Chief Financial Officer

The Center for Neighborhood Technology (CNT) is a 29-year-old non-profit organization whose mission is to promote the development and perpetuation of vibrant urban communities that are both environmentally and economically sustainable, both in the Chicago region and throughout the United States.

It does this through rigorous factual research and analysis in the interrelated areas of energy, the environment, land use and transportation, with particular attention to the information gaps and disconnects affecting the ways that decision-makers in the market economy and public policy arenas deal with these issues. In addition, CNT uses the insights derived from its research to develop innovative approaches to solving basic problems affecting urban communities and often initiates programs, either alone or in collaboration with other public and private organizations, to test and demonstrate these solutions in practical application.

Throughout its nearly 30-year history, CNT has refined this approach of breakthrough "think tank" theoretical innovation informed by practical, "hands-on" experimentation with programs, so that recently the organization has been accurately described as a "laboratory for innovation in the field of urban sustainability". In recent years, CNT has achieved increasing recognition nationally for its pioneering work, such as the Housing+Transportation Affordability Index supported by the Brookings Institution. 

CNT is a charitable, 501(c)3 Illinois not-for-profit corporation with two wholly-owned operating subsidiaries - CNT Energy and I-Go Car Sharing. These entities have a consolidated current budget of approximately $5.5 million. CNT is well-positioned for future growth. Funding is derived from multiple sources of revenue - primarily grants from public foundations and government agencies, service contracts with government agencies and regulated businesses, retail operations of I-Go and potentially other ventures, and private donations. In addition, CNT has some long-term borrowing and short-term credit facilities. 

Position: 

The Chief Financial Officer - in close collaboration with Chief Executive Officer and other senior management - will be responsible for directing and overseeing the financial activities of the overall organization, including the development of overall long-term financial strategy and preparation of current financial reports, as well as summaries and forecasts for future business growth and general economic outlook. The Chief Financial Officer will also be responsible for the supervision of general accounting, property accounting, internal auditing, cost accounting, budgetary controls and reporting to the Board of Directors on financial performance. 

Responsibilities: 

* Oversees the organization's system of accounts; analyzes, monitors, and presents results of financial operations to CEO, Program Directors, and Board of Directors.
* Formulates and implements approved financial policies and procedures. 
* Analyzes and monitors each program/department's spending and identifies potential problems and works with individual heads of departments on budgeting and spending issues. 
* Coordinates and directs the preparation of the budget, financial forecasts, and regular financial reports; institutes and maintains other planning and control procedures (including the cost accounting system); and analyzes and reports variances. 
* Controls cash management; negotiates and manages credit relationships.
* Carries out tax planning and ensures compliance with all federal, state, and local corporate, payroll, and other applicable taxes. 
* Oversees audits. 
* Assures timely and accurate financial reporting for grants and contracts. 
* Furnishes internal reports, revises and updates reports to be more useful and efficient, and furnishes external reports as necessary. 
* Manages long-term financial planning and strategy, and financial analysis of proposed initiatives.
* Evaluates and recommends insurance coverage for protection against property losses and potential liabilities. 
* Manages Accounting Department personnel, and ensures appropriate staffing and staff development. 
* Other administrative management responsibilities may be included in this position, depending on the qualifications and experience of the successful applicant. 

Qualifications 

* Bachelor's and/or Master's Degree in business administration, accounting or finance, and 10 years relevant experience. C.P.A. designation desirable. 
* Strong analytic skills and business astuteness. 
* Experience and demonstrated expertise in the accounting of complex non-profit or for-profit organizations, including knowledge of federal contracting. Experience in small business accounting a plus. 
* Knowledge of database and accounting computer application systems. Knowledge of MIP accounting software a plus.
* Excellent communications skills and ability to form strong working relationships across the organization. Collaborative management and working style. 
* Demonstrated ability to lead, manage and motivate staff to achieve desired results. 
* Personal commitment to CNT mission and values. 

The Chief Financial Officer's direct reports will be the Accounting Clerk and the Staff Accountant. Anti-Discrimination Policy 

Salary is commensurate with experience. 

To apply, please email or mail cover letter, resume, and salary history.  No phone calls please. 

Human Resources
Center for Neighborhood Technology
2125 W. North Avenue
Chicago, IL 60647 

The Center for Neighborhood Technology is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or job applicant based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexually orientation, age disability, veteran status, or marital status. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, termination, promotion, transfer, layoff, leaves of absence, compensation and training.