Director of Finance and Accounting

Key Responsibilities: Financial Strategy & LeadershipServe as a key member of the executive leadership team with the CEO/Executive Editor and Chief Advancement Officer, with primary responsibility for advising on the financial implications of strategic decisions, major initiatives and current donor support. Develop and execute long-range financial plans in support of the organization's mission and growth goals Partner with the CEO/Executive Editor on annual and multi-year budgeting while managing the organization’s revenue, operating expenses, liquidity and reserves. Accounting, Reporting & ComplianceOversee all accounting operations, financial statements, and internal controls in accordance with GAAP and nonprofit accounting standards (FASB ASC 958) Ensure timely, accurate financial reporting for their leadership team, the Board, funders and regulatory bodies. Provide financial reports to the leadership team, Finance Committee and Board and provide ongoing assessment of the organization’s operating sustainability, liquidity, risks and health on a quarterly basis. Manage the annual independent audit, Form 990 filing, and compliance with nonprofit/tax-exempt regulations Maintain compliance with grant and restricted-fund reporting requirements. Manage the appropriate allocation of restricted and unrestricted revenue across their operating expenses. Monitor cash flow, ensure adequate liquidity and maintain appropriate cash reserve policies. Manage the annual audit and the relationship with their audit firm. Budgeting & Financial PlanningLead annual budget process in close collaboration with the CEO across departments, including newsroom, business, and advancement. Engage with the Finance Committee and full Board in the budget approval process. Manage operating performance relative to budget throughout the year and manage process to bridge negative variances. Provide monthly/quarterly financial reporting, variance analysis, and forecasts to CEO, Finance Committee and Board Actively manage allocation of restricted and unrestricted revenue to optimize capacity to invest surplus revenue in new initiatives. Model scenarios for revenue volatility, cost management, and long-term sustainability planning Technology SolutionsOversee development of state-of-the-art technology solutions for their accounting capabilities, donor management, employee relationships and pursuit of a best-in-class digital platform for its publications. Endowment & Investment ManagementOversee management of the $20 million Endowment in partnership with the Investment Committee of the Board and outside investment advisors/fund managers. Develop Endowment asset allocation and distribution policy and monitor investment performance in line with fiduciary duty and donor restrictions Ensure appropriate accounting treatment of restricted, temporarily restricted, and unrestricted endowment funds Ensure timely and accurate reports to funders. Revenue Diversification OversightProvide financial analysis to ensure that subscription/membership revenue, advertising/sponsorship, major gifts, foundation grants, and earned-revenue ventures are adequate to fund operating expenses. Partner with development/advancement team on fundraising campaigns, gift accounting, and donor restriction compliance Support pricing, cost, and margin analysis across business lines (digital subscriptions, print, events, etc.) Oversee treasury functions, cash flow management, and banking relationships Manage insurance programs, contracts, and organizational risk exposure Oversee HR-adjacent financial functions (payroll, benefits administration, retirement plan compliance) where applicable Board Governance & External RelationsServe as primary staff liaison to the Board's Finance and Investment Committees Represent the organization to auditors, banks, investment managers, and major funders on financial matters Recommend updates to financial policies, investment/reserve policies and other governance practices Promote transparency and accountability in all endeavors.

Qualifications: RequiredBachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, or related field; CPA and/or MBA strongly preferred 10+ years of progressive financial leadership experience, including at least 5 years in a senior finance role (Controller or comparable) Experience with nonprofit fund accounting, restricted funds, and GAAP for nonprofits Demonstrated experience managing organizational budgets of $5M+ Experience working closely with Investment Committees on endowment or reserve fund management Strong knowledge of nonprofit compliance (Form 990, state charitable registrations) PreferredExperience in media, journalism, publishing, or mission-driven/membership-based organizations Experience working with a Board of Directors and Board committees Change management or growth-stage financial leadership experience Experience in nonprofit organization of comparable size Skills & AttributesStrategic thinker who can balance mission and margin Strong communicator able to translate complex financials for non-financial stakeholders (editorial leadership, Board members, donors) High integrity and commitment to editorial independence and the organization's public-service mission Collaborative leadership style; experience managing and developing finance teams Deep knowledge of and commitment to the Catholic social justice tradition Team player who proactively identifies challenges, finds solutions and works across teams to implement best practices addressing desired changes. Compensation for the role is highly competitive and commensurate with experience. The ideal candidate will be in Kansas City or open to working remotely with occasional travel to headquarters.