Head of Finance

Over the course of our proud fifteen-year history, Bright Star Community Outreach (BSCO) has made significant contributions to the renewal of Chicago’s most vulnerable communities as a 501C3 nonprofit organization. Driven by our hope for change in this city and the families that call it home, Bright Star’s presence has been marked by effective programming, social development, and advocacy; particularly in the greater Bronzeville community of Chicago’s south side.

Led by founder and CEO, Pastor Chris Harris, Sr., who grew up in the Bronzeville neighborhood where we are currently located, our strategy includes developing impactful community development initiatives aimed at facing our largest societal challenges: violence in our communities, poor economic opportunities, inadequate mental health services, affordable housing and education. These efforts are designed to strengthen local families and communities, as well as leverage our key partnerships with organizations and businesses that share our passion for seeing renewal in Chicago.

The Director of Finance is an onsite, senior leadership position that reports directly to the Executive Director and has direct responsibility for BSCO’s budget, program finances, and operational expenses. The Director of Finance, in partnership with the leadership team, aligns resources and plans implementation to ensure that the BSCO delivers measurable, cost-effective results that make BSCO’s strategic vision a reality. With the Executive Director, ensure the organization develops the most efficient and effective structure, processes, and systems to increase the overall productivity and capacity of the organization.

• With the CEO, Executive Director, and Finance Team help manage all aspects of BSCO’s budget and finances, including financial planning and reporting, budget preparation, and the full financial cycle
• Under the leadership of our CPA, produce regular and timely financial reports for management and the Board of Directors that analyze budget performance, variance, and trends to ensure a continuous flow of information for financial transparency and to support decision‑making
• Assist with preparing materials for the annual audit, ensuring accurate and timely year‑end financial audits and tax compliance
• With Development staff, establish, monitor, and reconcile fundraising transactions and all reporting requirements
• Serve as staff liaison for Finance and Audit committee meetings
• Manage banking, investment, and vendor relationships
• Ensure the creation and maintenance of written documentation for accounting systems, including user manuals, license agreements, etc.
• Process invoices, verify accuracy, and ensure timely payment to vendors
• Reconcile vendor statements and resolve discrepancies
• Maintain organized and up‑to‑date records of payables.
• Generate reimbursable grant invoices accurately in a timely manner
• Monitor and follow up on outstanding payments
• Reconcile accounts receivable ledger to ensure accuracy

• With the Director of Programs, build programmatic budgets
• Build and manage government contract budgeting process, from pre‑award, ongoing tracking, to post‑award reporting
• Serve as primary contact for compliance audits for government grants and contracts
• Ensure sound fiscal operation of the program management function including assistance with financial budgeting and monitoring of programs
• Perform a monthly review of the payroll register with the finance team
• Manage all grants received through external fundraising and assist the development team in establishing and maintaining systems for annual and planned giving.
• Maintain shared grant reporting calendar due dates and submissions, including all required financial deliverables as stated per grant awards and contracts.
• Remain up to date on best practices in nonprofit finance, business systems and internal control measures, and state and federal law regarding nonprofit operations.

• Must be a Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
• B.A./B.S. with 5+ years of financial management experience in nonprofits, MPA or…