Director of Finance & Operations

Institution: Institute for Clinical Social Work (ICSW) Website: Location: Chicago, IL (Hybrid, preference will be given to Chicagoland area) Employment Type: Full-Time, Exempt Salary Range: $88,000 - $115,000 annually (commensurate with experience) Ideal hiring timeline: July-August 2026 Job Description The Institute for Clinical Social Work seeks a highly qualified, experienced, and mission-driven Director of Finance & Operations to join its dynamic and collaborative leadership team. As a premier graduate institution dedicated to excellence in clinical social work and clinical counseling education, ICSW prepares students for impactful careers through rigorous academic training, clinical experience, and innovative scholarship. The Director of Finance & Operations plays a critical leadership, student forward facing [MB1] role ensuring sound financial stewardship and operational effectiveness in alignment with the Institute's mission and strategic priorities. This individual will lead all aspects of financial planning, budgeting, reporting, and compliance, accounts payable, payroll, accounts receivable, purchasing, and coordination of external audits. This individual will overseeing key administrative functionsincluding human resources, facilitiesthrough a collaborative, analytical, and results-driven approach that supports institutional sustainability and excellence. Vision for the Role The Director of Finance and Operations will bring a team-oriented and collaborative leadership approach, serving as a trusted partner across the organization to advance shared goals and strengthen alignment with the institution's mission. This role is grounded in a deep commitment to mission-driven work, ensuring that financial and operational strategies actively support long-term sustainability, impact, and growth. With a highly analytical mindset, the Director will leverage data and financial insights to inform decision-making, drive efficiency, and solve complex challenges with clarity and precision. As a results-driven leader, the Director will establish clear priorities, monitor performance, and deliver measurable outcomes, positioning finance and operations as strategic drivers of organizational effectiveness and institutional excellence. Qualifications Master's degree from an accredited college or university in Finance , Accounting , Business Administration , Public Administration , or a related field; CPA or equivalent certification preferred. Minimum of 7-10 years of progressive experience in finance and operations leadership, preferably in higher education or a nonprofit environment. Proficient in QuickBooks, Advanced Excel (automation, pivot tables), spreadsheet, database, and word processing software, ADP-a plus Demonstrated ability to maintain financial systems and overall accuracy of the general ledger including the monthly and fiscal year end closings. Demonstrated success in strategic financial planning, budget management, budget forecasting, billing, preparing audits, and resource optimization. Demonstrated ability to reconcile and/or reviews the reconciliation of all balance sheet accounts to the general ledger. Significant understanding of nonprofit accounting principles, fund accounting, and regulatory compliance. Experience managing HR, IT, facilities, procurement, and institutional operations in a small to mid-sized organization. Knowledge of federal student financial aid a plus. Strong analytical, decision-making, and organizational skills. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex financial information to diverse audiences including the Board of Directors. Must possess a high level of the following work skills and behaviors: leadership, teamwork/cooperation, initiative, customer service, and commitment to continuous professional growth in skills and knowledge. Exceptional ability to work independently, manage time, meet internal and external deadlines. Commitment to the mission of ICSW and understanding of the values of higher education, social work and counseling. Responsibilities Lead and oversee the financial operations of ICSW, including budgeting, payroll, forecasting, student financial aid, student billing, month end close, journal entry, financial reporting, audits and balance sheet reviews (just to name a few). Develop and implement long-term financial strategies to ensure fiscal sustainability and support institutional growth. Analyze financial performance, identify areas of risk or opportunity, and provide data-informed recommendations to the President & CEO, Senior Leadership and the Board of Directors. Manage financial assets, including oversight of investments, endowments, grants, and donor-restricted funds. Ensure compliance with all relevant laws, regulations, and reporting requirements, including those governing nonprofit and higher education institutions. Supervise and streamline general administrative operations, including procurement, human resources, IT, and facilities management. Develop and enhance internal controls, financial systems, and policies to improve efficiency and reduce operational costs. Serve as a strategic partner to the President & CEO, contributing to institutional planning, assessment, and implementation of key initiatives. Provide regular reports and financial updates to the President & CEO, Senior Leadership, and Board of Directors. Foster a positive, inclusive, and collaborative work environment across all levels of the institution. Represent ICSW in external meetings, audits, and professional forums as needed. Serves on President's Cabinet. Staff Liaison to Board of Director's Finance Committee. Perform other duties as assigned by the President & CEO Physical Demands While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; talk and hear. The employee may regularly lift and/or move up to 5 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 15 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and distance vision. Applicants must submit Cover letter Three (3) letters of recommendations 4 references (name|title|relationship to applicant) To email: ...