Finance Director

Reports to Executive Operations Director

Word on Fire Catholic Ministries is a nonprofit global media apostolate that supports the work of Bishop Robert Barron and reaches millions of people to draw them into—or back to—the Catholic faith.

Word on Fire is seeking a highly experienced, strategic, and mission-aligned Finance Director to lead our accounting and finance functions. The Finance Director will oversee the financial health of the organization by managing all accounting operations, financial reporting, and budgeting processes. This role will be responsible for ensuring accurate financial data, implementing and maintaining internal controls, and advising leadership on financial planning, risk, and compliance. The Finance Director will partner with the procurement and distribution team to ensure financial and operational alignment across these key functions.

The ideal candidate will combine strong technical accounting expertise with a strategic mindset and collaborative leadership style.

Location: Elk Grove Village, IL

Employment Type: Full-time

Responsibilities

• Leadership & Oversight

• Oversee and manage the day-to-day operations of the accounting and finance team

• Develop and implement policies, procedures, and controls to ensure compliance with GAAP and nonprofit best practices

• Assist with the annual audit and 990 preparation process

• Collaborate with department leaders to develop and manage organizational and departmental budgets

• Accounting Operations

• Ensure timely and accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial closes

• Oversee maintenance of the general ledger and all subsidiary journals

• Monitor accounts payable, accounts receivable, cash flow forecasting, and payroll functions

• Ensure compliance with all applicable tax filings and regulatory reporting requirements (e.g., 1099s, payroll taxes, state registrations)

• Ensure proper revenue recognition, particularly for restricted funds, pledges, and grants

• Reporting & Analysis

• Prepare and present accurate monthly financial statements and variance reports to the leadership council

• Develop financial models, forecasts, and cash flow projections to support strategic planning

• Lead financial reporting and tracking for all grants and restricted gifts

• Provide financial insights and recommendations to support decision-making by the Executive Operations Director and leadership council

• Process Improvement & Compliance

• Establish, document and maintain financial controls and standard operating procedures

• Continuously evaluate and improve accounting systems, software tools, and workflows for efficiency and accuracy

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws related to payroll, taxation, and nonprofit governance

• Procurement & Distribution

• Collaborate with publishing and procurement & distribution teams to align the financial strategies of warehousing, fulfillment, and logistics 

• Implement controls and best practices for inventory valuation, shrinkage prevention, and overall efficiency

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field

• 7 years of accounting/finance experience, including at least 2 years in a leadership role

• Strong understanding of GAAP and nonprofit accounting

• Demonstrated ability to lead and mentor staff

• Excellent attention to detail and analytical skills

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills

• Commitment to the mission and values of Word on Fire

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

• Experience managing budgets, audits, and financial operations in a nonprofit

• Experience with QuickBooks Desktop

• Experience working with development teams to reconcile donations, pledges, and grants and other financial instruments

• Familiarity with the work of Bishop Robert Barron and Word on Fire

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time

• Must be able to lift, carry, and transport up to 25 pounds occasionally

Compensation and Benefits

The estimated base pay range for this position is $145,000 - $165,000 annually. Word on Fire determines individual compensation on several factors, including but not limited to, experience, skills, alignment with the role’s responsibilities, and geographic location. This role may be eligible for annual merit increases based on individual performance.

Word on Fire also offers its team members a robust benefits package that includes:

• Work-from-home Wednesdays and up to 20 additional work-from-home days throughout the year

• Several 100% Word on Fire-paid insurance benefits: life, short-term disability, and long-term disability

• Other insurance benefits: medical, dental, vision, HSA, FSA, accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity

• A retirement plan with a 3% target employer contribution

• Generous paid time off and paid holidays

• Paid parental leaves at 100% of base salary

• Access to Word on Fire’s incredible wealth of content and resources and more!

Word on Fire is founded upon and intent on prioritizing its Catholic religious mission and principles above all else. Word on Fire's religious mission may therefore require that it make employment decisions based on an individual's religion and adherence to the principles of the Catholic Church.