Finance Director

Functions:

Sparc is seeking an experienced Finance Director interested in pursuing a dynamic role overseeing our organization's financial health and performance. This position is responsible for managing financial operations, developing strategic financial plans, providing insightful analysis to drive business decisions, and supporting Sparc’s leadership team on fiscal policy and budgeting matters.

Universal Competencies:

Universal competencies are competency requirements that apply to all Sparc positions (Exempt & Non-Exempt, Part-time, Full-time, PRN, Supervisory and Non-Supervisory). Universal Competencies support our mission and are consistent with Sparc’s core values; they are:

Collaboration/Positive Impact: Ability to work with a variety of individuals and teams in a constructive and civil manner, utilizing existing resources, training, and learning to achieve or exceed desired outcomes while integrating Sparc’s core values to

“TEACH, COACH, and MENTOR.”

Proficiency Levels & Typical Behaviors: Extensive

• Ensures time, resources, energy, learning opportunities, and actions are focused on priorities important to the changing workplace.
• Identifies and resolves disagreements/conflicts in early stages.
• Promotes a safe, fair, respectful environment in which concerns can be addressed effectively.
• Recommends changes to work practices and policies to achieve desired outcomes.
  
  
  

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Ability to work with a variety of individuals and groups in a constructive and respectful manner while appreciating the unique contribution of an inclusive workforce that brings together the talents of people across multiple identities.

Proficiency Levels & Typical Behaviors: Extensive

• Promotes a respectful, diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environment in which concerns are addressed effectively.
• Can identify policies and practices that have a disparate impact on specific populations.
• Recommends policies and practices to advance an equitable, inclusive work environment and counter racism, sexism, and other forms of systemic bias.
• Forms respectful relationships with individuals and organizations representing diverse constituencies and seeks regular input to better understand diversity, equity, and inclusion issues and enhance recruitment efforts.
• Engages in ongoing self-reflection and continues to advance one’s own personal knowledge and skills related to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
  
  
  

Service Excellence/Customer Focus: Ability to meet or exceed service needs and expectations of persons served and provide excellent service in a direct or indirect manner. Ability to effectively transmit and interpret information through appropriate communication with internal and external constituents, stakeholders, and the community.

Proficiency Levels & Typical Behaviors: Extensive

• Participates in developing a variety of effective ways to deal with service challenges.
• Models service delivery and will coach others to deliver excellent service in a variety of settings.
• Communicates well with direct reports, peers, leadership, and external constituents.
• Utilizes various methods for information sharing and information gathering. Modifies process(es) to enhance service and outcomes.
  
  
  

Responsibilities:

