Director of Finance

Job Summary

The Director of Finance is responsible for financial operations, creating accurate and timely financial records, and reporting for the agency.

Illustrative Essential Job Functions

The duties listed below are intended to describe the general nature and level of work of this position. The list is not exhaustive or restrictive, and other duties may be assigned.

General

• Oversees the day-to-day financial operations of the organization, including AR/AP, Payroll, implementation of internal controls, bank accounts, cash flow, etc.
• Reviews and coordinates the month-end and year-end close process.
• Maintains financial security by researching and reconciling discrepancies, auditing and verifying documents, and following internal controls.
• Communicates with project managers and/or supervisor on invoicing status and client issues that arise.
• Recognizes patterns in organizational spending and revenue and recommends solutions to problem areas.
• Oversees the HR Coordinator and assists when necessary.

Budget

• Develops, reviews, maintains, and analyzes budgets, preparing periodic reports comparing budgeted to actual costs.
• Analyzes business operations, trends, costs, revenues, financial commitments, and obligations to determine cost recovery status.
• Periodically analyzes costs and recommends cost allocation distribution.
• Draft budget amendments as required by Board Financial Policy.

Internal Controls

• Implements and maintains internal controls necessary to ensure the integrity of the financial system.
• Coordinates and oversees audits and responds to findings, if applicable.
• Contributes to team efforts by accomplishing related tasks as needed, including special projects.

Policy and Procedure

• Prepares forms and manuals memorializing standardized accounting practices and procedures to maintain and strengthen internal controls.
• Answers accounting procedure questions by researching and interpreting accounting policy and regulations.
• Facilitates understanding and support of internal control and financial policies and practices.
• Ensures compliance with federal, state, and local financial and legal requirements by studying existing and new legislation, enforcing compliance, and advising management on needed actions.

Procurement

• Obtains and assists project managers with price comparisons, quotes, and requests for proposals.
• Maintains perpetual inventory of assets.
• Assists in the procurement of goods, consistent with the Purchasing Policy.

Reporting

• Prepares routine and special reports to management, financial statements, reports, and records by collecting, analyzing, and summarizing account information and reports.
• Prepares required governmental and regulatory financial filings and reports as required by applicable laws and regulations.

Other

• Oversees timesheet and payroll processing, along with benefit administration.
• Coordinates the gathering of information and documentation for the external audit.
• Coordinates with external accountants.
• Maintains financial records consistent with (30 ILCS 205/) Illinois Local Records Act.
• Maintains a professional office setting through cleanliness, organization, and demeanor.
• Works collaboratively with others to ensure the success and achievement of colleagues in the fulfillment of agency priorities.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Supervision Received

Works under the supervision of the President and in close coordination with the external, contracted certified professional accountant.

Success Factors

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following behaviors:

• Excellent knowledge of accounting regulations and procedures, including Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) best practices.
• Experience creating financial statements.
• Experience with general ledger functions and the month-end and year-end close processes.
• Excellent accounting software user and administration skills.
• Uncompromising accuracy, attention to detail, and commitment to continuous improvement.
• Ethical conduct and confidentiality.
• Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills.
• Initiative to solve problems, develop plans, and follow through.
• Ability to prioritize responsibilities.
• Maintain reasonable and predictable attendance.
• Work collaboratively with others to ensure the success and achievement of agency priorities.
• Demonstrate accuracy and thoroughness in work.
• Meet productivity standards.
• Complete work in a timely manner.

Education, Training, Experience

Graduation from an accredited institution with a bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance, plus two or more years of related external experience and no less than one year of internal experience. A satisfactory equivalent combination of experience and training that ensures the ability to perform the work may be considered.

Licenses & Certifications

• Completion of the Open Meetings Act and Freedom of Information Act training is required.
• Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops, reviewing professional publications, establishing personal networks, and participating in professional societies.

Job-Specific Skills

Critical knowledge and fundamental skills required for the position include:

• Excellent bookkeeping and accounting skills.
• Intermediate-to-advanced use of Excel and QuickBooks.
• Skill in the use and care of a personal computer, including knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and other software and technologies as adopted.