Chicago
Job Description Director/Controller, Finance & AP Modernization | $100M Nonprofit Hybrid (Chicago) - Onsite Tuesdays & Wednesdays An internationally respected nonprofit is embarking on a focused finance modernization initiative, and the incoming Director will play a central role. Partnering closely with a sharp, systems-minded CFO, this leader will elevate AP operations, steer ERP evaluation and implementation, and deliver faster, clearer reporting that empowers executives and Board members. With a $100M+ annual budget and a mission dedicated to advancing public protection and professional excellence in healthcare, the organization offers meaningful work backed by long-term stability and strong institutional support. This is an established, five-decade-old association with a deeply committed, tenured finance team; dependable, membership-driven revenue; and a collaborative culture grounded in purpose. The River North office setting-complete with corner-office skyline views-creates a calm, modern, focused environment. Why Join This Team • The team is professionalizing core finance functions-this is a rare chance to shape the future as a key leader., • Stable, well-tenured, highly knowledgeable finance team seeking a strong Excel power user to elevate reporting and modeling capabilities., • Enjoy a beautiful, full-floor headquarters high above the river, with engaged leadership committed to meaningful mission impact. Key Responsibilities Accounting Operations & Controls • Lead month-end close, reconciliations, journal entries, and accounting policies, • Ensure audit readiness, regulatory compliance, and strong documentation standards, • Optimize the general ledger and chart of accounts structure High-Volume AP Modernization, • Centralize and modernize AP workflows to improve accuracy, timeliness, and throughput Systems, Process Improvement & Data Integrity, • Co-lead ERP evaluation, selection, and full implementation lifecycle, • Drive optimization across ERP, payment, and budgeting systems-including automation, • Build and enhance Excel tools, models, and reporting templates for daily workflow and critical reporting Reporting, Budgeting & Analysis, • Prepare executive-level financial reports, forecasts, variance analyses, and Board-quality materials, • Partner with the CFO on budgeting cadence, treasury management, and cash flow forecasting, • Support costing initiatives, financial modeling, and ad hoc strategic analysis Leadership & Cross-Functional Collaboration, • Manage and mentor a knowledgeable Sr. Accounting Manager; support a long-tenured team, • Foster a culture of accountability, service, and continuous improvement, • Collaborate cross-functionally to support organizational initiatives and improve financial performance Key Prerequisites, • CPA required (MBA considered with exceptional credentials), • 10+ years progressive accounting/finance with deep controllership experience, • 5+ years people leadership, • Experience modernizing AP and strengthening internal controls, • Hands-on ERP implementation or major systems upgrade leadership (multi-system exposure a plus), • Strong GL ownership, reconciliation discipline, and structural optimization, • Advanced Excel (modeling, worksheet improvement, template design), • Proven record of process modernization, automation, and data integrity improvement, • Clear, balanced communicator capable of guiding long-tenured teams through change, • Collaborative, pragmatic leader aligned with a mission-driven environment, • Able to produce polished reporting for senior leadership and Board, • Proficient in all aspects of nonprofit accounting, including GAAP and 501(c)(3) regulations Compensation & Benefits, • Base Salary: $126K-$155K, • Eligible for annual performance-based merit increases, • 403(b) with 8% employer contribution, • 20+ days PTO + 11 holidays + parental leave, • Professional development stipend, • Full medical/dental/vision + paid life & disability, • Predictable hybrid schedule Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled Candidate Privacy Information Statement: Pay Details: $125,000.00 to $155,000.00 per year Search managed by: Katherine Bowman Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled Military connected talent encouraged to apply To read our Candidate Privacy Information Statement, which explains how we will use your information, please navigate to The Company will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and/or security clearance requirements, including, as applicable: • The California Fair Chance Act, • Los Angeles City Fair Chance Ordinance, • Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, • San Francisco Fair Chance OrdinanceMassachusetts Candidates Only: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.