• Financial Management:
• Oversee budget development and financial management activities, including business transactions and agency-wide accounting functions. (Essential and Non-Modifiable)
• Manage all accounting functions: accounts payable, accounts receivable, electronic banking, and reconciliations (monthly, quarterly, and annual). (Essential and Non-Modifiable)
• Prepare, review, and approve financial and statistical reports as required by funding and regulatory agencies. (Essential and Non-Modifiable)
• Oversee the coordination and completion of the annual agency audit, which includes providing leadership and direction for special financial or statistical audits. (Essential and Non-Modifiable)
• Monitor all agency program budgets and financial management practices. (Essential and Non-Modifiable)
• Establish and maintain policies, procedures, and guidelines for sound financial management. (Essential and Non-Modifiable)
• Ensure fiscal accountability and efficient utilization of resources. (Essential and Non-Modifiable)
• Financial Planning and Analysis:
• Develop and maintain financial models to forecast company performance. (Essential and Non-Modifiable)
• Prepare budgets, financial reports, and variance analysis to monitor performance against targets. (Essential and Non-Modifiable)
• Budgeting and Forecasting:
• Lead the budgeting process and collaborate with department heads to establish financial goals. (Essential and Non-Modifiable)
• Monitor and review budget variances, identifying areas for improvement and cost-saving opportunities. (Essential and Non-Modifiable)
• Forecast financial trends and assess potential risks and opportunities. (Essential and Non-Modifiable)
• Cash Flow Management:
• Manage cash flow by forecasting cash needs and optimizing cash balances. (Essential and Non-Modifiable)
• Monitor accounts receivable and accounts payable to ensure timely collections and payments. (Essential and Non-Modifiable)
• Implement strategies to improve working capital efficiency. (Essential and Non-Modifiable)
• Financial Reporting:
• Prepare accurate and timely financial statements in compliance with GAAP and regulatory requirements. (Essential and Non-Modifiable)
• Coordinate with external auditors to facilitate the annual audit process. (Essential and Non-Modifiable)
• Ensure compliance with tax regulations and oversee tax planning and reporting activities. (Essential and Non-Modifiable)
• Strategic Planning:
• Collaborate with senior management to develop long-term financial strategies aligned with company goals. (Essential and Non-Modifiable)
• Assess the financial impact of strategic initiatives and provide recommendations for resource allocation. (Essential and Non-Modifiable)
• Leadership and Team Development:
• Supervise and mentor the Finance team. (Essential and Non-Modifiable)
• Lead a positive workplace culture that includes promoting collaboration, professional development, and an environment for continuous improvement. (Essential and Non-Modifiable)
• Provide leadership, support, and guidance to ensure the Finance team meets its objectives and deadlines. (Essential and Non-Modifiable)
• Compliance and Reporting:
• Assure compliance with applicable local, state, and federal regulations, accreditation standards, and licensure requirements. (Essential and Non-Modifiable)
• Collaborate, develop, and recommend agency policies and procedures to executive leadership, departments, and board of directors. (Essential and Non-Modifiable)
• Provide timely and useful financial information to the executive director, executive staff, and board of directors. (Essential and Non-Modifiable)
• Prepare and provide reports to the board of directors and executive leadership on department activities, performance metrics, and strategic initiatives as needed. (Essential and Non-Modifiable)
• Perform other agency-related duties as assigned or required reasonably within the scope of the above-mentioned duties. “Related duties as assigned” are duties that may not be listed explicitly in the class specification or position description but are duties within the general, occupational series, and responsibility level typically associated with the employee’s class of work. (Essential and Non-Modifiable)
  
  
  

Skills Needed:

• Detail-oriented with excellent time management skills and a proven ability to meet competing deadlines in a dynamic work environment.
• Strong leadership abilities with experience in staff supervision, team building, and performance management.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to interact professionally with residents, families, staff, external stakeholders, and individuals supported.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills with attention to detail and the ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks.
• Proficient in utilizing computers, Microsoft Office Suite, accounting software systems, and electronic recordkeeping systems.
  
  
  

Education/Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field; MBA or CPA preferred.
• Proven experience as a Finance Director or similar role with a minimum of 4-5 years of relevant experience.
• Strong understanding of financial principles, practices, and regulations.
• Proficiency in financial modeling, analysis, and forecasting techniques.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and financial software applications.
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities with a focus on driving results and achieving business objectives.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
  
  
  

Other Requirements:

• Experience with individuals with developmental disabilities preferred.
• Current valid Illinois Driver’s License.
• Current valid proof of automobile insurance.
• Reliable transportation to travel to various local work sites.
• Ability to physically manage any special needs of individuals supported by Sparc.
• Attend and satisfactorily complete all training requirements.
  
  
  

Working Conditions:

• Work is primarily performed at SPARCenter with occasional work at other agency-owned properties. Remote work option available, including consideration for a hybrid work schedule.
• Exposure to various illnesses, diseases, hazardous chemicals, and physically threatening clients may occur.
• Individual safety and security procedures for each work site must be followed at all times.
  
  
  

The foregoing outlines the general duties and qualifications of the Finance Director. This job description may be changed or modified at any time at the discretion of management, either formally or informally, verbally or in writing. Specific responsibilities may vary depending on the needs of individual clients and organizational requirements.

Salary : $82,000 - $85,000