Posted March 18, 2013

Vice President of Finance & Operations

Accion is a growing nonprofit organization dedicated to providing microloans to small business owners who do not have access to traditional sources of financing. Through our lending and other services, we help micro-entrepreneurs launch, grow, and strengthen their businesses, stabilize their incomes, create jobs and contribute to the economic revitalization of their communities.  Accion Chicago is a member of the nation’s largest microlending network.  Since 1994, we have made more than 3,000 loans totaling more than $23 million to individuals and small businesses throughout the Chicagoland area.  We have recently expanded our service area to include the entire state of Illinois and Northwest Indiana.
 
Position: Vice President of Finance & Operations
Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer and serving as an integral member of the senior management team, the Vice President of Finance & Operations will be responsible for the development of Accion Chicago’s financial management strategy and contribute to the development of the organization’s strategic goals.  In addition to the strategic components, the VP will be charged with developing and implementing more sophisticated policies and procedures in both the finance and general operational realms.  This is an outstanding opportunity for a finance executive with operational experience and a proven track record of creative problem-solving to join in a high-growth, mission-driven organization.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
•    Oversee all financial and accounting activities, including managing monthly and longer-term budgets, AP/AR, payroll, treasury management, annual audit and general finance functions.
•    Ensure timely, accurate performance reporting to all stakeholders, including monthly closing and variance reporting.
•    Oversee all back-end loan servicing processes including: document creation; collateral filing; and maintenance and auditing of loan files.
•    Build and maintain relationships with key financial and accounting partners including being the staff liaison to the Audit Committee of the Board of directors.
•    Execute loan participation agreements with outside parties.
•    Improve and maintain document retention and filing policies and procedures.
•    Manage organization assets and maintain adequate insurance.
•    Lead the development of annual operating budgets.
•    Continually evaluate and improve processes and internal controls.
•    Manage relationships with key third party vendors and renegotiate service contracts as needed.
•    Manage and coach 3 employees with 1 direct report.

Requirements
•    Business or accounting degree mandatory, CPA preferred.
•    Nonprofit financial management experience including operational knowledge of FASB and GAAP accounting principles for nonprofits as well as experience with multiple programs is essential.
•    Significant exposure to complex award agreements including management of government grants (accounting, compliance and reporting) is critical.
•    Knowledge of lending principals and terminology a plus.
•    Strong interpersonal and communications skills and the proven ability to work at all levels both inside and outside the organization.
•    Strong organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail.
•    Track record of successful management of people, projects and processes ideally gained in a high-growth environment.
•    Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel necessary and experience with nonprofit accounting software, Fund EZ, is ideal.
•    Energetic, flexible, collaborative and proactive work style; a team leader who can positively and productively impact both strategic and tactical initiatives.
•    Experience with third-party vendor management and negotiation skills.
•    Genuine interest in Accion Chicago’s mission.

Compensation:  Compensation package commensurate with experience.  Benefits package includes: health, dental, ST/LT disability and life insurance; domestic partner coverage; paid vacation, sick and parental leave; SIMPLE IRA with matching funds; flexible spending account and more.

Accion Chicago is a national leader in the microlending industry with exciting new initiatives led by a dedicated staff.  Come be a part of our team!

How to Apply:
Interested candidates should send a resume and cover letter declaring their interest and qualifications to jobs@accionchicago.org.  Accion Chicago is an equal opportunity organization.  Minorities are encouraged to apply. 

Kindly visit our website at www.accionchicago.org for additional information.
   
Posted March 8, 2013  

Loan Officer                            

Accion is a growing nonprofit organization dedicated to providing microloans to small business owners who do not have access to traditional sources of financing. Through our lending and other services, we help micro-entrepreneurs launch, grow, and strengthen their businesses, stabilize their incomes, create jobs and contribute to the economic revitalization of their communities.  Accion Chicago is a member of the nation’s largest microlending network.  Since 1994, we have made more than 3,000 loans totaling more than $23 million to individuals and small businesses throughout the Chicagoland area.  We have recently expanded our service area to include the entire state of Illinois and Northwest Indiana.
The Loan Officer is the first point of contact for prospective Accion borrowers.  Loan Officers are responsible for generating client leads, making loans, connecting clients to resources that support their success and providing outstanding customer service to existing, past and prospective clients.
 
Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
Business Development
•    Identify, initiate and manage strategic community partnerships that increase quality referrals from entities such as financial institutions, nonprofit organizations, government agencies, accountants, lawyers and business officers.
•    Represent Accion at networking events, seminars, and conferences; frequently presenting our mission and services
•    Develop, organize, and conduct workshops at Accion and/or in conjunction with community partners positioning our organization as a leader in alternative financing.
•    Support Public Relations with client success stories.
 
Lending
•    Work closely with clients to provide them with  loans, ensuring client satisfaction throughout the loan application process
•    Sell the loan and follow-up regularly according to policy; effectively retain renewal clients and convert potential clients into borrowers.
•    Obtain information and documentation for individuals that qualify for a loan
•    Ensure quality control of all data entry and provide friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful customer service to our clients’ inquiries about Accion’s loan program and requirements.
•    Interview prospective borrowers and assess their ability and willingness to repay a loan.
•    Analyze the information and documentation provided by the client, determine if the client qualifies for a loan and, if so, make a recommendation for approval
•    Meet with clients at loan closings, ensuring that all paperwork is accurate and that information regarding loan is properly disclosed to client
 
Other Duties
•    Work with clients on a one-on-one basis to deliver a range of financial education services targeted to their individual needs.  These include recordkeeping assistance, cash-flow management, credit management, and referrals to other organizations. Refer to other organizations when appropriate.
•    Ensure strong loan performance, including on time payments. Assist with collections calls to delinquent clients.
•    Take a participative and active role in the overall implementation of the Accion program.  
 
Qualifications:
•    BA required
•    Second language fluency – Spanish a plus
•    3 years of related experience, lending, accounting, or sales experience preferred
•    Excellent writing, communication, and presentation skills
•    Computer skills. Proficient in Excel and Word
•    Strong organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail.  Ability to multi-task a must.
•    Creative problem solver
•    Ability to work collaboratively in a rapidly changing and diverse environment
•    Must be willing to work some nights and weekends when the need arises
•    Experience in economic or community development recommended
•    Valid driver’s license and automobile & insurance required

Compensation:  Compensation package includes a base salary plus bonus/incentives in the low-to-mid $30Ks, commensurate with experience; paid vacation; health & dental insurance; SIMPLE IRA with matching funds and life insurance.
 
How to Apply:

Interested candidates should send a resume and cover letter declaring their interest and qualifications to jobs@accionchicago.org. Please visit our website at www.accionchicago.org for more information.

Accion is an equal opportunity company.  Minorities are encouraged to apply.