Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

Easterseals is leading the way to full equity, inclusion, and access through life-changing disability and community services.

Through our national network of affiliates, Easterseals provides essential services and on-the-ground supports to more than 1.5 million people each year — from early childhood programs for the critical first five years, to autism services, to medical rehabilitation and employment programs, to veterans’ services, and more. Our public education, policy, and advocacy initiatives positively shape perceptions and address the urgent and evolving needs of the one in four Americans living with disabilities today.

At Easterseals, we are committed to diversity and are proud to be a disability-friendly employer.  We are an inclusive and accessible workplace where all individuals can thrive and contribute their skillsets.

We actively support employees with disabilities, ensuring they have the tools, resources, and accommodations they need to excel in their roles.  Our culture is one of belonging where everyone can feel valued, empowered, and respected.

If you're passionate about working in an inclusive and supportive environment that values diversity, we encourage you to apply and join our team to positively impact the communities we serve. Your talents are welcome here, and we look forward to how we can grow and succeed together.

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) serves as a strategic and operational leader for the organization’s financial functions, ensuring long-term financial sustainability, compliance, transparency, and alignment with mission priorities. The CFO is a trusted advisor to the CEO, Finance and Audit Committees, and the Board of Directors and plays a central role in supporting a complex federated nonprofit model including approximately 70 individually  governed affiliates.  The CFO is responsible for enterprise-wide financial strategy, oversight of consolidated financial reporting, federal grant compliance, risk management, while fostering strong, collaborative relationships with affiliate leadership.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Financial Leadership

• Serves as member of the Executive Leadership Team.
• Partner with the CEO and senior leadership to develop and execute long-term financial strategy aligned with mission and growth objectives.
• Provide financial modeling, scenario planning, and decision support related to strategic initiatives, investments, and enterprise risks.

• Balance strategic, enterprise-level financial leadership with the willingness and ability to engage deeply in financial details—reviewing journal entries, analyzing transactions, and developing hands-on financial models and analytical spreadsheets when needed.

• Serve as lead financial advisor to the Board, Finance Committee, Audit Committee, and other committees as assigned.

Financial Operations & Reporting

• Oversee all accounting, budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting functions, including consolidated network reporting across affiliates, as applicable.
• Ensure timely, accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements.
• Lead annual budgeting processes and multi-year financial planning for the National Office.

Federal Grants & Compliance

• Ensure full compliance with Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200) and other federal, state, and private funder requirements.
• Partner with the grant program team to align financial and programmatic oversight and compliance.
• Oversee finance-related aspects of federal grant administration, including indirect cost rates, cost allocation, and allowable cost determinations.
• Establish and maintain effective affiliate financial monitoring, technical assistance, and corrective action processes related to financial grant compliance.

Affiliate Financial Relationship Management

• Build productive, trust-based relationships with affiliate CEOs, CFOs, and finance leaders.
• Provide guidance, standards, tools, and shared services that strengthen affiliate financial management while respecting local governance.
• Support affiliates through financial reviews, system improvements, and capacity-building efforts.

Audit, Risk Management & Internal Controls

• Oversee annual independent audits, consolidated reporting (where applicable), and resolution of audit findings.
• Strengthen internal controls, enterprise risk management, and financial policies and procedures across the National Office.
• Partner with legal, operations and human resources on insurance, retirement plans, and financial risk mitigation.

Treasury, Investments & Assets

• Oversee cash management, banking relationships, investments, debt, and reserves.
• Manage endowments, restricted funds, and board-designated reserves in accordance with policy and fiduciary responsibilities.

Systems, Shared Services & Process Improvement

• Lead the continued modernization and integration of financial systems, including ERP and reporting platforms.
• Promote automation, data analytics, and continuous improvement in financial operations.
• Partner with Operations and IT to leverage technology tools to improve accuracy and efficiency.

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing finance and accounting team.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, service orientation, and continuous learning.

• Model a hands-on, servant leadership approach—willing to engage in any aspect of the finance function when needed, while holding accountability for outcomes at the enterprise level.

• Serve as a values-driven leader who reinforces transparency, integrity, and stewardship.

• Work collaboratively across the organization to build strong, trust-based relationships with department heads; proactively learn and understand the nuances of each department’s function, strategy, and operational priorities to ensure financial planning, reporting, and decision-making are well coordinated and aligned.

EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, or related field required; CPA (required), MBA, or equivalent advanced degree strongly preferred.
• 15+ years of progressive financial leadership experience, including senior executive roles.
• Significant experience in the nonprofit sector, ideally within a federated, networked, or highly decentralized organization.
• Deep knowledge of federal grants management, Uniform Guidance, and complex compliance environments.
• Demonstrated experience working with Boards of Directors and Board Committees.
• Proven ability to lead enterprise financial strategy while balancing national standards and affiliate autonomy.
• Strong systems orientation with experience implementing or optimizing ERP and reporting tools.
• Chicago National Office based role, with periodic travel to affiliate locations, board meetings, and conferences.

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Strategic thinker with strong business and financial acumen
• High level of judgment, integrity, and confidentiality
• Excellent communicator able to translate complex financial information for non-financial audiences
• Collaborative leadership style with the ability to influence without authority
• Change leader experienced in scaling systems and processes in complex organizations
• Commitment to mission, equity, and ethical stewardship of resources.

We offer a competitive compensation and benefits package!

Work Schedule and Compensation
• Full-Time: 40 hours per week
• Schedule: Flexible within standard business hours (as assigned)
• Compensation: $200,000-$220,000 per year. 

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