Finance Director

About the Role

At YWCA Greater Cleveland, our mission is clear: eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. We're seeking a Finance Director who believes financial leadership is about more than numbers—it's about creating clarity, building trust, and helping mission-driven leaders make informed decisions that maximize impact. This executive leadership role is ideal for someone who enjoys turning complex financial data into compelling stories, partnering with leaders across different backgrounds and communication styles, and using financial strategy to advance organizational goals.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the organization's chief financial strategist and a trusted advisor to executive leadership and the Board of Directors.
• Lead all financial operations, accounting, budgeting, forecasting, and cash management.
• Develop long-range financial strategies that support organizational growth and sustainability.
• Translate financial data into clear, meaningful insights that help leaders make informed decisions.
• Partner with department leaders to build budgets, understand financial performance, and identify opportunities.
• Prepare monthly financial statements and executive reports for senior leadership and the Board Finance Committee.
• Lead annual budgeting, forecasting, audits, and financial compliance.
• Oversee grant financial management, reporting, and restricted funding.
• Manage investments and organizational cash flow.
• Build efficient financial processes that support transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Lead and develop the Finance team while fostering collaboration and professional growth.
• Champion trauma-informed, equitable, and inclusive financial practices throughout the department.

Requirements

You understand that numbers tell a story and know how to translate financial reports into actionable insights. You build credibility through collaboration and recognize that the best financial decisions happen when people feel supported. You are:

• A strategic thinker who enjoys solving complex financial challenges.
• A collaborative leader who builds strong relationships across departments.
• An excellent communicator who can present financial information to audiences with varying levels of financial expertise.
• Comfortable presenting to executive leadership and Boards of Directors.
• Curious, analytical, and detail-oriented.
• Committed to equity, transparency, and continuous improvement.
• Passionate about using your financial expertise to advance a mission that improves lives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field (Required).
• Seven or more years of progressively responsible financial leadership experience (Required).
• Strong knowledge of nonprofit accounting principles, budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting (Required).
• Experience managing audits and ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations (Required).
• Experience supervising and developing staff (Required).
• Advanced financial analysis and forecasting skills (Required).
• Experience using financial software and Microsoft Office applications (Required).
• Commitment to the mission of YWCA Greater Cleveland (Required).
• CPA and/or Master's degree (Preferred).
• Experience working with nonprofit grant funding and restricted funds (Preferred).
• Experience presenting financial information to Boards of Directors (Preferred).
• Experience supporting leaders with varying levels of financial literacy (Preferred).

Why This Role Matters

The Finance Director plays a vital role in ensuring YWCA Greater Cleveland has the financial strength to continue serving our community today while preparing for tomorrow. You'll help leaders make better decisions, strengthen organizational sustainability, and ensure that every financial choice supports our mission and the people we serve.

About YWCA Greater Cleveland

When you join YWCA Greater Cleveland, you're joining a team committed to creating lasting change. We value collaboration, equity, innovation, and servant leadership. Every employee contributes to building a stronger, more just community.