The Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced Director - Finance and Accounting to lead the building and management of CZ Biohub Chicago’s finance and accounting functions as part of the broader CZ Biohub Network.

You will be a key member of our leadership team, responsible for building and managing the finance and accounting functions from the ground up. You will play a crucial role in shaping the financial strategy, ensuring compliance, and driving financial sustainability in support of our mission.

You will also be responsible for managing day-to-day finance and accounting functions as well as establishing a strong internal control framework to safeguard assets, provide accurate financial reporting, and ensure compliance with grant funding programs.

This role reports to the COO and is in person, onsite at our 400 N. Aberdeen St. office in Fulton Market, Chicago.

What You'll Do

• Day-to-day Supervision. Directly supervise Chicago’s growing finance team and provide oversight of all day-to-day financial operations, including but not limited to purchasing, payroll, general ledger management, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and financial reporting.
• Team Building. Hire, train, and develop employees who will be an asset to the finance and accounting department with support from the Biohub Network’s human resources team. Foster the culture and core values of the CZ Biohub Network.
• Budget Management. Spearhead the annual budgeting process in collaboration with the President, COO, and the Biohub Network. Provide ongoing budget variance analysis and opportunities for risk mitigation.
• Financial Reporting. Develop tools to provide critical financial analysis to the Biohub leadership and stakeholders to improve decision-making and monitor/share key performance metrics. Interpret complex financial information and provide updates, forecasts, and information as needed.
• Cash Flow Management. Monitor cash flow and manage cash balances, accounts, and other financial transactions. Develop cash flow budgets and projections, working with leadership to address risk.
• Grant Management. Develop and maintain expertise in Illinois State Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity grant reporting requirement and regulations. Manage the IL state grant compliance and reporting processes including implementing policies/procedures, processes, and tracking/monitoring mechanisms.
• Internal Controls. Take a lead role in implementing and supporting a strong internal control environment into day-to-day operations and decision making (implementation of spending authority matrix, segregation of duties).
• Business Partnership. Create and maintain close relationships with the Biohub Network leadership team, and key operational resources across the Biohub Network. Cross train on Network-wide policies and procedures and provide backup support for SF and Network Controller and other staff members as needed.
• Relationship Management. As a representative of the Chicago Biohub and CZ Biohub Network, establish strong relationships with external grant managers, vendors, contractors, and service providers. Ensure timely communication, interface with Network resources and legal as needed, and processing of invoices and payments.
• Financial Systems and Automation. Proactively identify opportunities to implement efficiencies. Play a key role in development of business requirements and implementation of financial and accounting automation platforms across the Network.
• Regulatory and Legal Compliance. Assure operations, policies and practices comply with federal, state and city statutory regulations and legislation.

What You'll Bring

Essential 

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a related field
• 7 years of progressive experience in finance and accounting, with at least 3 years in a leadership role
• Knowledge of standard concepts (including GAAP), practices, and procedures within the accounting and finance field
• Exceptional financial modeling, analysis, and forecasting skills
• Experience with financial software and systems
• “Hands on” mentality with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a vision driven and growing organization

Nice to have 

• Life sciences experience 

The Chan Zuckerberg Biohub Networkrequires all employees, contractors, and interns, regardless of work location or type of role, to provide proof of full COVID-19 vaccination, including a booster vaccine dose, if eligible, by their start date. Those who are unable to get vaccinated or obtain a booster dose because of a disability, or who choose not to be vaccinated due to a sincerely held religious belief, practice, or observance must have an approved exception prior to their start date.