Finance Director

Organizational Summary

Franciscan Outreach is a leading provider of homeless services in Chicago. We operate as a system of support for those who are marginalized and experiencing homelessness. We empower people to gain the stability they need to transition into permanent housing. Grounded in the Franciscan tradition, we serve everyone regardless of their beliefs, and we do not conduct or require participation in religious services. We are committed to working together as an inclusive community that promotes equal treatment and opportunity for all. We strive to create a caring, safe, and supportive community that embraces and uplifts everyone, especially our most vulnerable neighbors.

Position Description

The Finance Director reports to the Executive Director and provides strategic, organizational, and fiduciary leadership for all financial functions of Franciscan Outreach. The Finance Director ensures the organization's long-term economic health, sustainability, and integrity while advancing its mission to serve individuals experiencing homelessness with dignity and care.

Grounded in Franciscan values of stewardship, accountability, and service, the Finance Director leads financial strategy, governance, budgeting, and external financial relationships, while delegating day-to-day financial operations and accounting functions to the Finance Manager. This role serves as a key strategic partner to the Executive Director, Board of Directors, and Finance Committee.

Organizational & Strategic Leadership

Serve as a member of the Leadership Team, contributing financial insight to organizational strategy, planning, and decision-making.

Partner with the Executive Director and senior leadership to develop, monitor, and evaluate the Strategic Plan, annual operating plan, and long-term financial sustainability.

Translate Franciscan Outreach’s values into responsible financial stewardship and ethical financial leadership across the organization.

Serve as the primary financial spokesperson for the organization, communicating financial concepts in a clear, accessible manner to staff, leadership, and external stakeholders.

Support fundraising efforts by partnering with Development staff and participating in donor engagement as requested.

Financial Strategy, Oversight & Governance

Lead the annual organizational budgeting process, including review, refinement, and presentation of budgets to the Finance Committee and Board of Directors.

Provide the Executive Director and Board with high-level financial analysis, trend reporting, risk assessment, and recommendations for corrective action.

Oversee organizational investment strategy in coordination with investment advisors and the Finance Committee.

Ensure adequate cash flow, reserves, and banking capacity to support organizational operations and growth.

Serve as staff liaison to the Board of Directors and Finance Committee, providing education and guidance to support informed governance decisions.

Financial Oversight & Risk Management

Ensure the organization maintains effective financial systems, internal controls, and risk management practices, delegating implementation and monitoring to the Finance Manager.

Approve and oversee financial policies, procedures, and internal control frameworks.

Ensure compliance with GAAP, nonprofit accounting standards, grant requirements, and regulatory obligations.

Make salary recommendations for direct reports to the Executive Director.

Audit, Compliance & External Relationships

Oversee the selection and performance of independent auditors and serve as the primary liaison for audit-related matters.

Present audit results, financial findings, and corrective action plans to the Executive Director, Finance Committee, and Board.

Provide executive oversight of government contracts, grants, and compliance, including GATA and other regulatory frameworks.

Establish and maintain relationships with banks, financial institutions, and external financial partners.

Human Resources & Cross-Functional Partnership

Partner with the Human Resources Department on payroll administration oversight, including compensation structure, benefits strategy, and compliance, while delegating operational processing to the Finance Manager.

Collaborate across departments to ensure financial practices align with organizational goals and operational needs.

Lead departmental workforce planning, professional development strategy, and succession planning for the Finance team.

Other Responsibilities

Attend and actively participate in:

Executive Team meetings

Board of Directors meetings

Finance Committee meetings

Maintain confidentiality and uphold Franciscan Outreach’s ethical standards.

Engage in ongoing professional development to remain current with nonprofit financial leadership best practices.

Perform other duties as assigned by the Executive Director or Board of Directors

Qualifications

Education, Certification & License

Master’s degree in accounting, Finance, Business, or related field preferred

CPA preferred

Experience

Minimum of 7 years of progressive senior-level finance experience, including nonprofit financial leadership

At least 6 years of supervisory and strategic financial management experience

Extensive knowledge of GAAP, nonprofit accounting, government, and grant accounting

Experience with investment oversight, audits, budgeting, and financial governance

Proficiency with Microsoft Office, QuickBooks Online, and Paychex

Skills & Abilities

Strategic financial leadership and sound judgment

Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills

Ability to communicate complex financial information clearly and persuasively

Proven leadership in mentoring and developing high-performing teams

High ethical standards, discretion, and professionalism

Ability to balance mission-driven priorities with financial sustainability

Health and Safety Requirements

Ability to lift approximately 20lbs

Follow Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) through administrative updates compliant with federal law

COVID-19 vaccination is mandatory for all employees. Accommodation requests will be considered in compliance with applicable laws.

Additional Requirements:

All staff are expected to abide by the policies of Franciscan Outreach, including, but not limited to, rules governing ethics, confidentiality, dual relationships, honesty, and integrity. All staff are expected to always act in good faith and in keeping with the mission and values of Franciscan Outreach. Staff must be committed to serving Franciscan Outreach guests and to fostering a positive, respectful, and inclusive environment.

Reasonable accommodation will be provided to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position. This description summarizes the significant duties and responsibilities and is not an exhaustive list. The employee in this position may be required to perform additional duties to meet the organization's needs.

Decisions and criteria governing the employment relationship with all employees are made in a non-discriminatory manner, without regard to race, ethnicity, creed, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, citizenship status, military service and/or marital status, order of protection status, handicap, disability, or any other factor determined to be unlawful by federal, state, or local statutes.