Finance Manager

Chicago, IL, United States

Job Description Job Description The Westside Justice Center is a community-centered organization that promotes a holistic approach to justice by: 1) Facilitating legal literacy to reduce recidivism; 2) Providing legal and quasi- legal assistance to individuals; and 3) Establishing and nurturing community trust through participatory deliberations and restorative justice practices, to collaboratively mitigate the consequences of incarceration on criminalized communities.

The organization seeks a strategic Finance Manager with a track record of organizing a growing organization to meet future expansion. The Finance Manager is responsible for aligning financial reserves with the setting the mission and vision of the organization and for identifying concrete ways to engage in increasing financial reserves and cost-savings, such that WJC develops into a stable, sustainable organization with longevity. Responsibilities include the day to day financial management of the organization, conducting periodic analysis and developing a financial strategy.

Duties for the Finance Manager include supervising accounting staff, overseeing internal controls, setting financial targets, implementing fundraising strategies, developing a financial strategy, conducting feasibility studies, monitoring expenditure, overseeing annual insurance, monitoring cash flow, evaluating investments, and managing tax compliance.

Reports to: Deputy Director (DD)

DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

Finance:

Oversee and lead annual budgeting and planning process in conjunction with the Deputy Director; monitor progress and keep the leadership team abreast of the organization’s financial status.

Manage organizational cash flow and forecasting.

Drive best financial practices within WJC by publicizing standard operating procedures, keeping the senior leadership team, Board and staff up-to-date on WJC's financial status and by generally serving as a point of reference for all growth plans and projects within WJC;

Recommends and administers policies, procedures and processes in support of WJC goals and operations, in accordance with relevant legal parameters, and implements and monitors compliance with approved policies, procedures and processes.

Provide overall financial oversight and monitoring, including implementation of sound fiscal management practices and internal controls.

Manage and oversee monthly accounting processes, including bookkeeping, payroll management, invoicing, and financial tracking of restricted grants. In this capacity, manage relationships with key external vendors, including outsourced accounting firm. Collaborate with the Operations Manager on HR policies and management.

Implement a robust contracts management and financial management/ reporting system; ensure that the contract billing and collection schedule is adhered to and that financial data and cash flow are steady and support operational requirements.

Analyze and present financial reports in an accurate and timely manner; develop financial reporting materials for all donor segments and oversee all financial, project/program and grants accounting.

Coordinate the preparation of financial information in the corporate annual report.

Coordinate and lead the annual audit process and all tax returns; liaise with external auditors and the finance committee of the board of directors.

Provide staff support to the finance committee on the Board of Directors

Legal:

Oversee risk management and legal activities, including: business insurance; memorandums of agreement; contracts; leases, and other legal documents and agreements.

Ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.

Strategy and Business Development:

Work in partnership with DD/ED and leadership team to implement new strategic initiatives in response to an increasing demand for WJC’s services.

Work in partnership with DD/ED and leadership team to develop strategic plan for WJC, including developing a business plan for national replication/dissemination. Provide financial and operational input for all strategic planning processes.

Partner with DD/ED and leadership team to represent WJC with key stakeholders, including funders, the media, government, academic institutions, community organizations, and volunteers.

Other Duties:

Builds and sustains relationships with colleagues with leaders, actors and organizations in relevant fields, including the public and commercial sectors

Represents the Westside Justice Center at conferences and other public events, including as a speaker or panel participant

Performs other duties as assigned

Skills :

Commitment to WJC’s mission.

BS/BA degree with at least 5-7 years of experience managing finance and operations in a high growth organization. Advanced degree (e.g. business or public policy) preferred.

Proven track record in organizational budgeting and financial management. Experience with and understanding of general accounting, grant tracking, payroll management, human resources, and general business systems and functions.

Demonstrated success in developing and monitoring financial systems.

Proven track record in developing and managing operational systems in a high growth organization; strong project management skills.

Attention to detail and ability to complete work with accuracy and efficiency.

Strong work ethic, flexible, and able to multitask. Ability to synthesize data, make decisions, and communicate priorities to staff. Demonstrated resourcefulness in setting priorities, executing multiple tasks, and achieving objectives.

Ability to think strategically and connect strong execution to broader strategic priorities.

Exceptional capacity for managing and leading people from diverse backgrounds. Committed to investing in and developing staff and positioning them to succeed.

Ability to convey a vision of Westside Justice Center strategic future to staff, board, volunteers and donors; Experience in training and community outreach preferred.

Strong written and oral communication skills;

Ability to interface and engage diverse volunteer and donor groups;

Demonstrated ability to oversee and collaborate with staff;

Strong public speaking ability;

Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion within the organization; and

Ability to address and resolve conflict effectively.

Application Process :

Please send your resume, a detailed cover letter explaining your interest in the position and contact information of 3 references to [email protected]. Please note what position you are applying for in the subject line. Applications will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis.

Start Date : July 1, 2021

The Westside Justice Center is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. People of color, women, LGBTQI-GNC people, and formerly incarcerated people are strongly encouraged to apply.

Commensurate with experience and other qualifications.

Company Description The Westside Justice Center is a community-centered organization that promotes a holistic approach to justice by: 1) Facilitating legal literacy to reduce recidivism; 2) Providing legal and quasi- legal assistance to individuals; and 3) Establishing and nurturing community trust through participatory deliberations and restorative justice practices, to collaboratively mitigate the consequences of incarceration on criminalized communities. Company Description The Westside Justice Center is a community-centered organization that promotes a holistic approach to justice by: 1) Facilitating legal literacy to reduce recidivism; 2) Providing legal and quasi- legal assistance to individuals; and 3) Establishing and nurturing community trust through participatory deliberations and restorative justice practices, to collaboratively mitigate the consequences of incarceration on criminalized communities.

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