Director of Finance

Overview

About Chicago Teachers Union

The Chicago Teachers Union (CTU), AFT Local 1, has a long history of advocating for the schools Chicago’s students deserve. CTU represents more than 25,000 educators in the Chicago Public Schools and multiple charter school networks across the city.

CTU won recognition in 1966 as the official bargaining agent for Chicago teachers, negotiating its first contract in 1967. In the following decades, there were seven strikes which improved both learning and working conditions. Gains included limits on class size, preparation periods, money for classroom supplies, lanes and steps and more.

More recently, neoliberal attacks and educational ‘deform’ have led to massive increases in charter schools, privatization, school closings, and over- testing. Bankers and millionaires (with the help of politicians they’ve supported) refuse to pay their fair share of taxes to fund quality schools. In 2010, CTU members spoke loudly, electing a new leadership. Under President Karen Lewis, the Union has launched major fights against school closings, radical disparities in school resources and other issues that hurt our students. The first strike in 25 years took place in 2012 and, with massive community and parental support, today continues its work to achieve the city and schools our members and students deserve.

The CTU recognizes that when we fight these attacks together, we win, which is why in 2018 our membership voted to stand united with charter school teachers and staff in one local, fighting for the benefit of all of Chicago’s educators and students.

Summary

The Director of Finance will be an individual qualified to oversee all of CTU’s financial activities to ensure that the Organization remains in a strong financial position to carry out its many programs. This position works closely with both the DFA, in making high-level strategic financial decisions, and the General Ledger Accountant, to ensure that the accounting function is running smoothly.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Prepare usable organization-wide and departmental budgets
• Monitor budgets on a regular basis
• Provide written budget reports and analyses to management on a monthly basis
• Perform cash management duties, including managing cash flow, managing investments, utilizing best practices in financial management
• Supervise accounting staff
• Provide accounting staff with clear and concise instructions on accounting policy and procedures, including maintaining and updating an
• accounting policies and procedures manual
• Review accounting transactions and monthly financial statements and other reports for accuracy and completeness
• Provide recommendations to management for process improvements, including accounting software solutions

Required Qualifications

• Eight to ten years of experience in a similar capacity
• Strong accounting and financial management skills
• CPA preferred but not required
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Knowledge of financial software and analytical tools and techniques

Other Duties, Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Strong mathematical and analytical skills
• Ability to supervise and get along with staff
• Leadership skills – ability to delegate and motivate staff
• Manage multiple, competing priorities
• Ability to work independently
• Ability to meet deadlines

 

Work Environment

The office, located in Fulton Market, requires in-office work in Chicago.

Compensation

Salary commensurate with experience ranging from $120-140k annually with an attractive benefits package including health insurance, a small life insurance policy, 401(k) contributions, at least 3 weeks of vacation plus paid sick/personal business days, numerous paid holidays, and the opportunity to work in a dynamic environment.

How to Apply

For any questions or to apply, please submit a cover letter and resume via email to tony@movementtalent.org with the subject heading of “CTU Director of Finance.” Applicants will be reviewed on a rolling basis. The position will be open until filled.