THE OPPORTUNITY 

• Are you passionate about the financial stewardship of a mission- focused organization that provides a holistic approach to lift families out of poverty, break down barriers, and build self-sufficiency?
• Do you want to make a real difference for individuals and families through education, home services and employment support?
• Are you energized by working with a dedicated, empowered, and collaborative leadership team?

ABOUT THE COMPANY 

The Cincinnati|Hamilton County Community Action Agency (C-HCCAA) helps improve lives from cradle to career.  C-HCCAA is a private, nonprofit organization that offers various services to low-income individuals and families in a holistic approach to help lift them out of poverty. The services or programs they offer include job training, housing assistance, heating assistance, entrepreneurial coaching, Head Start and Early Head Start.

The nationwide Community Action network was created with the passage of the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 as a part of President Lyndon B. Johnson’s historic “War on Poverty” initiative. The act established a federal Office of Economic Opportunity, and created organizations called Community Action Agencies that would develop strategies to solve issues of poverty with an emphasis on local input.

Cincinnati’s CAA was the second such organization in the nation when it was founded in 1964. It was established by the late Theodore Berry Sr., who would go on to become Cincinnati’s first African American mayor. In 1965, President Johnson appointed Mr. Berry to head the nationwide Office of Economic Opportunity’s Community Action Programs, which at that time included Head Start, the Job Corps and Legal Services.

WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING

The Finance Director is a key member of the organization’s leadership team, responsible for overseeing all day-to-day accounting and finance functions to ensure financial sustainability, grant compliance, and support for the organization’s mission. Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), who is engaged to maintain financial alignment with the mission and organizational strategy, the Finance Director leads the internal Finance & Accounting team and collaborates with leadership to provide strategic financial insights that enable the organization’s continued impact.

Financial Leadership & Strategy

• Partner with the CFO to develop and implement financial strategies that advance the organization’s mission and long-term sustainability.
• Serve as a financial leader and thought partner on the leadership team, contributing to strategic planning and decision-making.
• Translate strategic financial guidance from the CFO into actionable internal processes and workflows.
• Provide financial analysis and recommendations to support programmatic decisions and new initiatives.

Financial Management & Oversight

• Oversee all day-to-day accounting, financial management, and reporting functions of the organization.
• Lead the annual budgeting process in collaboration with the CFO and leadership team; manage ongoing budget tracking and reforecasting.
• Prepare timely and accurate financial reports for the CFO, Executive Director, Board of Directors, and other stakeholders.
• Ensure effective management of cash flow, balance sheet, and restricted/unrestricted funding.

Grant Management & Compliance

• Manage financial aspects of approximately 25+ grants, ensuring compliance with funder requirements and accurate financial reporting.
• Collaborate with Program and Development staff on grant budgeting, spending, and reporting.
• Maintain rigorous tracking of restricted and unrestricted funds, ensuring that expenditures align with grant restrictions and organizational priorities.
• Oversee preparation of grant-specific financial reports in coordination with program staff and the CFO.

Team Leadership & Operations

• Lead, mentor, and manage the Finance & Accounting team, including direct reports such as Sr. Accountant, Accounting Manager, and/or Grants Manager.
• Develop team capacity and foster a collaborative and accountable work culture.
• Build financial literacy across the organization by supporting program and leadership staff in understanding budget management and grant compliance.

Compliance, Audit, & Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with GAAP, regulatory requirements, and funder guidelines.
• Manage the preparation for annual financial audit and serve as the primary liaison to external auditors, in collaboration with the CFO.
• Maintain effective internal controls, policies, and procedures to safeguard the organization’s assets and ensure transparency.
• Monitor and mitigate financial risks.

IDEAL CANDIDATE QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field (Master’s or CPA preferred).
• 7–10 years of progressive finance/accounting experience, including at least 3 years in a leadership role.
• Significant experience in nonprofit financial management and grant-funded operations.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex budgets and multiple funding streams.
• Strong working knowledge of GAAP, nonprofit accounting standards, and grant compliance requirements.
• Proven ability to lead and develop a high-performing finance team.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to explain financial concepts to non-financial staff.
• Proficiency with financial software and solutions

KEY PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

• Mission-Driven Financial Leadership
• Strategic and Analytical Thinking
• Grant and Fund Management Expertise
• Collaborative Leadership & Team Development
• Effective Communication
• Ethical Integrity and Accountability

THE PAYOFF

• See your efforts have a direct impact on individuals and families every day.
• Work collaboratively with a passionate group of staff members, Board members and volunteers.
• Help the organization grow and increase its impact in Cincinnati.

OUR COMMITMENT TO CANDIDATES

Gilman Partners is committed to strengthening leadership teams and elevating talent in our communities—and that means all qualified applicants will receive consideration. You do not have to meet every qualification in this job description to apply. If you’re drawn to the position and believe your experience makes you a good fit, we encourage you to apply.