Director of Finance

Chicago Architecture Foundation; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 95,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) with employer match up to 4%

Paid time off

Employee assistance program (EAP)

Life insurance

Short- and long-term disability

Job summary

The Chicago Architecture Center is seeking a Director of Finance to lead accounting, budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting in a nonprofit setting. You will supervise the Accounting Manager and Finance Manager, partner with departmental leaders, and ensure strong internal controls.

This role oversees cash flow, financial analysis, and external audits, while supporting strategic decision-making and compliance for grants, restricted funds, and programs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting/Finance/Business Administration required.
• 4–7 years of progressively responsible finance or accounting experience.
• Supervisory or team leadership experience required.
• Strong budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, cash flow management, and financial analysis skills.
• Experience with external accounting partners or auditors is preferred.
• Experience in a nonprofit or cultural organization is a plus.
• Ability to translate financial information into guidance for non-finance leaders.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership for the Finance function including accounting, budgeting, forecasting, and reporting.
• Supervise the Accounting Manager and Finance Manager and ensure clear accountability.
• Lead annual budgeting and monitor budget-to-actual performance.
• Collaborate with department leaders on budgets, forecasting and resource allocation.
• Present financial analysis and forecasts to executive leadership.
• Oversee cash flow, revenue, expenses and financial position; maintain financial controls.
• Coordinate with external accounting firm and ensure tax filings and audits.
• Oversee grants, restricted funds and program accounting.

Skills

Budgeting

Forecasting

Financial analysis

Excel

Leadership

Financial controls

Nonprofit accounting

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting/Finance/Business Administration

CPA/CMA/MBA preferred

Tools

Accounting software

Auditors coordination

Job description

Who We AreThe Chicago Architecture Center (CAC) is a certified nonprofit organization that uses tours, public programs, and exhibitions to support education and community engagement. From 75+ walking tours and an award-winning river cruise to a striking riverfront Center, CAC connects visitors with Chicago’s architectural heritage and urban future. Revenue from tickets and programs directly funds youth education initiatives, world-renowned events like Open House Chicago, and public information campaigns. These efforts empower residents and visitors to better understand architecture, urban design, and their role in shaping the future of cities. Team members contribute to an organization recognized for its impact on civic engagement and architectural education.Job SummaryReports To: Chief Financial/Operating Officer, Executive Vice PresidentFLSA Status: Full-time, ExemptEmployment Type: Temporary-to-Permanent, Full-TimeThe Director of Finance provides leadership and oversight of the organization’s financial and accounting operations, ensuring strong financial planning, accurate & timely reporting, effective controls, and sound financial decision-making. This role supervises the Accounting Manager and Finance Manager, and serves as the primary finance partner to organizational leadership.The Director is responsible for connecting accounting, budgeting, forecasting, cash flow, and financial analysis into a clear picture of the organization’s financial position. This position is structured as a temporary-to-permanent opportunity with an annual salary range of $95,000–$115,000.Duties and responsibilitiesProvide overall leadership and direction for the Finance function, including accounting, budgeting, forecasting, reporting, and financial operations.Supervise and support the Accounting Manager and Finance Manager, establishing priorities, reviewing work, and ensuring clear accountability across the department.Lead the annual organizational budgeting process and oversee ongoing budget-to-actual performance.Partner with department leaders on budgets, financial planning, forecasting, variances, and resource allocation.Prepare and present financial analysis, forecasts, trends, and recommendations to executive leadership.Maintain visibility into organizational cash flow, revenue, expenses, commitments, and overall financial position.Review monthly and quarterly financial statements and ensure leadership has accurate and timely financial information.Oversee the relationship with the organization’s external accounting firm and ensure accounting services are aligned with organizational needs.Provide oversight of accounts payable, accounts receivable, allocations, reconciliations, and other core finance processes.Ensure appropriate financial controls, policies, procedures, documentation, and approval practices are maintained.Provide leadership-level oversight of the annual audit, tax filings, and other financial compliance activities while supporting the Accounting Manager as the operational lead.Ensure appropriate financial tracking and accounting treatment for grants, contributions, restricted funds, earned revenue, and organizational programs.Identify financial risks, trends, and opportunities and recommend appropriate action to leadership.Improve financial systems, reporting tools, workflows, and processes to strengthen efficiency and internal controls.Support financial modeling, scenario planning, and special projects as organizational needs evolve.Core ValuesOne Team: Collaborate• Listen to others’ points of view and be open to feedback, new information and changed circumstances.• Resolve disagreements and conflicts directly and promptly.• Support group decisions.Continue Learning• Be creative and curious: experiment, explore new ideas and learn from missteps.Respect• Be patient and considerate in dealing with others.• Use appropriate comments, language, and humor that will not offend others.Integrity• Follow through on commitments.Skills and QualificationsBachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field required.Minimum of 4–7 years of progressively responsible finance or accounting experience, including experience overseeing financial operations.Prior supervisory or team leadership experience required.Strong knowledge of budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, cash flow management, and financial analysis.Working knowledge of accounting principles, financial controls, audit processes, and month-end and year-end close.Experience working with outsourced accounting providers, auditors, or other external financial partners preferred.Experience in a nonprofit, cultural, educational, membership, or similarly complex organization preferred.Ability to translate financial information into clear, practical guidance for non-finance leaders.Strong analytical, organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills.Advanced proficiency with Excel and experience working with accounting, budgeting, and financial reporting systems.Ability to balance strategic financial oversight with hands-on support in a lean organizational environment.CPA, CMA, MBA, or other relevant professional credential is preferred but not required.Physical requirementsSupplemental Information to Assist Organizations In Their Compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)http://www.niqca.org/documents/ADAPhysicalRequirementsChecklist.pdfBenefits & PerksHealth Insurance: Full-time positions are eligible for Medical, dental, and vision coverage with employer contributionsRetirement: 401(k) retirement plan with employer match up to 4% eligibility for all employees.Paid Time Off: Full-time positions are eligible for Vacation, Personal, Floating Holidays and paid holidaysWellness & Support: Employee Assistance Program (EAP)Additional Benefits: Life insurance, short- and long-term disability coverage