CFO - Director of Finance and Administrative Services

DescriptionDirector 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

QualificationsQualifications:

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: $135,000 annually
Eligible clergy may have a portion of the total compensation designated as a housing allowance. The housing allowance is included in, not in addition to, the total compensation offered for this position.
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.