CFO - Director of Finance and Administrative Services

Director of Finance and Administrative Services

The Illinois Great Rivers Annual Conference is seeking a strategic and collaborative leader to serve as Director of Finance and Administrative Services. This role oversees the Conference’s financial operations, administrative systems, and employee benefits programs, ensuring strong stewardship, operational excellence, and alignment with the mission of supporting just under 600 United Methodist congregations across 5 districts.

Essential Functions:

• Oversee all financial operations, including receipts, disbursements, and management of Conference funds
• Lead development and administration of the Annual Conference budget in collaboration with the Council on Finance and Administration
• Manage compensation and benefits programs for clergy and lay staff, including pensions and healthcare plans
• Provide financial analysis, reporting, and strategic guidance to Conference leadership and department managers
• Identify financial risks and opportunities; recommend and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency and accuracy
• Supervise Finance Office staff and oversee daily operations
• Facilitate recruitment, hiring, evaluation, and administration of personnel policies in partnership with the Personnel Committee
• Serve as liaison to internal and external stakeholders, including boards, committees, and the General Board of Pension and Health Benefits
• Interpret and communicate benefits programs to clergy and staff, support long range planning for pension and healthcare sustainability
• Manage the collection and analysis of statistical data from local churches
• Provide guidance on financial, tax, legal, and administrative matters to clergy and local church leaders
• Coordinate legal support on non-clergy matters in consultation with appropriate advisors
• Support the Conference Board of Trustees in the management of Conference owned properties (excluding camps)
• Develop strategies for financing capital expenditures and long-term property management

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred
• Candidates without a bachelor’s degree but with extensive experience in United Methodist Conference accounting will also be considered.
• Minimum 4–5 years of progressive experience in finance or accounting, including prior supervisory or leadership experience preferred
• CPA designation strongly desired
• Experience with financial systems, reporting tools, Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint), and process improvement initiatives
• Experience in nonprofit accounting and/or church administration required, with direct experience in United Methodist Conference accounting strongly preferred.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines
• Ability to communicate complex financial and benefits information clearly to diverse audiences and work effectively both independently and collaboratively
• Demonstrated sound judgment and ability to maintain confidentiality in handling sensitive financial and personnel matters
• Ability to engage effectively with clergy, staff, and leadership across multiple locations
• Alignment with the mission and values of The United Methodist Church; familiarity with United Methodist polity and discipline preferred

Benefits:

• Salary: $114,893 annually
• Housing Allowance: $21,000 annually
• Health insurance (employer-sponsored plan available)
• Retirement benefits (Compass for Clergy or Retirement Plan for Lay Employees)
• Paid vacation: 24 days annually, with up to 48 days of accrual

Work Requirements:

• Residence in the Springfield, IL area is preferred; hybrid work options may be considered after six months.
• Occasional travel within the Conference may be required
• Occasionally lift and/or move items weighing up to 25 pounds

            Closing Date:

             09/02/2026

No Staffing Agencies or Recruitment Firms

The Illinois Great Rivers Conference of The United Methodist Church is an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively seeks and encourages applications from minorities, women, and individuals with disabilities. All offers of employment are subject to the applicant successfully completing background, reference, and other applicable checks.