Finance Director

REPORTS TO: Executive Director

STATUS: Full-time, Exempt

SALARY: Starting at $80,000

WHO WE ARE: VIA CDC is an innovative, asset-based community development corporation dedicated to building strong, healthy neighborhoods where everyone can thrive. For over 30 years, VIA has led efforts in housing, economic development, and community building to ensure that every place equips every person to reach their full potential. Anchored on Milwaukee’s near South Side—surrounding the neighborhoods of our foundresses, the School Sisters of St. Francis—VIA has invested and leveraged more than $52 million in neighborhood improvements since 1995, while growing in size, budget, and impact. Our financial position, team, and network of partners and supporters are strong.

The Finance Director is a key leadership position responsible for the overall financial health and strategic financial management of VIA CDC. This role contributes to organizational strategy and long-term sustainability, working closely with the Executive Director, Deputy Director, Board of Directors, and senior staff to ensure sound fiscal stewardship, regulatory compliance, and alignment of resources with VIA’s mission and goals.

In addition to high-level financial leadership and planning, the Finance Director oversees the work of an outsourced accounting firm that manages day-to-day operations such as bookkeeping and grant-related accounting. While the external firm handles routine tasks, the Finance Director is expected to engage in select day-to-day financial activities as needed to ensure accuracy, compliance, and continuity—maintaining overall responsibility for the organization’s financial integrity.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES:

Financial Leadership and Strategy

• Develop and implement financial strategies aligned with the organization's mission and long-term objectives
• Provide strategic financial leadership in partnership with the Executive Director and Deputy Director, contributing to organizational strategy and sustainability
• Oversee budget development and monitoring, ensuring efficient resource allocation and compliance with grants
• Lead financial forecasting and long-term planning, including real estate development projections
• Design, implement, and monitor internal financial controls

Financial Management and Reporting

• Oversee accounts receivable and accounts payable processes
• Manage and advise on investments, reserves, and endowment funds
• Prepare specialized reports as required by grantors, including but not limited to cost allocation plans, expense and cost reports
• Prepare and present comprehensive financial reports for the Board and Finance Committee
• Manage financial closeout of real estate developments in accordance with government compliance
• Lead all organizational audits ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. This includes but is not limited to the annual, government and worker’s compensation audits
• Manage payroll functions in coordination with external vendor, including review of payroll, pension contribution reporting, and benefits administration
• Oversee general liability insurance coverage and renewals, ensuring organizational protection and compliance

Governance and Communication

• Serve as the primary liaison to the Board's Finance Committee
• Communicate financial information effectively to the Board, staff, and stakeholders
• Develop and refine financial processes to support strategic organizational needs
• Review and advise on financial aspects of contracts, memoranda of understanding (MOUs), and other formal agreements to ensure fiscal responsibility and compliance

Team Leadership

• Oversee work of the outsourced accountant, ensuring effective coordination between accounting and grants management functions
• Foster a culture of financial accountability and transparency throughout the organization

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field; CPA preferred
• 7+ years of progressive financial management experience, with at least 3 years in a senior leadership role
• Strong knowledge of nonprofit accounting principles, government grant management, and regulatory compliance
• Experience with real estate development finance and projections
• Excellent analytical, communication, and leadership skills
• Proficiency in financial management software and advanced Excel skills

BENEFITS:

Starting at an annual 21 days PTO + 10 holidays (of your choosing), flexible scheduling, office closure the last week of December, a quarterly technology stipend, employer match retirement/pension account, 100% covered short/long-term disability and life insurance, 75% employer-paid health/vision/dental insurances; and professional development funds.

WORK SETTING:

The Finance Director may work remotely, in-office work is also an available and supported option. The Finance Director is required to be in-person for all staff meetings, team collaboration sessions, and as needed for key financial processes or audits. This position is primarily desk-based and does not require regular community-facing work. VIA is a drug-free workplace in compliance with our funding and contractual obligations.

TO APPLY:

Please send your cover letter and resume to hiring@viacdc.org

BACKGROUND CHECK:

A criminal background will not automatically eliminate you from consideration. A criminal history background check will be conducted on the final candidate prior to beginning employment.

Management reserves the right to change job responsibilities, duties and hours as needs prevail

VIA CDC prioritizes equity and inclusion. We are an equal opportunity employer and we strongly encourage Black, Indigenous, people of color, women, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and others who identify with institutionally excluded groups to apply.

• Degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field; CPA preferred
• 7+ years of progressive financial management experience, with at least 3 years in a senior leadership role
• Strong knowledge of nonprofit accounting principles, government grant management, and regulatory compliance
• Experience with real estate development finance and projections
• Excellent analytical, communication, and leadership skills
• Proficiency in financial management software and advanced Excel skills