VP of Finance & Accounting - Nonprofit

Vice President of Finance and Accounting - Non-profit 

Location: Local, Remote Hybrid Client-Site based out of Chicago 

Industry: Nonprofit Health & Human Services

Revenue Scope: $50- ~$70 Million

Overview
We are seeking a dynamic Vice President of Finance and Accounting to serve as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for a leading nonprofit organization in the health and human services sector. This executive-level role blends strategic leadership with hands-on financial stewardship, delivering high-impact advisory, compliance oversight, and operational excellence. The VP will lead complex finance and accounting functions, mentor a high-performing team, and drive mission-aligned financial strategy.

Key Responsibilities
Executive Financial Leadership
•     Serve as CFO for a nonprofit client, acting as the primary financial advisor to executive leadership and boards.
•     Deliver strategic financial planning to support growth, sustainability, and alignment with organizational mission.
•     Present financial performance, forecasts, and recommendations to boards, finance committees, and senior leadership.
Financial Operations & Compliance
•     Lead monthly and quarterly reporting cycles, including financial statement analysis, budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow management.
•     Ensure compliance with nonprofit accounting standards (GAAP/ASC 958), federal cost principles (2 CFR 200), and state regulations.
•     Manage annual audits, single audits, and grantor reviews with precision and timeliness.
•     Develop and refine internal controls, financial systems, and process improvements to enhance efficiency and transparency.
Strategic Advisory & Risk Management
•     Collaborate with client leadership on budgeting, multi-year forecasting, and scenario modeling.
•     Advise on financial risk mitigation strategies, including liquidity planning, reserve policies, and investment oversight.
•     Support strategic initiatives such as mergers, capital projects, new funding streams, and grant applications.
•     Provide technical guidance on accounting standards, cost allocations, and indirect rate methodologies.

Team Leadership
•     Supervise finance and accounting professionals (controllers, managers, analysts) across client engagements.
•     Ensure timely, accurate, and high-quality deliverables aligned with client expectations and contractual obligations.
•     Foster a culture of mentorship, professional development, and performance excellence.

Practice Management
•     Partner with the Assistant Practice Leader to manage client portfolios, ensuring profitability, compliance, and satisfaction.
•     Contribute to firm-wide initiatives, including process standardization, training programs, and thought leadership.
•     Support strategic growth planning and cross-functional service expansion.

Additional Duties 
•     Participate in scope reviews, pricing strategies, and contract management to optimize engagement margins.

Industry Engagement
•     Represent the firm as a thought leader within the nonprofit finance community, demonstrating professionalism, discretion, and influence.

Qualifications
Required
•     Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related discipline.
•     10+ years of progressive leadership experience, including CFO or equivalent roles.
•     Expertise in nonprofit accounting (GAAP/ASC 958), federal compliance (2 CFR 200), and audit management.
•     Proven success advising boards and executive teams.
•     Strong team leadership and multi-client management capabilities.
•     Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and ERP/accounting systems.
•     Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills.
•     Strategic mindset with operational execution capabilities.

Preferred
•     Master’s degree (MBA, MPA) or CPA certification.
•     Familiarity with nonprofit sectors such as HHS, housing, or behavioral health.