Community Desk Chicago Senior Director, Accounting and Finance Chicago, IL · Full time

Apply for Senior Director, Accounting and Finance

Position Summary 

The Senior Director, Accounting and Finance reports to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and is responsible for managing all accounting and finance needs of The Desk. Additionally, the Director, Accounting and Finance will support the Desk’s real estate programs which may include direct ownership of properties on an interim basis and the coordination of capital to support the programs.

About Community Desk Chicago

Community Desk Chicago (“The Desk”), a 501(c)3, works with nonprofits, community developers and entrepreneurs to assemble the necessary capital, expertise and other resources to increase real estate development in their neighborhoods that promote a high quality of life.

The Desk’s long-term vision is a Chicago where all communities have the resources they need to create healthy built environments that support their goals for vibrant spaces, positive economic activity, and community wealth-building.

As an intermediary, The Desk’s work is centered around three strategic pillars including 1) leveraging and coordinating place-based capital, 2) supporting small-scale commercial real estate development and 3) advocating for systems change to improve wealth-building opportunities in neighborhoods. 

Through our four signature programs, CorridorLive!, Neighborhood Developers Initiative, Budgets & Bricks, and Wealth Our Way, the Desk supports local nonprofits, community developers and entrepreneurs to build community self-reliance and improve the quality of life for residents through commercial corridor revitalization efforts. These efforts support local ownership and activation of underutilized community assets. More information about The Desk can be found at www.communitydeskchicago.org.

Position Responsibilities

●      Manage accounts payable including processing and initiating vendor payments.

●      Manage accounts receivables including grants, government contracts, and other program income.

●      Complete the month-end close process including but not limited to account reconciliations, journal entries to release restricted revenue, revenue and expense postings, A/P and A/R reconciliations.

●      Manage the Desk’s financial system (i.e., QuickBooks Online) to support the fiscal operations of the organization including but not limited to managing the chart of accounts, updating vendor information and keeping the records current.

●      Prepare and track the Desk’s general operating budget and program-specific budgets.

●      Manage and run bi-weekly payroll as well as reconcile deductions and benefits monthly.

●      Track and manage insurance and other pre-paid expenses including payments and monthly allocations.

●      As necessary, prepare financials for grant applications, grant reporting and fundraising activities.

●      Ensure grants are tracked and matched with corresponding expenses within Quickbooks Online Plus including the allocation of salaries and overhead to released restricted revenue.

●      Develop and provide to the CEO, Finance Committee and Board timely and accurate analysis of budgets, financial reports and financial trends.

●      Develop a reliable cash flow projection process and reporting mechanism that includes a minimum cash threshold to meet operating needs. 

●      Financial management of Desk-owned properties including working with staff, partners and lenders on acquisition and construction loan closings, tracking and managing earned revenue, and any required financial reporting.

●      Prepare for and oversee the audit process and manage the relationship with external auditors and tax advisors as required.

Position Requirements/Skills:

●      Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

●      Master’s degree in accounting or business administration is preferred. Bachelor’s degree in accounting is required.

●      Minimum of 10 years of related work experience, 15 years preferred.

●      Experience with nonprofit accounting including restricted and unrestricted revenue, grants and government funding.

●      Experience preparing for and managing the auditing process.

●      Experience working with teams and leading budget discussions

●      Experience managing payroll and benefit deductions 

●      Working knowledge of accounting and finance related to owning and managing real estate (e.g., depreciation, taxes, etc.).

●      Ability to self-start and approach the role with an entrepreneurial spirit.

●      A strong grasp of problem solving and financial analysis techniques for nonprofits. 

●      A strong understanding and working knowledge of QuickBooks Online Plus or Advanced. 

●      Ability and desire to work in culturally diverse environments.

●      Demonstrated interest in working for and supporting a start-up organization.

Physical Requirements/Working Conditions:

●      Willingness to work beyond normal working hours and on weekends, when necessary.