Description

AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC) is a nonprofit organization founded in 1985 to lead the fight against HIV/AIDS and improve the lives of those affected by the epidemic. AFC mobilizes communities to create equity and justice for people living with or vulnerable to HIV and other chronic conditions. Through advocacy, service coordination, and strategic partnerships, AFC works to end the HIV epidemic and ensure that everyone has access to housing, healthcare, and support across Chicago and beyond.

To support its mission and ensure financial excellence, AFC is seeking a highly skilled and mission-driven Senior Director of Finance. The Senior Director of Finance will oversee all financial operations, accounting, and reporting activities for AIDS Foundation Chicago (AFC). Reporting directly to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), this role will lead the preparation of monthly financial reports, guide the development of the annual organizational budget, and ensure compliance with financial regulations, including GAAP and Uniform Guidance. The Senior Director will foster collaboration and deliver exceptional service across departments and with external partners, supporting a culture of transparency, accountability and operational excellence.

The annual salary range for this role is $109,000 to $129,000 annually. AFC offers competitive benefits including medical, dental, vision, 401(k) with employer match, generous paid time off, and professional development opportunities. The position follows a hybrid schedule requiring approximately two days per week on-site at AFC’s downtown Chicago office.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide strategic leadership and operational support to the accounting department, overseeing day-to-day financial activities and ensuring efficient, accurate financial operations
• Support the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) in overseeing the organization’s fiscal and regulatory responsibilities, ensuring all financial operations comply with applicable federal and state laws and regulations
• Collaborate with the CFO, grants team, and development team to effectively manage organizational cash flow, ensuring financial stability and alignment with strategic priorities
• Review monthly financial statements and analyze financial data to assess performance against budget and prior year benchmarks. Prepare the monthly
• Management Discussion and Analysis (MD&A) and deliver it to the CFO within established timelines.
• Ensure financial reporting aligns with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and follows accrual-based accounting standards.
• Monitor departmental budgets; conduct regular expenditure review meetings with department leads
• Ensure all accounting entries are accurately recorded in the financial statements. Perform general ledger activities as needed, including journal entry adjustments and revenue postings related to operational activities.
• Lead the annual budget planning process in collaboration with the CFO, accounting team, and department leads. Prepare the operating budget for Board approval and develop long-term financial strategies that align with the organization’s mission and goals.
• Assess efficacy of program and administrative operations and establish and improve finance and administrative systems to support program operations
• Lead efforts to optimize the use of accounting software by implementing best practices, improving workflows, and establishing consistent, ongoing training to enhance efficiency and accuracy across the finance team.
• Develop and implement quality assurance processes; conduct ongoing quality assurance reviews
• Manage the annual financial and single audit process, 990 filing, and the 401K audit; ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations
• Perform internal audits of processes and procedures to ensure appropriate internal controls; Develops and implements financial controls, policies, and procedures to ensure accuracy and compliance
• Assist with Treasury functions and managing bank relationships
• Attend Board finance committee and full board meetings, as needed
• Participate in Board Finance Committee and full Board meetings as needed, providing financial insights and updates to support informed decision-making and organizational transparency.
• Assist the CFO in developing financial policies and procedures, and lead the implementation of improved processes, software solutions, and workflows to enhance operational efficiency and compliance
• Train finance and relevant staff on financial policies, procedures, systems, and software to ensure consistency, compliance, and operational efficiency across departments
• Support CFO with departmental strategic planning and execution
   

Staff Mentorship 

• Leverage the strengths of the current finance team by clarifying roles and responsibilities, fostering a culture of continuous learning, and encouraging professional development. Support staff in achieving individual growth and aligning their contributions with organizational goals and strategic initiatives
• Recruit, train, mentor, and supervise assigned staff, ensuring clarity in roles and responsibilities.
• Support the recruitment and selection process, develop work schedules and assignments, and manage performance through regular feedback and formal evaluations.
• Recommend salary adjustments, disciplinary actions, and other personnel decisions in accordance with organizational policies and procedures.
• Provide supervision and adequate resources to staff, volunteers, and/or interns
• Lead and coach staff to encourage professional and personal growth
• In collaboration with the CFO, establish expectations and provide direction and consultation in meeting expectations, facilitate team meetings, and ensure departmental participation in the performance review process

Other

• Assist the CFO on other department related matters as needed
• Support agency-wide volunteer events like the Annual Meeting, AIDS Run & Walk, and World of Chocolate, helping foster community and mission impact
• Stay current by engaging in professional development through education, publications, networking, and industry involvement
• Safeguard organizational value by maintaining confidentiality and managing risk effectively.
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support departmental and organizational goals

DIRECT SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• AFC Controller

Requirements

 EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION

 Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business or related field
• 7 or more years of accounting experience
• 4 years experience supervising accounting/finance staff
• Experience coordinating audit activities and managing monthly reporting
• Expertise in financial analysis, modeling, accounting, and forecasting
• Demonstrated proficiency with accounting software
   

Preferred Qualifications

• CPA or Master’s Degree in Accounting or Finance
• 10 or more years of accounting experience
• Experience working in a complex not-for-profit with multiple program
• Experience with Blackbaud’s Financial Edge fund accounting software

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES 

• Accountability
• Attention to Detail
• Auditing
• Budget Forecasting
• Business Operations
• Financial Analysis
• Planning and Organizing
• Project Management
• Strategic Thinking
• Teamwork
• Time Management