Job Description

About NIJC

The mission of NIJC is to ensure human rights protections and access to justice for immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers. NIJC provides direct legal services to and advocates for these populations through advocacy, impact litigation and strategic communications. NIJC leverages assistance from more than 2,500 pro bono attorneys throughout the country to provide legal services to more than 10,000 immigrants annually.

After operating as a program of Heartland Alliance for more than 30 years, NIJC became an independent 501c3 in 2024. NIJC's FY 2026 budget is more than $14 million, and it is projected to grow substantially in FY 2027. NIJC maintains a diverse base of funding from the government, foundations, corporations and individuals through a mix of grants and contracts, charitable donations, and program revenue. NIJC has offices in Indiana, and San Diego, California, as well as remote staff working in eight other states including Washington D.C. NIJC's leadership team includes its Executive Director, COO, and Directors of Programs, Development, and Human Resources. Please visit to learn more.

Job Summary

Reporting to the Executive Director and collaborating with the Chief Operating Officer (COO), the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) will set NIJC's financial policy and direction while also being an active participant in, and driver of, the organization's overall strategy. The CFO will oversee all financial administration and compliance, financial planning, budgeting, and audit oversight. As a member of the senior leadership team, the CFO will work closely with a motivated and engaged programmatic team, as well as the finance and governance committee of the board of directors.

The CFO will lead NIJC's finance and accounting team, and in collaboration with the COO, work with the human resources (HR), information technology (IT) staff, operations staff, development and program staff.

Strategy

• Participate in ensuring financial resources for developing or implementing strategic planning priorities as an integral member of the senior management team.
• Oversee multi-year budgetary planning and cost management in alignment with NIJC's strategic plan, including the setting of budget priorities in collaboration with the senior team.
• Engage the directors of development and resources on short- and long-term financial planning, including ensuring accurate revenue modeling.
• Engage the board finance committee around financial issues, trends, and changes.
• Partner with the Executive Director and the senior team on all operational, programmatic and strategic issues as they arise; provide strategic recommendations to the Executive Director and board based on financial analysis and projections, cost identification and allocation, and revenue/expense analysis.

Government and Grant Accounting/Compliance

• Ensure rigorous compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations and reporting requirements related to government contracts and grants.
• Oversee grant accounting and reporting functions, ensuring funds are spent according to the specific terms and conditions of each award.
• Deep knowledge and understanding of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) single audit (formerly A-133) requirements.
• Collaborate with program directors and the development team to prepare accurate budgets for grant proposals and manage ongoing financial tracking against grant budgets.

Financial Operations Management

• Analyze budget progress and present operational metrics both internally and externally.
• Ensure that finance staff maintain financial record systems in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.
• Provide oversight for producing reports, direction, review and accountability.
• Oversee the finance and accounting team in monitoring the use of funds, including contract utilization and grant spenddown.
• Oversee the preparation and approval of all financial reporting materials and metrics for funders and NIJC's board of directors; prepare and communicate monthly on financial strengths/risks; and develop and explain the monthly and annual financial statements to the leadership and board.
• Work with controller to manage cash flow and forecasting; direct all financial, project-based, and departmental accounting.
• Oversee the audit and present it to the audit committee for approval.
• Work with COO and HR to evaluate and assess the financial impact of all benefits in an effort to provide a competitive package for employees.
• Ensure all finance and accounting-related procedures, processes, and administration comply with applicable rules and regulations; recommend and execute improvements to existing systems.

Team Management

• Develop and manage finance and accounting teams, guide larger multidisciplinary teams outside of direct span of control.
• Be a strategic partner in change management strategy for the organization.
• Engage other members of the senior management team-Directors of Legal Services, Litigation, Policy, Development/Resources-to facilitate cross-department collaboration that builds the financial skills and awareness of the team and ensures that finance and accounting positively support NIJCs evolving strategy, operational delivery, and data collection needs.
• Provide guidance on attracting and developing key national team members as necessary for NIJC.

Qualifications

The CFO will be a seasoned leader, preferably in the nonprofit field, with at least 10 years of broad finance experience or commensurate experience specifically in audit, financial analysis, and senior leadership. The CFO will ideally have experience managing finance (accounting, budgeting, control, and reporting) for a nonprofit organization.

The CFO will have the following experience and attributes:

• A minimum of a BA; CPA and/or an MBA would be a plus.
• A proactive leader with experience as a true business partner to the chief executive of a multistate and network-based entity. If coming from the for-profit world, nonprofit board experience preferred.
• Experience with government and grant accounting/compliance.
• Accounting experience for legal or professional services a plus.

Competencies

• Demonstrated excellence in managing finance, accounting, budgeting, control, and reporting.
• Skill in examining, developing, reengineering, and recommending financial policies and procedures.
• Strong analytical skills and experience interpreting a strategic vision into an operational model.
• A collaborative and flexible style, with a strong service mentality. Needs to be a team player who is committed to lifelong learning.
• A hands-on manager with integrity and a desire to work in a dynamic, mission-driven environment.
• An effective communicator, with strong oral and written skills.
• Strong commitment to developing team members.
• Demonstrated commitment to the social sector with a passion for the organization's mission is essential.

How to Apply

Please Include:

1. Your resume
2. A compelling cover letter, including the following:
   1. Why you are interested in this specific role and in working for NIJC
   2. How your unique skills and experience will enable you to make a significant impact on our team and help us achieve our mission.
   3. A specific, brief example of a project or accomplishment from your past that best demonstrates your relevant qualifications.

Physical Abilities Statement

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of the employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position 50% of the time.
• The person in this position occasionally needs to move about the inside of the office to access filing cabinets, office machinery, etc.
• Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a copy machine.

It is the policy of NIJC not to discriminate against any applicant for employment, or any employee because of age, color, sex, disability, national origin, race, religion, or veteran status.

By submitting your application, you acknowledge and consent to undergo a comprehensive background check as part of the employment process. This background check will be conducted in compliance with applicable state and federal laws.

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