Head of Finance & Accounting

Reporting to the Executive Director & Board Chair, the Head of Finance & Accounting is a key member of the leadership team responsible for managing the financial operations of Maestro Cares Foundation.

The Head of Finance & Accounting ensures financial sustainability, compliance with regulatory requirements, and alignment of the organization’s finances with its mission and strategic goals. This includes overseeing accounting, budgeting, forecasting, financial analysis, and reporting and contributing to organizational strategy and decision-making.

The Head of Finance & Accounting maintains strong relationships and partnerships, collaborating internally and externally with auditors and business partners to enhance financial accountability and transparency.

Working closely with the Executive Director (ED), the Head of Finance & Accounting is vital in crafting and executing innovative financial strategies that drive the organization’s mission forward. This position provides cross-functional team leadership. 

The selected candidate will have a passion for the organization’s mission, strong relationship-building skills, the ability to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences, and the ability to be a self-starter. Candidates must have at least seven to ten years of progressive experience in financial accounting, FP&A, or strategy.

This role is onsite 5 day/week in West Town neighborhood of Chicago.

Responsibilities:
•    Partner with the ED and Director of Operations (DOO) to provide strategic direction in financial planning and management, promoting cross-functional coordination, creative problem-solving, and stewardship of accounting and financial activities.
•    Own the budgeting and forecasting process, delivering precise financial projections, and developing forecasting models to support both short-term objectives and long-term sustainability.
•    Oversee the preparation and timely delivery of accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements and reports.
•    Establish robust financial reporting frameworks and refine existing reports to enhance budget transparency, drive resource stewardship, and support sound decision-making.
•    Adhere to regulatory standards, including guidelines governing grants and restricted funds, GAAP, and federal, state, and local laws. 
•    Lead the organization’s annual audit and 990 preparation processes.
•    Manage the organization’s investment portfolios.
•    Research and propose community investment approaches that advance the Foundation goals.
•    Collaborate with ED and DOO on driving continuous improvement of financial systems, processes, and policies, enhancing efficiency in reporting, budget monitoring, and month-end close activities.
•    Manage cash flow to maintain operational liquidity, support capital investments, and optimize asset utilization.
•    Engage and collaborate with internal stakeholders, including organizational leaders, in strategic and tactical planning. Guide as needed in financial discussions and externally with organizations, auditors, and business partners.
•    Promote financial acumen throughout the organization by providing training as needed and leading internal financial performance discussions.
•    Proactively identify and mitigate financial risks through strong internal controls, regular risk assessments, policy reviews, and the development of robust contingency plans.
•    Serve as the primary contact on behalf of the Foundation, for banking and investment relationships.
•    Develop a strong working relationship with the Board of Directors.

Qualifications:
•    Ability to develop information and raw data into very meaningful conclusions.
•    Ability to achieve desired outcomes by setting goals and priorities that deliver results and the ability to motivate team members.
•    Ability to send tactful and appropriate verbal messages and listen to others’ responses to convey information.
•    Ability to write concise, clear letters, reports, articles or emails to convey information.
•    Ability to understand business-related topics and issues.
•    Ability to recognize actions that can be taken to manage problems or potential problems and apply contingency plans to solve those problems.
•    Ability to pay meticulous attention to new situations and apply previously successful approaches.
•    Ability to adapt to both short-term and long-term changes in workplace conditions or needs
•    Ability to plan, organize, direct, and control tasks to meet a specific goal.
•    Ability to serve clients (both internal and external) by focusing on meeting their needs, understanding their concerns, and seeking to build trust.
•    Ability to evaluate information and select an effective suitable course of action using sound judgment.
•    Ability to gain the confidence and trust of others through honesty, authenticity, and acceptance of responsibility.
•    Ability to act and consistently adhere to high standards of organizational and professional conduct.

Education:
•    Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field.
•    Advanced degree and/or training preferred, such as MBA, Master’s in Finance, Accounting, or related field.

Experience:
•    Hands-on work experience in the nonprofit industry.
•    Minimum of seven of progressive experience in financial accounting, FP&A, and strategy.
•    Solid accounting experience with a thorough understanding of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), financial reporting, and internal controls.
•    Knowledge of auditing principles and practices, preferably in a not-for-profit environment.
•    Knowledge of fund accounting procedures and procedures related to restricted donations and fundraising campaigns is preferred.
•    Self-starter with a collaborative mindset and strong analytical/strategic thinking skills.
•    Demonstrated experience in financial systems implementation or optimization – Quickbooks experience strongly preferred

COVID-19 considerations: All in-person employees of the Maestro Cares Foundation must show proof of COVID-19 vaccination, including a booster shot.

Job Details: In-office position (M to F 9 to 5)- Chicago West Town neighborhood.
Benefits: Health insurance, Dental insurance, Vision insurance, Life insurance, STD and LTD insurance, 401(K) & matching contributions, Paid Time Off

Pay targeted at: $110,000-120,000

Send resume, cover letter, and writing samples (ONE PAGE ONLY EACH ONE in English and Spanish) to Michelle@hirewell.com with “Maestro Cares” in the subject line. In the email, please mention three reasons you’re interested in working at Maestro Cares Foundation.”

About Maestro Cares Foundation:
Maestro Cares Foundation (MCF) is a non-profit organization founded in 2012 by international music icon Marc Anthony and entrepreneur Henry Cárdenas. The foundation’s mission is to improve the quality of life of disadvantaged children and communities. Maestro Cares Foundation partners with local foundations and organizations in Latin America and the United States to fund projects that create safe and healthy environments for children. These projects support the children’s developmental and academic needs. To date, Maestro Cares Foundation has funded 42 projects in 17 countries, impacting the lives of thousands of children. Additionally, the foundation runs the Maestro Cares Foundation Scholarship program, which provides educational opportunities for Latino students who excel academically, have financial need, and are committed to charitable work.
 

Benefits: Discretionary bonus
health
paid time off
401K w/ match
dental
vision
life
AD&D
STD/LTD