Finance Director

POSITION DESCRIPTION

At The Salvation Army, we are dedicated to Doing the Most Good.  We are made up of thousands of Officers, soldiers, staff, volunteers, donors, and Partners working together to holistically meet the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of our most vulnerable neighbors.

The Finance Director provides strategic and operational leadership for the financial activities of The Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center of Chicago. The position directs budgeting, forecasting, accounting, financial reporting, financial analysis, internal controls, grant fiscal oversight, and financial compliance to promote responsible stewardship of organizational resources. As a member of the Management Team, the Finance Director partners with senior leadership and department leaders to evaluate financial performance, identify risks and opportunities, and support informed operational and strategic decision-making. The position leads and develops Finance Department staff and ensures financial processes and reporting are accurate, timely, and consistent with The Salvation Army policies and established accounting practices. The Finance Director promotes long-term financial sustainability while supporting the mission, programs, and operational objectives of the RJKCCC.

1. Financial Leadership and Management
   1. Plan, direct, and oversee the financial operations of the RJKCCC, including accounting, budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, internal controls, cash management, and financial compliance.
   2. Establish financial practices and controls that promote responsible stewardship of resources and support the long-term financial sustainability of the Center.
2. Budgeting, Forecasting, and Financial Planning
   1. Lead the annual budgeting and forecasting processes in collaboration with department leadership.
   2. Analyze and provide financial guidance regarding operating plans, staffing costs, revenue projections, capital needs, and resource allocation to ensure budgets align with approved organizational priorities and available resources.
   3. Monitor financial performance throughout the year and recommend adjustments in response to changing revenue, expenses, operating conditions, or organizational priorities.
3. Accounting Operations, Internal Controls, and Financial Systems
   1. Perform, direct, and maintain accountability for the Center's accounting operations, including general ledger activity, journal entries, account reconciliations, cash and reserve accounts, payroll accounting, financial close activities, and related financial controls.
   2. Personally prepare, review, reconcile, or resolve accounting transactions and discrepancies as operational needs require while ensuring financial records are accurate, properly supported, and consistent with The Salvation Army policies and established accounting practices.
   3. Evaluate financial processes and systems and implement improvements that strengthen internal controls, operational efficiency, and the reliability of financial information.
4. Financial Reporting and Analysis
   1. Prepare, direct, and review accurate and timely monthly and annual financial statements, budget comparisons, management reports, and financial analyses.
   2. Analyze budget to actual performance, revenue, expenses, financial trends, and significant variances; investigate unusual or material activity and identify financial risks or areas requiring attention.
   3. Develop recommendations and work with senior leadership and department leaders to address financial concerns and improve financial performance.
5. Revenue, Receivables, and Financial Risk Management
   1. Perform and oversee accounts receivable, contract billing, revenue collection, aging, and related financial controls to ensure timely and accurate recognition and collection of revenue.
   2. Monitor outstanding balances, resolve billing and collection issues, analyze aging and collection trends, and identify financial risks or control concerns.
   3. Take or direct appropriate corrective action in collaboration with department leadership.
6. Grant Fiscal Oversight and Compliance
   1. Direct and participate in the financial administration of government, private, and other restricted funding, including grant budgeting, expenditure monitoring, financial reporting, documentation, billing, and reconciliation.
   2. Review financial activity for compliance with applicable funding requirements and organizational policies and resolve discrepancies or compliance concerns.
   3. Partner with program leadership and other Salvation Army departments to support appropriate accounting, reporting, and stewardship of restricted funds.
7. Departmental Financial Partnership and Business Support
   1. Serve as the primary financial resource to RJKCCC department leaders by providing financial analysis, budget guidance, cost-control recommendations, and support for operational and revenue-generating decisions.
   2. Evaluate the financial implications of programs, staffing, facility rentals, special events, shared resources, and other initiatives and provide recommendations that support sound business decisions and the Center's financial sustainability.
8. Finance Department Leadership and Staff Development
   1. Directly supervise, develop, and hold accountable Finance Department staff, including the Accountant and Accounting Clerk.
   2. Establish performance expectations, assign and evaluate work, establish departmental priorities, provide coaching and training, conduct performance evaluations, and provide meaningful input regarding hiring, promotion, corrective action, and other personnel decisions.
   3. Maintain sufficient knowledge of departmental accounting functions and procedures to perform essential finance activities when staffing, workload, deadlines, or operational circumstances require direct involvement.
9. Audit, Payroll, Records, and Organizational Compliance
   1. Coordinate financial support for internal and external audits and ensure appropriate financial documentation, records, reconciliations, and supporting information are maintained in accordance with The Salvation Army policies and applicable requirements.
   2. Partner with Human Resources, Divisional Payroll, and other departments to ensure accurate payroll coding and financial reporting and to resolve accounting related matters.
   3. Exercise independent judgment within established authority regarding financial controls, accounting practices, departmental priorities, Finance Department resources, and corrective action necessary to address financial or compliance concerns.
   4. Serve as an active member of the RJKCCC Management Team, communicate significant financial matters, risks, trends, and recommendations to Center leadership, and perform Manager on Duty responsibilities and other duties as assigned. 
10. Organizational Leadership and Collaboration
11. 1. Serve as an active member of the RJKCCC Management Team and provide financial leadership in support of the Center's mission, strategic priorities, and operational objectives.
    2. Communicate significant financial matters, risks, trends, and recommendations to the Senior Kroc Officer and Officer of Business Administration and collaborate with Center and Divisional leadership on matters affecting financial performance and organizational sustainability.
    3. Perform Manager on Duty responsibilities and other duties as assigned.
12. Other Duties
    1. This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for the job.
    2.   Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

