Director of Finance

Position Title: Director of Finance

Reports To: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Supervises: Bookkeeper and finance/administrative staff as assigned

FLSA Status: Exempt

Location: Waukegan, IL (Hybrid or remote arrangements considered with periodic in-person presence)

Position Summary

Arden Shore Child and Family Services seeks a mission-aligned and experienced Director of Finance to lead the organization’s fiscal strategy and financial operations. This is a key leadership role responsible for managing all aspects of financial planning, reporting, compliance, budgeting, audits, and internal controls to ensure the organization’s financial health and sustainability. The Director of Finance will work closely with the CEO and Board Finance Committee to guide strategic financial decision-making, ensure alignment between fiscal resources and programmatic goals, and maintain compliance with state regulatory agencies, including the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS).

Key Responsibilities

Financial Management & Oversight

•     Lead all aspects of financial operations, including accounting, budgeting, forecasting, reporting, and cash management.

•     Ensure timely and accurate preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in compliance with GAAP.

•     Monitor cash flow and develop strategies for long-term financial sustainability.

Budgeting & Forecasting

•     Lead the annual budgeting process in collaboration with executive and program leadership.

•     Conduct ongoing budget-to-actual analysis and forecasting to inform decision-making and identify financial risks or opportunities.

Compliance & Audit Coordination

•     Maintain robust internal controls and ensure compliance with organizational policies and external regulations.

•     Oversee the annual audit process, serving as the primary liaison with external auditors.

•     Ensure compliance with DCFS fiscal standards and other applicable state agency requirements, including Medicaid billing protocols.

Grant & Contract Financial Management

•     Track restricted and unrestricted funds and ensure compliance with financial requirements across all grants and contracts.

•     Partner with program and development staff to support proposal budgets and timely reporting.

Board & Executive Support

•     Prepare clear and accurate financial reports for the CEO and Board Finance Committee.

•     Provide financial insights and strategic recommendations to inform executive-level decisions.

•     Attend and present at board and committee meetings as needed.

Team Leadership & Collaboration

•     Supervise and support the Bookkeeper and finance/admin team to ensure day-to-day financial operations run efficiently.

•     Partner with program leadership to align budget management and resource allocation with program goals.

•     Oversee the management of agency insurance policies in coordination with operations staff, including liability, D&O, and workers' compensation.

Qualifications

•     Bachelor’s degree in Accounting required.

•     Master’s degree and/or CPA preferred.

•     At least 5 years of progressively responsible financial leadership experience, ideally within a nonprofit or health and human services setting.

•     Experience with state funding streams, particularly those related to child welfare and Medicaid billing, is highly desirable.

•     Knowledge of DCFS fiscal and administrative standards is a plus.

•     Demonstrated ability to communicate complex financial information clearly to non-financial stakeholders.

•     Strong leadership and supervisory experience.

•     Proficiency with financial software and systems, including QuickBooks, Paylocity, or similar platforms.

•     Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred but not required.

Work Environment & Expectations

•     The Director of Finance is based at Arden Shore’s headquarters in Waukegan, Illinois.

•     Hybrid or remote work arrangements may be available for the right candidate, with the expectation of periodic in-person presence (e.g., monthly) for key meetings, audits, and collaborative leadership activities.

•     Some evening or weekend hours may be required to meet critical deadlines or attend board meetings.

Compensation & Benefits

The salary range for this position is $135,000-$150,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications. Arden Shore offers a competitive benefits package, including health insurance, paid time off, retirement plan options, and professional development support.