Director of Finance

Chicago Architecture Foundation; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) with match

Paid time off

Hybrid schedule

Job summary

The Chicago Architecture Center seeks a Director of Finance to lead the organization’s finance and accounting functions. You will own the monthly close, annual budget, internal controls, and financial reporting to guide strategic decisions.

The role requires hands-on leadership, collaboration with department heads, and strengthening financial policies. You will manage the finance team, coordinate audits, and partner with leadership to translate complex financial data into clear reports.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• Significant experience leading a finance function and building internal controls.

Responsibilities

• Own the monthly close and annual budget process.
• Provide financial reporting and analytics to leadership and Board.
• Lead audits and ensure GAAP compliance and internal controls.
• Educate department leaders on budgets and financial practices.

Skills

Leadership

Budgeting

GAAP

Internal controls

Audit preparation

Financial policy

Excel

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance

CPA preferred

Tools

ERP systems

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. Ticket and program revenue 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.Who We NeedThis is a builder role. The right candidate has led a finance team through change before. They can step in quickly, own the monthly close and annual budget from day one, diagnose what is not working, and fix it. Just as important, the Director serves as a trusted finance partner and educator to department leaders, helping them understand their budgets, make sound financial decisions, and follow consistent financial practices across the organization.Job SummaryThe Director of Finance leads the Chicago Architecture Center’s finance and accounting function. Reporting to the Chief Financial and Operating Officer/Executive Vice President, the Director is responsible for accurate, timely financial operations; a well-managed annual budget process; sound internal controls; and reliable financial reporting that leadership can use to make strategic decisions. The Director supervises the finance team. This includes setting priorities, reviewing work for accuracy, holding the team accountable for results, and staying involved hands-on when needed to meet deadlines. The Director also establishes documents and continuously improves the department’s standard processes, policies, and controls. As the primary finance partner to department leaders, the Director builds financial understanding across the organization by guiding leaders on budgets, spending, and sound financial practices.Duties and responsibilitiesBudgeting, Forecasting, and AnalysisOwn the annual organizational budget process from start to finish, including the timeline, templates, department submissions, consolidation, and quality review, so the budget presented to leadership and the Board is accurate and complete.Manage budget-to-actual performance and forecasting throughout the year, identifying variances early and recommending corrective action.Prepare and present financial analysis, forecasts, trends, and recommendations to executive leadership and the Board as requested.Maintain visibility into organizational cash flow, revenue, expenses, commitments, and overall financial position, and support financial modeling and scenario planning.Accounting, Controls, and ComplianceOwn a timely and accurate monthly and year-end close, reviewing financial statements, reconciliations, and journal entries for accuracy before they are shared with leadership.Oversee accounts payable, accounts receivable, allocations, reconciliations, and other core finance processes.Build, document, and maintain standard operating procedures, internal controls, approval workflows, and a finance calendar of key deadlines.Lead preparation for the annual audit and tax filings, including audit schedules and responses, in partnership with the Accounting Manager and external auditors.Ensure accurate tracking and accounting treatment for grants, contributions, restricted funds, earned revenue, and organizational programs, in partnership with development and program teams.Manage the relationship with the external accounting firm, ensuring a clear scope of work, quality deliverables, and alignment with organizational needs.Partnership and Financial EducationServe as the primary finance partner to department leaders, meeting with them regularly to review budgets, spending, and forecasts.Educate and coach leaders and staff on financial policies, budgeting, purchasing, and sound financial practices through training sessions, guides, and one-on-one support.Translate financial information into clear, practical reports and tools that non-finance leaders can understand and act on.Systems and Continuous ImprovementAssess and improve financial systems, reporting tools, and workflows to strengthen accuracy, efficiency, and internal controls.Identify financial risks, trends, and opportunities and recommend appropriate action to leadership.Leadership and Team ManagementProvide hands-on leadership for the Finance function, including accounting, budgeting, forecasting, reporting, and financial operations, and serve as the first line of review on all finance work before it reaches the Chief Financial and Operating Officer.Lead, recruit, and develop the finance team; set clear priorities, deadlines, and performance standards; review work for accuracy; and address performance issues promptly and constructively.Step in to perform hands-on work (close, reconciliations, budget builds, and analysis) when needed to meet deadlines and maintain accuracy.Benefits & PerksHealth & wellness: Medical, dental, and vision plans for full-time employees, plus an Employee Assistance Program, FSAs, and pre-tax commuter benefits.Financial security: 401(k) with a dollar-for-dollar match up to 4%, employer-paid life and disability insurance, and optional voluntary benefits.Time off: 11 paid holidays, 2 floating holidays, vacation starting at 10 days, personal time starting at 12 days, and paid parental leave.Work-life: Hybrid schedule for eligible roles and professional development support.Skills and QualificationsRequiredBachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.8+ years of progressively responsible accounting and finance experience, including at least 3 years directly managing a finance or accounting team.Demonstrated success stabilizing or rebuilding a finance function, such as catching up a delayed close, cleaning up records, restoring audit readiness, or turning around an underperforming team. Candidates should be prepared to share specific examples.Hands-on experience owning a full annual budget process and the monthly and year-end close, including reviewing the work of others for accuracy.Strong command of GAAP, internal controls, account reconciliations, and audit preparation.Experience writing and implementing financial policies, standard operating procedures, and process documentation.Proven ability to coach, develop, and hold staff accountable, including managing performance concerns.Ability to explain financial information clearly to non-finance leaders and build their financial confidence; experience training or presenting to leadership teams.Exceptional attention to detail, sound judgment, and the ability to manage competing deadlines and stay steady under pressure in a lean environment.Advanced proficiency with Excel and experience with accounting, budgeting, and financial reporting systems.PreferredCPA strongly preferred; CMA, MBA, or other relevant credential also valued.Nonprofit accounting experience, including restricted funds, grants and contributions, and Form 990.Experience in a cultural, educational, or membership organization with earned revenue such as tours, programs, retail, or events.Experience managing outsourced accounting firms and external auditors.Experience implementing or upgrading accounting or budgeting systems.