Strategic Finance Leader - Higher Education & Nonprofit

Northern Seminary; Lisle (IL); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Northern Seminary in Lisle, IL, seeks a Director of Finance to provide strategic and operational leadership of the finance function. You will partner with the President and senior leaders to steward resources and ensure regulatory compliance within a faith-based higher education setting.

The role oversees budgeting, GAAP reporting, cash flow, audits, Title IV compliance, and endowment activities, while building strong internal controls and collaborative relationships across the institution.

Qualifications

• Bachelor level degree in accounting/finance or related field.
• 7+ years in finance with at least 3 in a senior leadership role.
• Nonprofit and higher education financial management preferred.
• Experience with Title IV compliance and audits is a plus.
• CPA or MBA/MPA strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership for all financial operations including accounting, budgeting, reporting, and forecasting.
• Supervise billing, payroll, cash flow, and annual budget process.
• Ensure GAAP and nonprofit accounting standards compliance and internal controls.
• Coordinate audits and liaise with external auditors and the Finance Committee.
• Advise leadership on enrollment, pricing, and financial strategy.
• Manage Title IV compliance, endowment activity, and grant financials.
• Collaborate with leadership to drive financial viability and institutional growth.

Skills

Nonprofit accounting

Fund accounting

GAAP reporting

Budget management

Regulatory compliance

Accounting software

QuickBooks

Populi

Paylocity

MS Office

Internal controls

Analytical thinking

Communication

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's in Accounting/Finance/BA

MBA/MPA preferred

CPA strongly preferred

Tools

QuickBooks

Populi

Paylocity

Microsoft Office

Job description

Northern Seminary in Lisle, IL, seeks a Director of Finance to provide strategic and operational leadership of the finance function. You will partner with the President and senior leaders to steward resources and ensure regulatory compliance within a faith-based higher education setting.

The role oversees budgeting, GAAP reporting, cash flow, audits, Title IV compliance, and endowment activities, while building strong internal controls and collaborative relationships across the institution.