This position reports to the Senior Kroc Officer.  This position directly supervises the Accountant, and the Accounting Clerk.

In contacts related to this position’s duties, this individual acts as a representative of The Salvation Army and its mission.

Experience in a nonprofit, human services, community center, government-funded, or similarly complex multi-program organization.

Experience with government, private, or foundation grants, including grant budgeting, expenditure monitoring, financial reporting, reconciliation, and compliance.

Experience supporting organizations with multiple programs, departments, revenue streams, restricted funds, contracts, or cost centers.

Experience with Shelby, Club Automation, or comparable financial and operational systems.

• Demonstrated ability to provide leadership for accounting and financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, internal controls, cash management, and financial analysis.
• Strong ability to analyze financial results, identify significant trends and variances, evaluate financial risk, and develop practical recommendations for leadership.
• Ability to establish and maintain appropriate financial controls and ensure the accuracy, timeliness, consistency, and integrity of financial records and reporting.
• Knowledge of nonprofit financial operations, including restricted funding, grants, cost allocation, revenue recognition, audit requirements, and financial accountability, as applicable to assigned responsibilities.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, supervise, coach, and develop professional accounting staff, establish clear performance expectations, assign work effectively, and hold employees accountable for results.
• Ability to establish priorities and manage multiple financial deadlines and responsibilities in a complex, fast-paced operating environment.
• Demonstrated sound judgment and the ability to appropriately address financial concerns, control issues, compliance matters, and competing organizational priorities.
• Ability to translate complex financial information into clear, practical information and recommendations for leaders who may not have a financial background.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with program, operational, Human Resources, payroll, and senior leadership while maintaining appropriate financial controls and accountability.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to present financial information professionally to department leaders, management, auditors, and other stakeholders.
• Demonstrates a high degree of integrity, discretion, confidentiality, and professional judgment in handling financial, payroll, employee, and organizational information.
• Demonstrates a commitment to responsible stewardship of organizational resources and adherence to established financial policies, procedures, and internal controls.
• Supports and promotes the mission, values, and objectives of The Salvation Army and demonstrates a leadership approach consistent with those principles.

• This individual will only commit Army resources that have been allocated or approved.
• This individual will keep the Senior Kroc Officer and the Officer of Business Administration informed on all critical issues relating to their area of responsibility.
• This individual will adhere to all policies and procedures in carrying out the responsibilities of this position.

This position requires you to do moderate physical work and be able to lift and carry 10 pounds.  To successfully perform the essential functions of this position, the employee is regularly required to use standard office equipment and a PC.  At times they will be expected to participate in community center activities.  The work environment for this position includes a community center environment with a medium-to-high noise level.  Must be able to drive on occasion. 

• Maintain a positive work atmosphere by behaving and communicating in a manner that fosters and maintains positive relationships with co-workers and supervisors.
• Demonstrate effective conflict resolution and de-escalation skills when addressing workplace concerns.
• Treat staff, clients and visitors with courtesy.
• Respect others’ property and person.
• Use professional and appropriate communication to and about co-workers, supervisors and subordinates.
• Support the Mission of The Salvation Army by treating every donor, contact and colleague with respect and dignity, and without discrimination of any kind.

This individual will be evaluated on the effective achievement of the position's responsibilities and established goals, including the accuracy, timeliness, and integrity of financial reporting; effectiveness of financial controls and departmental operations; staff leadership; and contribution to the financial sustainability and mission of the RJKCCC.

DOING THE MOST GOOD  

Do you want to use your skills and talents to make a lasting difference in the world?  The Salvation Army is the fourth largest charity in the United States and is an international organization based on Biblical principles created to help people in need.  We are mission-driven, diverse, collaborative, and focused on positive results for people. Join us in making a difference.  

The Salvation Army offers a competitive benefit package for eligible employees which may include the following medical, dental, vision, hearing, disability and life insurance, flexible spending accounts, 403(b) retirement accounts, a company-funded defined contribution (pension) plan and generous time off policies.   

               In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation to apply for this position, please contact the Human Resources department. 

The Salvation Army is an Equal Opportunity Employer Minority/Female/Veterans/Disabled. Candidates who are back-to-work, US Veterans, people with disabilities, people who have been impacted by the justice system, and/or people without a college degree are encouraged to apply.