Finance Manager

MUST RESIDE IN ILLINOIS

*Home Base location is flexible with periodic travel throughout the state to attend internal and external meetings, events, conferences, and client meetings. IMEC headquarter location is in Peoria, IL.

*Work authorization required. IMEC is unable to sponsor visas for this role.

Summary/Purpose

The Finance Manager supports the financial operations of IMEC by leading budgeting, financial analysis, reporting, compliance, and process improvement activities that strengthen organizational performance and support strategic decision-making. This role partners closely with leadership and cross-functional teams to ensure financial accuracy, operational efficiency, and responsible stewardship of organizational resources.

The Finance Manager plays a key role in supporting the IMEC mission by providing actionable financial insights, maintaining strong internal controls, supporting grant and audit compliance, and helping drive continuous improvement across financial processes and systems. This position also contributes to team development through collaboration, mentoring, and support of best practices in financial management.

Why Join IMEC?

IMEC offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, financial well-being, and time away from work, including:

Medical, Dental & Vision coverage

Up to 8% employer 401(k) match

5 weeks of PTO to start, with increased accrual based on years of service

10 paid holidays plus an annual year-end organizational closure

Company-paid life, AD&D, and disability coverage

Eligibility for a year-end incentive bonus based on organizational and individual performance

Essential Responsibilities

Financial Planning and Analysis

Develop, monitor, and maintain organizational budgets, forecasts, and financial models.

Analyze financial performance, trends, and key metrics to provide actionable insights and recommendations to leadership.

Support strategic planning and organizational decision-making through financial analysis and reporting.

Assist with cash flow planning, expense management, and financial forecasting activities.

Financial Reporting and Compliance

Prepare accurate and timely financial reports, dashboards, and supporting documentation for leadership, funding partners, auditors, and other stakeholders.

Ensure compliance with applicable accounting standards, grant requirements, regulatory requirements, and organizational policies.

Support internal and external audits, including preparation of documentation and implementation of recommendations.

Maintain strong financial controls and processes to safeguard organizational assets and ensure data integrity.

Operational and Cross-Functional Support

Collaborate with leaders across the organization to align financial planning with operational and strategic objectives.

Support grant tracking, project financial monitoring, and funding allocation activities.

Assist with improving financial literacy and budget accountability across departments.

Provide mentorship, guidance, and support to finance team members and others as appropriate.

Process Improvement and Systems Optimization

Identify opportunities to improve financial processes, reporting accuracy, operational efficiency, and system utilization.

Support the optimization and effective use of financial systems, reporting tools, and data management practices.

Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives that enhance organizational effectiveness and scalability.

Risk Management and Internal Controls

Identify financial and operational risks and support the development of mitigation strategies.

Establish, maintain, and strengthen internal controls and financial procedures.

Support organizational compliance and risk management efforts through proactive monitoring and reporting.

Additional Requirements/Qualifications

Education/Experience:

Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business, or a related field required.

CPA, CMA, CFA, or other relevant professional certification preferred.

Minimum of 5 years of progressive finance or accounting experience, preferably within a nonprofit, grant-funded, or mission-driven organization.

Experience with budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, audit support, and financial systems management.

Skills and Competencies:

Strong knowledge of financial management principles, accounting practices, budgeting, and reporting standards.

Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills with high attention to detail and accuracy.

Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Proficiency with financial systems, Microsoft Excel, and reporting tools; experience with Salesforce or similar platforms preferred.

Excellent interpersonal, communication, and collaboration skills.

Ability to work effectively across departments and support a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and service excellence.

Work Environment:

Office, Hybrid, or Remote work environment and standard hours with extended hours and weekend work as required. Applicants for this position must have access to reliable transportation to ensure timely attendance at both internal and external meetings as required by the job responsibilities. The ability to commute to various locations for meetings is essential for effective collaboration and participation in team activities. Applicants must be capable of accessing manufacturing facilities which may not be ADA accessible.

Application Requirements:

Qualified candidates should submit a cover letter, resume and complete contact information for a minimum of three professional references with telephone numbers.

Please submit all materials at the time of initial application.

Please submit an electronic application, including (1) cover letter, (2) resume, and (3) the names and contact information for three references. IMEC, University of Illinois, Northern Illinois University, Southern Illinois University, and Bradley University conduct background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of contingent offer of employment. Background checks will be performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

IMEC and its Subrecipient organizations, including Bradley University, SIU, NIU, and UIC are EOE/AA/M/F/Disabled/Veteran Employers.

About IMEC

Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC) is a team of improvement specialists dedicated to providing manufacturers in Illinois with the tools and techniques to excel and compete globally. The experienced hands-on team at IMEC works closely with its clients to plan critical business improvements in all areas of their organization from: Leading their Company, Planning for Success, Growing their Business, Improving their Operations, Focusing on their People, and Deciding with Data.

With more than 50 full-time staff and partners positioned statewide, IMEC delivers the local expertise to not only plan and strategize, but to implement and evaluate the effectiveness of client improvements. In fact, IMEC assists more than 3,000 companies each year with successful business improvement projects.

As a result, IMEC has demonstrated a return on investment that exceeds 19:1. This is made possible as organizations become more effective and efficient.

IMEC team members enjoy their jobs because of the challenge of working with a variety of organizations in a broad range of industries. They also gain satisfaction from providing assistance and advisement to help organizations succeed in a demanding marketplace. Click HERE to learn more about IMEC.