Strategic CFO for Education Network

Distinctive Schools; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 180,000 - 220,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid holidays

Family leave

Healthcare

403(b) match

Job summary

Distinctive Schools is seeking a strategic Chief Financial Officer in Chicago to lead fiscal health and reporting for the network and affiliated organizations. The CFO partners with the CEO, LEAP Board, and executives to align resources with the strategic plan and ensure strong financial controls.

The role requires deep nonprofit fund accounting expertise, multi-entity oversight, and a track record of audits with clean opinions. In-person presence in the Chicago area is expected 3-4 days a week.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting/finance required; MBA or MAcc preferred.
• Ten+ years of progressive finance and accounting experience, with 5+ years in a senior leadership role.
• CPA or CMA strongly preferred.
• Experience leading audits to clean opinions, including federal single audits.
• Knowledge of nonprofit fund accounting, GAAP, restricted funds, and public funding compliance.
• Experience with multi-entity organizations or shared-services models (preferred).
• Strong ethics; ability to handle confidential data.

Responsibilities

• Lead Financial Executive Oversight for the Distinctive Schools network and affiliated entities.
• Manage financial reporting, compliance, and strategic alignment with partner orgs, CPS/district reps, and LEAP Board.
• Prepare clear financial reports and presentations for CEO and LEAP Board.
• Oversee budgeting process and multi-year financial modeling for enrollment scenarios.
• Lead monthly/quarterly cash-flow forecasting and scenario planning.
• Oversee procurement, vendor contracts, payroll, and accounting systems integration.

Skills

Finance leadership

Board reporting

GAAP knowledge

Nonprofit accounting

Intercompany transactions

CPA/CMA (preferred)

Audit leadership

Leadership in education nonprofit (pre

Education

Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance

MBA or MAcc preferred

Tools

Intacct

QuickBooks

ADP

Excel

Google Workspace

Job description

Distinctive Schools is seeking a strategic Chief Financial Officer in Chicago to lead fiscal health and reporting for the network and affiliated organizations. The CFO partners with the CEO, LEAP Board, and executives to align resources with the strategic plan and ensure strong financial controls.

The role requires deep nonprofit fund accounting expertise, multi-entity oversight, and a track record of audits with clean opinions. In-person presence in the Chicago area is expected 3-4 days a week.