Finance Director

The Firehouse Community Arts Center of Chicago; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The Firehouse Community Arts Center in Chicago seeks a Finance Director to safeguard FCAC’s financial health, manage budgeting, cash flow, reporting, and audits, while leading a small finance team.

Responsibilities include grant budgeting, cost allocation, compliance, payroll through BambooHR, and board reporting, collaborating with program and development teams.

Qualifications

• 5+ years progressive nonprofit finance leadership experience.
• Mastery of GAAP for nonprofits and fund accounting.
• Experience with government grants strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead annual budgeting and quarterly forecasts.
• Own monthly close package including variances and cash runway.
• Develop rolling cash flow projections and dashboards for leadership.
• Oversee payroll, accounts payable, and internal controls.

Skills

Nonprofit finance leadership

Budgeting

Grant management

GAAP knowledge

Board reporting

Communication

Education

CPA

MBA

Tools

QuickBooks Online

Excel/Google Sheets

BambooHR

Job description

Title: Finance Director Location: Chicago Compensation: $100,000 Reports to: Executive Director, CEO, & Board of Directors

About Firehouse Community Arts Center

Firehouse Community Arts Center (FCAC) is a Chicago-based nonprofit advancing community safety, youth development, and economic mobility through violence intervention, arts-based healing, and workforce pathways. We operate street outreach and case management, deliver trauma-informed programming, and convene partners to reduce gun violence and strengthen neighborhood well-being. Our work is supported by a diversified portfolio that includes government contracts, foundations, corporate partners, and individual donors.

Position Summary

The Finance Director is a strategic leader responsible for safeguarding FCAC’s financial health and building a modern, compliant, and data-driven finance function. This role oversees all fiscal operations, including budgeting, cash flow, reporting, internal controls, grant compliance, and audit readiness. The Finance Director manages a small, growing team: Finance Coordinator (receipts, payroll, budget support), Bookkeeper (QuickBooks and monthly reconciliations), and the Accounts Payable Specialist (accounts payable), and partners closely with program, development, and operations leads. The Finance Director does not perform the audit but leads all preparation, liaison, and follow-up.

This role is ideal for a mission-driven nonprofit finance leader who can blend high-level strategy with hands-on systems building in a scaling environment.

Key Responsibilities

Strategy, Planning, and Reporting

• Lead annual organizational budgeting and quarterly forecasting; align budgets to strategic priorities and funder requirements.
• Own the monthly close package: actuals vs. budget, cash position and runway, program P&L, and variance analysis for leadership and board finance committee.
• Develop rolling 12 - 18 month cash flow projections; model scenarios and mitigation strategies.
• Establish key financial dashboards and KPIs for leadership and board use.
• Conduct analytical reviews and financial analysis: trend analysis, cost-per-outcome, unit economics by program, margin diagnostics, and scenario sensitivity to inform decisions.

Accounting, Controls, and Compliance

• Oversee the Bookkeeper’s monthly reconciliations and ensure timely, GAAP-compliant close.
• Strengthen internal controls, approvals, documentation standards, and segregation of duties.
• Maintain compliant policies and procedures; ensure consistent adoption across teams.
• Ensure payroll and benefits are administered accurately in BambooHR and aligned to allocations.

Grants, Contracts, and Cost Allocation

• Implement grant budgeting, restricted funds tracking, time & effort allocation, and allowability under federal, state, and county rules (including Uniform Guidance where applicable).
• Government contract management: oversee full lifecycle (budgeting, compliance, invoicing/drawdowns, amendments, desk reviews/site visits, and closeout) for city, county, state, and federal awards.
• Prepare drawdowns, reimbursement packets, and audit-ready documentation; coordinate with program leads to validate programmatic support for expenses.
• Standardize grant reporting calendars and deliverables across departments.

Treasury and Risk

• Manage banking relationships; maintain appropriate signatories and user permissions.
• Oversee cash management, reserves policy development, and investment guidance in alignment with board policy.
• Coordinate insurance coverages, annual renewals, and risk mitigation practices.

Systems and Process Improvement

• Own the finance tech stack (QuickBooks Online, BambooHR for payroll/time, and related tools); drive automation, accuracy, and auditability.
• Document and train staff on standard operating procedures for purchasing, reimbursements, payroll allocations, and documentation retention.

Team Leadership and Board Relations

• Supervise the Finance Coordinator, Bookkeeper, and Accounts Payable Specialist; set goals, coach performance, and build capacity.
• Work closely with the board finance committee; present clear, decision-useful materials and risk updates.
• Serve as primary liaison to external auditors and tax preparers.

Qualifications

• 5+ years progressive nonprofit finance leadership, including budgeting, grants management, compliance, and audit preparation; experience with government grants strongly preferred.
• Mastery of GAAP for nonprofits, fund accounting, restricted contributions, and cost allocation.
• Proficiency with QuickBooks Online and Excel/Google Sheets; familiarity with BambooHR or comparable HRIS/payroll systems.
• Demonstrated success building internal controls, closing processes, and board-level reporting in a scaling organization.
• Excellent communication skills; able to translate complex financials into plain language for non-finance stakeholders.
• CPA or MBA a plus; commitment to FCAC’s mission is essential.

Compensation and Schedule

$100,000 annually, full-time; compensation commensurate with experience. Flexible schedule within standard business hours; occasional evening meetings (e.g., board/committee).

EEO Statement

FCAC is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.