Associate Director of Finance

Associate Director of Finance

(Nonprofit | Multi-Unit Organization | Emerging Leader)

About the Role:

Are you ready to step into a leadership role where you can drive financial impact while supporting a mission that matters? The Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance is seeking an Associate Director of Finance to help guide financial operations across a nonprofit organization with multiple interrelated units.

This is a unique opportunity for a finance professional who enjoys both hands-on work and strategic collaboration. You’ll partner with leadership and program teams across the organization, helping ensure each unit operates effectively while aligning with overall financial goals.

What You’ll Do:

Drive Financial Excellence Across Units

• Lead and support monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes
• Prepare and review accurate, timely financial reports across multiple programs or departments
• Ensure compliance with accounting standards, grants, and nonprofit regulations
• Administer annual audit process
• Handle payables and receivables via streamlined processes

Guide Budgeting & Forecasting

• Coordinate and support the budgeting process across multiple organizational units
• Develop and maintain forecasts that reflect program-level and organization-wide needs
• Partner with unit leaders to monitor performance and manage financial health

Strengthen Systems & Processes

• Identify opportunities to improve financial workflows across interdependent teams
• Support system enhancements and automation initiatives
• Help standardize processes while respecting the unique needs of different units

Lead & Develop Talent

• Provide guidance and oversight on day-to-day financial activities
• Foster a collaborative, mission-driven finance culture

Be a Strategic Partner

• Work closely with leaders to translate financial data into actionable insights
• Support leadership in balancing mission impact with financial sustainability
• Help align financial strategies across multiple units

What You Bring:

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field
• 4–8 years of progressive experience in finance or accounting
• Experience in nonprofit accounting, including fund or grant accounting
• Strong knowledge of budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting
• Advanced Excel and financial analysis skills
• Experience with ERP or nonprofit financial systems

Bonus Points For:

• CPA, CMA, or MBA
• Experience working in a multi-entity or multi-department nonprofit environment
• Familiarity with grant compliance and donor reporting
• Prior leadership or supervisory experience

What Success Looks Like:

• Reliable, transparent financial reporting across all units
• Strong alignment between program goals and financial plans
• Improved processes that enhance efficiency across teams
• Meaningful financial insights that support mission-driven decisions

Why This Role Is Exciting:

This isn’t just a finance role—it’s a chance to make a real difference in the Cedar Rapids community. You’ll work across a dynamic organization, supporting multiple programs and leaders while helping ensure long-term sustainability and impact.

If you’re ready to step into a role where you can lead, collaborate, and contribute to a meaningful mission, we’d love to meet you.

Growth Path:

This role is designed to grow into:
Director of Finance → Senior Director → VP of Finance / CFO

Join the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance and help turn financial stewardship into community impact.

Work Location: In person