VP OF FINANCE

Anti-Cruelty Job Description

JOB TITLE: Vice President of Finance

DEPARTMENT: Administration

REPORTS TO: President

STATUS: Exempt

Join a mission where compassion is put to action! Anti-Cruelty's Vice President of Finance shapes the financial foundation that powers our programs, strengthens our operations, and expands our impact for pets and people across our community. This crucial position plays a pivotal role in advancing our mission and securing our financial future. Working closely with the President and Executive Leadership Team, the Vice President of Finance drives sustainability, growth, and organizational excellence to keep our lifesaving work strong, stable, and forward-focused as we work to build a humane Chicago.

GENERAL SUMMARY

The Vice President of Finance is a key member of Anti-Cruelty’s senior leadership team, serving as a strategic partner to the President and Board of Directors. This position provides financial leadership that ensures the organization’s long-term sustainability and mission alignment. The VP of Finance oversees accounting, budgeting, reporting, compliance, and investments, while also supporting strategic growth, risk management, and cross-departmental collaboration.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Strategic Leadership and Planning

• Advance the mission, vision, plans, and goals of Anti-Cruelty in collaboration with the President and Senior Leadership team.
• Provide financial insights that shape organizational strategy, sustainability, and growth opportunities.
• Align finance and administrative efforts with strategic priorities and initiatives.
• Advise the Board of Directors and Finance Committee on financial performance, forecasts, risks, and opportunities.
• Contribute to organizational strategic planning, decision-making, and risk management.
• Contribute to a culture of Praise, Engagement, Trust, and Support.

Financial Management and Oversight

• Lead the organization’s financial operations including accounting, budgeting, forecasting, reporting, and compliance.
• Develop, manage, and monitor the annual budget in collaboration with program and operations leadership.
• Ensure timely, accurate financial reporting for internal management, Board committees, funders, and regulatory agencies.
• Oversee cash flows, reserves, and investment management.
• Ensure accurate integration of donor and fundraising revenue data into financial systems to support effective development strategy.

Compliance, Risk and Internal Controls

• Maintain and strengthen internal controls, financial policies, and procedures.
• Ensure compliance with GAAP, federal and state regulations, nonprofit reporting standards, and donor restrictions.
• Anticipate and manage financial risks, ensuring Anti-Cruelty remains compliant and audit-ready.
• Oversee the maintenance of records of all contracts, leases, grants, and other legal obligations.

Team Leadership and Culture

• Lead, mentor, and develop the finance team.
• Build strong cross-departmental relationships to support program and operational effectiveness.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Other duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES

• Comprehensive knowledge of manual and automated accounting systems.
• Thorough knowledge of general accounting principles and Financial Accounting Standard Board rulings.
• Proven executive leadership skills, including the ability to inspire, influence, and build trust across departments and with the Board of Directors.
• Expertise in nonprofit accounting systems (e.g., Blackbaud, QuickBooks, etc).
• Strong communication skills, writing and verbal.
• Strong analytic abilities.
• Ability to work under tight schedule and meet deadlines.
• A strong, collaborative team orientation with that ability to work with a diverse workforce.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or related field required. CPA strongly preferred.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Minimum of eight years of progressively responsible experience in finance leadership, including at least 5 years managing teams. Non-profit finance experience strongly preferred.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

This role requires the ability to work onsite in an office environment and at a computer for extended periods.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Ability to attend evening or weekend Board meetings and represent the organization at key events as needed.

The job description is a guide to the essential functions of the job, not an all-inclusive list of responsibilities, qualifications, physical demands, and work environment conditions. Job descriptions are reviewed and revised to meet the changing needs of the organization at the sole discretion of management.

Anti-Cruelty is an equal opportunity employer.