Controller / Director of Finance

Helping Hand is seeking a strategic, detail-driven Controller/Director of Finance to partner closely with our CFO and lead day-to-day financial operations. This role plays a critical part in ensuring the agency's financial health, operational excellence, and continued growth while supporting our mission and maintaining a "Best Place to Work" culture.

The Controller/Director of Finance will oversee financial reporting, budgeting, audits, grants, payroll, and compliance while leading and developing a strong finance team.

SCHEDULE AND COMPENSATION:

• On-site position, 40 hours per week.
• Salary range $105,000-$120,000/year (salary/exempt).
• Salary based on experience.
• Up to 10% annual bonus potential.
• 403b retirement plan with up to a 4% company match

HELPING HAND PERKS:

• Purpose-driven work that changes lives.
• Tuition reimbursement and clear career growth opportunities.
• Traditional medical (BCBS of IL), dental, and vision insurance.
• Employer-paid Group Life/AD&D, Short-Term, and Long-Term Disability.
• Team member appreciation events and year-round recognition.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and wellness support.
• Generous PTO including paid holidays, vacation, accrued sick time, and personal days.
• PSLF-qualifying employer under the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

WHAT YOU'LL DO:

• Financial Leadership and Reporting
• Prepare timely, accurate monthly financial reports and analyses.
• Oversee financial reporting, reconciliations, billing, collections, payroll, and budgeting.
• Support internal and external reporting, including audits, grants, contracts, and IRS filings.
• Ensure accurate tracking of grant and contract revenue and expenses.
• Budget and Fiscal Management
• Lead the annual budgeting process, including revisions and timelines.
• Monitor income and expenses and recommend budget adjustments to maintain positive cash flow.
• Prepare and amend the agency's annual budget and support grant application budgets.
• Operations and Compliance
• Ensure accuracy and compliance in accounts payable/receivable, payroll, and benefits.
• Coordinate annual audit preparation.
• Oversee payroll processing, tax filings, and required regulatory reporting (including 1099s).
• Serve as a financial resource across the organization, helping leaders understand financial impact.
• Leadership and Culture
• Supervise and support the finance team.
• Promote organizational values and foster a diverse, inclusive, and 
• Attend required agency meetings and trainings.

WHAT YOU BRING:

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field, Master's degree in business or related field preferred.
• CPA or CFA Certification (preferred).

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years working in the accounting/finance industry.
• Minimum of 3 years of management, supervisory, and leadership experience.
• Non-profit service organization experience (preferred).
• Knowledge of all financial regulations and budgets above $7 million.

Skill Sets:

• Expert-level accounting knowledge with the ability to produce accurate, timely financial statements, reports and analyses for executive leadership and external stakeholders.
• Strong experience leading annual budgets, monitoring income and expenses, managing cash flow, and supporting large, complex budgets (including grants and contracts).
• Proven ability to ensure compliance with payroll, tax, and regulatory requirements, and to coordinate successful annual audits.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and develop finance teams while improving systems, controls, and processes for accuracy and efficiency.
• Proficient and comfortable with technology such as Microsoft Office, Teams, Zoom, etc.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Active participation in required presentations and engagements.
• Ability to promote and adhere to company values.
• A commitment to a diverse, inclusive, and equitable work environment.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• The person in this position needs to occasionally move about inside the office to assist with clients, access file cabinets, office machinery, etc.
• The ability to observe details at a close range (within a few feet of the observer).
• Consistently position self to maintain files in cabinets or assist clients or other team members.
• The ability to communicate information and ideas so that others will understand. Must be able to exchange accurate information in all situations.

Helping Hand is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. We believe that embracing our differences strengthens our community and enhances the quality of care we provide.