Fractional CFO

Cabrini Green Legal Aid (CGLA) is a Chicago-based nonprofit providing holistic legal services to low-income individuals adversely affected by the criminal legal system. The organisation seeks a fractional CFO to work alongside its Senior Accountant and Finance Team, reporting directly to the Executive Director and supporting the Board of Directors.

The role centres on strengthening financial sustainability through predictive cash flow forecasting, grant compliance, and internal controls. The CFO will also lead an in-progress transition to the Rippling expense management platform, oversee data workflow integration with QuickBooks Online, and provide mentorship and capacity-building support to the finance and operations teams. Cultural humility and a genuine commitment to justice are essential attributes for this position.

• Partner with the Executive Director and Board to translate financial data into mission-aligned strategy and actionable recommendations
• Refine organisational budgeting structures and improve predictive cash flow forecasting to manage grant timing gaps
• Support the Senior Accountant in producing monthly financial reports, management dashboards, and analytical reporting for the Finance Committee
• Provide strategic oversight of financial system integrations, including the migration to Rippling and data sync with QuickBooks Online
• Ensure compliance with GAAP, nonprofit accounting standards, and all grant requirements across state, county, city, and private foundation funding
• Mentor and provide structural guidance to finance and operations staff through software transitions and operational changes

• CPA, CMA, or MBA in Finance with at least 10 years of relevant experience, including 7+ years in a senior financial leadership role
• Proven expertise in restricted fund accounting and compliance for complex grant portfolios, preferably at organisations with budgets of $5M or more
• Demonstrated experience configuring and optimising payroll and expense management systems, with proficiency in QuickBooks Online
• Track record of leading a team through accounting software or expense system implementations
• Familiarity with government and philanthropic grant reporting at state, county, and city levels
• Strong communication skills with the ability to convey complex financial information clearly to non-finance leadership and board members

Cabrini Green Legal Aid was founded in 1973 and has grown into a citywide and statewide leader in legal services for low-income individuals impacted by the criminal legal system. Operating across criminal records, housing, family law, and criminal defence, CGLA combines direct legal representation with policy advocacy and wraparound social services.