Financial Controller / Head of Finance

Financial Controller / Head of Finance
Chicago Full-Time On-site

An educational organisation is seeking an accomplished Financial Controller to join their senior leadership team with a clear pathway to Finance director.

This is a high‑impact role combining strong financial stewardship with strategic influence, offering the opportunity to shape their long‑term financial sustainability while supporting a meaningful educational and cultural mission.
Reporting directly to the CEO and working closely with the Board of Directors and Finance Committee, the Financial Controller will serve as their senior finance authority—providing leadership across accounting, reporting, planning, governance, and decision support.

The Role
This position goes beyond traditional controllership. You will act as a trusted advisor to executive leadership, contributing to organisational strategy, enabling informed decision‑making, and ensuring strong financial governance. Having strategic foresight and experience is key for this position.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the senior financial partner to the CEO, Board, and senior leadership team
• Lead all accounting, financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow management
• Drive financial strategy, long‑range planning, and scenario modelling aligned to the Institute’s mission
• Prepare and present clear, insightful financial reports to the Board and Committees
• Oversee nonprofit GAAP compliance, fund accounting, restricted funds, and grant reporting
• Lead the annual audit process and tax filings.
• Strengthen internal controls, policies, systems, and financial governance
• Translate complex financial information into actionable insights for non‑financial stakeholders
• Build, mentor, and lead the finance function, fostering high standards and accountability

Experience

• Degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field (CPA strongly preferred)
• 8–12 years of progressive accounting and finance experience, ideally within a nonprofit or mission‑driven organisation
• Deep knowledge of (nonprofit) GAAP, audits, compliance, and fund accounting
• Demonstrated experience advising senior leaders and Boards
• Strong leadership presence with excellent communication and relationship‑building skills
• A strategic mindset combined with hands‑on financial expertise

If you are an experienced finance leader seeking a role that combines strategic influence, leadership responsibility, and meaningful impact, we would welcome your application. Apply now or contact us directly to learn more.