Finance Director

YWCA of Cleveland; Cleveland (OH); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

YWCA Greater Cleveland is seeking a Finance Director to serve as the organization’s chief financial strategist and trusted advisor to the executive leadership and Board of Directors.

You will oversee the financial health of a growing nonprofit, partnering with leaders across departments to sustain impact and growth. This role emphasizes transparency, collaboration, and strategic budgeting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• Seven+ years of progressively responsible financial leadership experience.
• Strong knowledge of nonprofit accounting, budgeting, forecasting, and reporting.

Responsibilities

• Lead all financial operations, accounting, budgeting, forecasting, and cash management.
• Develop long-range financial strategies that support growth and sustainability.
• Translate financial data into clear insights for leaders and the Board.
• Partner with department leaders to build budgets and analyze performance.
• Prepare monthly statements and executive reports for senior leadership and the Board Finance Committee.
• Oversee audits, compliance, and grant financial management.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Financial analysis

Communication

Team development

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance

CPA preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

Nonprofit financial software

Job description

Finance Director

At YWCA Greater Cleveland, our mission is clear: eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all.

Behind every life changed, every family supported, and every community strengthened is a strong financial foundation. We're looking for a Finance Director who believes that financial leadership is about more than numbers—it's about creating clarity, building trust, and helping mission-driven leaders make informed decisions that maximize impact.

This executive leadership role is ideal for someone who enjoys turning complex financial data into compelling stories, partnering with leaders across different backgrounds and communication styles, and using financial strategy to advance organizational goals.

If you're equally comfortable analyzing financial trends, presenting to a Board of Directors, coaching department leaders through their budgets, and thinking strategically about long-term sustainability, we'd love to meet you.

What You'll Do

As Finance Director, you'll serve as the organization's chief financial strategist and a trusted advisor to the executive leadership and the Board of Directors. You'll oversee the financial health of a growing nonprofit while building strong relationships across the organization.

You'll:

• Lead all financial operations, accounting, budgeting, forecasting, and cash management.


• Develop long-range financial strategies that support organizational growth and sustainability.


• Translate financial data into clear, meaningful insights that help leaders make informed decisions.


• Partner with department leaders to build budgets, understand financial performance, and identify opportunities.


• Prepare monthly financial statements and executive reports for senior leadership and the Board Finance Committee.


• Lead annual budgeting, forecasting, audits, and financial compliance.


• Oversee grant financial management, reporting, and restricted funding.


• Manage investments and organizational cash flow.


• Build efficient financial processes that support transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement.


• Lead and develop the Finance team while fostering collaboration and professional growth.


• Champion trauma-informed, equitable, and inclusive financial practices throughout the department.

Who You Are

You understand that numbers tell a story.

You know how to take financial reports that seem overwhelming and translate them into information that inspires confidence and action. You\'re patient when helping leaders understand financial concepts and recognize that every leader processes information differently.

You build credibility through collaboration rather than authority and understand that the best financial decisions happen when people feel supported, not intimidated.

You are:

• A strategic thinker who enjoys solving complex financial challenges.


• A collaborative leader who builds strong relationships across departments.


• An excellent communicator who can present financial information to audiences with varying levels of financial expertise.


• Comfortable presenting to executive leadership and Boards of Directors.


• Curious, analytical, and detail-oriented.


• Committed to equity, transparency, and continuous improvement.


• Passionate about using your financial expertise to advance a mission that improves lives.

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.


• Seven or more years of progressively responsible financial leadership experience.


• Strong knowledge of nonprofit accounting principles, budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting.


• Experience managing audits and ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations.


• Experience supervising and developing staff.


• Advanced financial analysis and forecasting skills.


• Experience using financial software and Microsoft Office applications.


• Commitment to the mission of YWCA Greater Cleveland.

Preferred:

• CPA and/or Master\'s degree.


• Experience working with nonprofit grant funding and restricted funds.


• Experience presenting financial information to Boards of Directors.


• Experience supporting leaders with varying levels of financial literacy.

Why This Role Matters

The Finance Director plays a vital role in ensuring YWCA Greater Cleveland has the financial strength to continue serving our community today while preparing for tomorrow.

You'll help leaders make better decisions, strengthen organizational sustainability, and ensure that every financial choice supports our mission and the people we serve.

Why Join YWCA Greater Cleveland?

When you join YWCA Greater Cleveland, you\'re joining a team committed to creating lasting change. We value collaboration, equity, innovation, and servant leadership. Every employee contributes to building a stronger, more just community.

If you\'re looking for a leadership opportunity where your financial expertise directly supports meaningful community impact, we encourage you to apply.