Director of Accounting - Nonprofit (HHS)

ContinuServe Talent Acquisition & Organizational Development Services; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package (health

401(k) retirement plan

Paid time off and holidays

Job summary

ContinuServe Talent Acquisition & Organizational Development Services seeks a Director of Accounting to oversee full-cycle accounting for nonprofit clients, including grant management and audit preparation. You will supervise staff, ensure compliance, and present financials to client leadership in a fast-paced, client-focused environment.

The role requires strong GAAP knowledge, grants experience, and the ability to work with executive leadership.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant industry experience.
• Strong business acumen with the ability to support organizational objectives.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including data analysis, reporting, and financial modeling.
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Proven ability to interact professionally with C-level executives and senior leadership.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating across teams.
• Industry experience in health and human services or grant management is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary day-to-day contact for nonprofit clients.
• Analyze budgets, cash flow, and financial statements to identify improvements.
• Collaborate with clients to develop comprehensive organizational and grant budgets.
• Oversee preparation and delivery of accurate financial reports to clients.
• Deliver financial presentations to client leadership.
• Provide insights based on key financial metrics and trends.
• Ensure compliance with funding regulations and reporting requirements.
• Assess and mitigate financial risks for clients.
• Lead annual audit preparation and client funding audits.
• Foster relationships with key stakeholders and advise on engagements.
• Partner with client CFO on engagement matters.
• Oversee team deliverables.
• Mentor and develop direct reports.
• Review performance and provide feedback.
• Engage with the client’s community and mission.

Skills

Excel proficiency

Interpersonal skills

C-level communication

Detail-oriented

Independent yet collaborative

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or related field

Job description

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 Director of Accounting provides oversight of direct reports and senior controller services to non-profit 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.

Roles and Responsibilities:

Direct Client Services (80-90%)

• Serves as the primary day-to-day operational point of contact for assigned nonprofit clients
• Conducts thorough financial assessments of each client by analyzing budgets, cash flow, and financial statements to identify areas of improvement and efficiency
• Collaborates with clients to develop comprehensive organizational and grant budgets, ensuring alignment with long-term goals and objectives
• Oversees and supports the preparation and delivery of accurate and timely financial reports to clients
• Delivers financial presentations to Client Leadership such as the Executive Director and Program Director
• 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
• Supports cost saving measures and revenue generation strategies, including but not limited to recommending funding opportunities such as federal, state, and local government grants
• Acts as senior accounting leader providing technical accounting support and insight into applicable accounting subjects such as GAAP revenue recognition and federal grant compliance detailed in 2 CFR 200
• Facilitates public and private funding requirements including budget preparation, budget revisions, compliance, reporting, vouchering oversight, and allowability review(s)
• Leads the annual audit preparation and Client funding audits
• Reviews the accounting support team’s work for accuracy and makes revisions, as applicable
• Fosters strong, collaborative relationships with key stakeholders at each client organization, serving as a trusted technical advisor and advocate
• Addresses client concerns and ensures timely resolution
• Partners with the assigned ContinuServe client CFO, as applicable, on all engagement matters

Supervisory Responsibilities and Other Duties (10-20%)

• Oversees team deliverables
• Manages direct reports and provides mentoring, training, and professional development
• Reviews team performance and provides constructive feedback and signoff on individual development plans
• Engages and participates in the client’s community and mission through various means such as volunteer opportunities
• Other duties as requested

General Knowledge and Skills

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or a related field required.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant industry experience.
• Strong business acumen with the ability to understand and support organizational objectives.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including data analysis, reporting, and financial modeling.
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills
• Proven ability to interact professionally and confidently with C-level executives and senior leadership
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational and problem-solving abilities
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across teams

Industry Specific Matters (Preferred)

• Industry Experience: health and human service, IDD, Housing, or Behavioral health.
• Grant Experience: federal grant administration/management experience preferred, State of Illinois grant administration / GATA experience desired

Compensation & Benefits

Compensation: Starting salary range: $120,000 to $160,000 annually, commensurate with experience. This role is also eligible for bonus.

Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package including paid time off, paid holidays, 401(k), and health insurance coverage, including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.

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 hybid from a home office and at a local client office. Travel may be required at the discretion of the Company. Required travel is typically local to client sites in Greater Chicagoland but may require travel out of state for periods of time.

ContinuServe is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a culturally diverse workforce. We are committed to providing an inclusive environment based on mutual respect for all candidates and team members. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, height, weight, marital status, gender identity expression, disability status, protected veteran, or other legally protected status by state or federal law.