manager

NRG Consulting; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 125,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

The CTU Foundation seeks a Finance Manager to provide senior financial leadership for CTUF and CTF across a multi-entity structure. You will oversee budgeting, forecasting, reporting, cash management, and compliance, while coordinating with an outsourced accounting firm and auditors.

You will support the Executive Director and Board with strategic financial analysis, dashboards, and risk management to sustain the organization's mission and operations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field.
• Five+ years of progressive financial management experience in the nonprofit sector.
• Experience with multi-entity organizations (501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4)).
• Experience managing external accountants, auditors, or outsourced providers.
• Strong budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting and analysis skills.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, technology, and presentation skills.
• Ability to communicate complex financial information to diverse audiences.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a strategic advisor to the Executive Director and Board.
• Lead long-range financial planning, forecasting, and scenario analysis.
• Develop financial dashboards, performance metrics, and management reports.
• Oversee budgeting, reporting, and financial controls across CTUF and CTF.
• Manage the outsourced accounting relationship and compliance activities.
• Present financial information to the Board and committees.

Skills

Financial leadership

Budgeting

Forecasting

Financial reporting

Stakeholder management

Communication

Audit coordination

Multi-entity governance

Education

Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Public Administration, or related field

Job description

Finance Manager

Reports To: Executive Director

Location: Chicago, IL

FLSA Status: Exempt

Salary Range: $125,000–$135,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

About The CTU Foundation

The CTU Foundation consists of two related organizations operating through a resource-sharing agreement: the Chicago Teachers Union Foundation (CTUF), a 501(c)(4), and the Children and Teachers Foundation (CTF), a 501(c)(3). Together, they support educational, charitable, professional learning, and community-based initiatives through a diverse mix of revenue sources, including grants, contributions, earned income, rental income, and investments.

Position Summary

The Finance Manager serves as the senior financial leader and strategic advisor to the Executive Director and Board of Directors. This position is responsible for financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, cash management, compliance oversight, and financial analysis across CTU Foundation's multi-entity structure. The Finance Manager provides strategic financial leadership, supports organizational decision-making, and helps ensure the long-term financial sustainability of the Foundation.

The Finance Manager will be a one person Finance department and will oversee the organization's outsourced accounting firm and serve as the primary liaison with auditors, banks, investment advisors, and other financial partners. The position is responsible for oversight, review, and quality assurance of accounting services, but does not perform routine accounting operations. The Finance Manager may conduct some functions not covered by the outsourced accounting firm's contract if needed.

Essential Responsibilities

Financial Leadership and Planning

• Serve as a strategic advisor to the Executive Director and Board.
• Lead long-range financial planning, forecasting, and scenario analysis.
• Identify financial risks and opportunities and recommend appropriate actions.
• Develop financial dashboards, performance metrics, and management reports.
• Support financial sustainability across CTUF and CTF.

Budgeting and Financial Management

• Lead the annual budgeting process in partnership with leadership and department managers.
• Monitor budget performance and provide variance analyses and recommendations.
• Produce timely financial reports for management and the Board.
• Support grant, contract, and program budgeting.

Oversight of Outsourced Accounting Services

• Manage the relationship with the outsourced accounting firm.
• Review financial statements, reconciliations, and reports for accuracy and completeness.
• Establish expectations, deliverables, and reporting timelines.
• Ensure accounting services support organizational reporting, compliance, and governance needs.

Financial Reporting and Analysis

• Prepare and present financial analyses for leadership and the Board.
• Monitor organizational financial performance and communicate trends and risks.
• Support decision-making through accurate and meaningful financial information.
• Oversee reporting related to grants, contracts, and restricted funds.

Cash Management and Stewardship

• Oversee cash flow, reserves, investments, and banking relationships.
• Monitor organizational assets and revenue streams.
• Support Board-approved reserve and investment strategies.
• Monitor financial activity across affiliated entities and shared resources.

Board, Audit, and Compliance

• Prepare materials and present financial information to the Board and committees.
• Coordinate the annual audit and serve as primary liaison to auditors.
• Develop and maintain financial policies, internal controls, and compliance practices.
• Monitor nonprofit financial, audit, tax, and regulatory requirements.

Systems and Process Improvement

• Recommend improvements to financial systems, controls, reporting, and workflows.
• Evaluate financial software and reporting tools.
• Promote efficient, transparent, and effective financial operations.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Public Administration, or related field.
• Five or more years of progressively responsible financial management experience in the non-profit sector.
• Nonprofit, foundation, labor, education, advocacy, or mission-driven organization experience.
• Experience working within multi-entity organizations, including 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) structures.
• Strong relationship management and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Sound judgment, discretion, and commitment to financial stewardship.
• Strong experience in budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, and financial analysis.
• Experience managing external accountants, auditors, or outsourced financial service providers.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, technology, and presentation skills.
• Ability to communicate complex financial information to diverse audiences.

Preferred

• CPA, CMA, MBA, or similar credential.
• Experience with grants management, fund accounting, and restricted funds.
• Fundraising or development experience.
• Experience providing financial oversight in complex organizational environments, including resource-sharing arrangements and multiple funding streams.
• Understanding of nonprofit financial management, governance, IRS regulations, audits, and compliance requirements.
• Experience presenting financial information to Boards, Finance Committees, or Audit Committees.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

CTU Foundation is committed to creating a workplace where all employees are valued, respected, and supported. We believe diverse perspectives strengthen our organization and advance our mission. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds and experiences to apply.

The Finance Manager will support the Foundation's commitment to equitable and transparent financial stewardship and responsible resource allocation that advances organizational impact and opportunity for all.