About The Role
The New Life Covenant Church S.E. (NLCSE) Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is responsible for managing all financial aspects, ensuring the organization's financial integrity, and supporting the board of directors, executive leadership, and staff with financial decision‑making. The CFO will oversee budgeting, financial reporting, risk management, and compliance, with a focus on ensuring that the organization effectively uses its resources to fulfill its mission and objectives.
Why This Role Matters
Managing finances at New Life Covenant Church S.E. requires precision across diverse funding streams, grant compliance, program budgeting, and reporting requirements. Our CFO will ensure financial systems are strong, adaptable, and scalable to empower our organization to deliver quality services today while preparing for the opportunities of tomorrow.
What You’ll Do
Financial Strategy and Leadership :
Develop and implement the NLCSE financial strategy, in alignment with the mission and long-term goals of the organization.
Provide leadership in financial planning and strategy development, ensuring sustainability and financial growth.
Advise the Executive Directors (ED) and executive board on financial matters, including opportunities, challenges, and areas of financial risk.
Financial Reporting and Compliance :
Oversee the preparation of accurate and timely financial reports, including income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements.
Ensure compliance with all relevant financial regulations, accounting standards, and reporting requirements for NLCSE.
Maintain financial transparency and communicate financial results to the board, members, donors, and other stakeholders.
Budgeting and Forecasting :
Lead the annual budgeting process, working with department directors to ensure alignment with established goals and financial constraints.
Monitor actual financial performance against budgets and forecasts, providing regular updates and recommendations for adjustments.
Conduct financial forecasting to predict cash flow, funding needs, and potential shortfalls or surpluses.
Cash Flow and Risk Management :
Oversee cash management, ensuring adequate cash flow for operations, ministry services / events, and strategic initiatives.
Identify financial risks (e.g., funding gaps, revenue fluctuations) and implement strategies to mitigate them.
Oversee financial systems and controls to ensure the integrity of financial transactions and safeguard assets.
State and Federal Fund Development and Grant Management :
Collaborate with the fundraising and development teams to support grant applications, sponsorships, and other revenue‑generating activities.
Ensure proper tracking and reporting of restricted and unrestricted funds, ensuring compliance with grant requirements.
Provide financial insights and support to grant writing, reporting, and monitoring for funders and donors.
Team Leadership and Development :
Lead, mentor, train, and develop the finance and membership services team, ensuring professional growth and high performance.
Oversee accounting, budgeting, financial reporting, and compliance functions within the finance team.
Create a culture of transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement in financial operations.
Audit and Tax Compliance :
Lead the preparation and management of the annual audit process, working with internal & external auditors to ensure accurate financial statements and compliance with tax‑exempt status.
Oversee tax filings and ensure compliance with nonprofit tax laws, including IRS Form 990 and state / local tax regulations.
Coordinate with the board and audit committee to review and implement audit recommendations.
Board and Stakeholder Communication :
Present financial reports and analysis to the executive board & board of directors, highlighting key financial metrics, ministry costs, funding sources, and financial forecasts.
Educate and support the executive board and board members in understanding key financial matters to ensure informed decision‑making.
Cultivate relationships with members, donors, financial supporters, and funding agencies by providing clear, accessible financial information.
Strategic Financial Planning and Organizational Development :
Assist the Executive Directors and senior leadership in strategic planning, ensuring financial sustainability while remaining true to the organization’s mission.
Evaluate financial performance and recommend strategies for cost‑saving, resource allocation, and maximizing the impact of funds raised.
Support the organization’s growth and scalability by exploring new funding avenues, cost‑effective financial strategies, and operational improvements.
What We Are Looking For
Education : Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or related field. CPA, MBA, or other advanced certifications are preferred.
Experience : Minimum of 10+ years.
Skills :
Managed operating budgets of $10M+ plus.
Managed organizations with 50+ plus employees.
Nonprofit and for‑profit experience.
Experience with a minimum of 3 direct reports.
Experience in managing donations of $20M+ within organizations.
Financial management experience, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role, preferably within a nonprofit or similar mission‑driven organization.
Deep understanding of nonprofit financial regulations, GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles), and financial reporting requirements for tax‑exempt organizations.
Expertise in budgeting, financial analysis, cash flow management, and strategic financial planning.
Experience managing financial systems, ERP software, and accounting platforms.
Proven record of accomplishment in managing audits, taxes, and compliance for nonprofits.
Strong leadership skills with the ability to mentor and guide an accounting / finance team.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex financial information to non‑financial stakeholders.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast‑paced environment.
What You’ll Bring
Passion for the mission and values of the organization.
Strong problem‑solving and analytical skills.
Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders, including the board, donors, staff, and external auditors.
High level of integrity and ethical conduct.
Strategic thinker with a focus on both long‑term financial sustainability and short‑term operational efficiency.
Where You’ll Work
Full‑time position; may require flexibility in hours to meet deadlines, particularly during ministry peak seasons, audit periods, or grant cycles.
Occasional travel may be required for meetings with stakeholders, donors, or conferences.
Fully onsite.
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Chief Financial Officer • Chicago, Illinois, United States