Description We are looking for an accomplished Interim Chief Financial Officer to provide senior financial leadership for a Chicago, Illinois organization operating within the Marketing/PR sector. This Long-term Contract opportunity is suited for a hands-on executive who can balance strategic planning with day-to-day financial oversight in a complex environment that draws from both public and private sector practices. The role will work closely with executive stakeholders, guide critical financial decisions, and help maintain operational stability throughout the engagement. Responsibilities: - Direct the organization's finance function by setting priorities, guiding fiscal strategy, and ensuring sound financial management across the engagement. - Drive the annual budgeting cycle, rolling forecasts, and cash planning activities to support informed decision-making and short- and long-term financial health. - Prepare and review financial statements and management reports, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and alignment with applicable accounting standards and regulatory expectations. - Oversee audit readiness, strengthen internal control practices, and monitor enterprise financial risk to protect organizational integrity. - Partner with senior leadership and governing stakeholders to present financial insights, evaluate performance, and shape strategic recommendations. - Lead, coach, and assess finance and accounting staff while identifying opportunities to improve workflows, controls, and overall team effectiveness. - Develop board-level materials and external financial communications that clearly convey results, risks, and forward-looking considerations. - Maintain continuity across core finance operations during an interim leadership period and support organizational changes requiring steady executive oversight. Requirements - 10+ years of progressive finance leadership experience, including service in a Chief Financial Officer or equivalent executive role. - Prior experience working within organizations that follow GASB or similar governmental accounting standards. - Demonstrated background supporting both private sector and public sector financial environments. - Strong expertise in cash flow analysis, capital management, month-end close, and financial reporting. - Proven ability to enter complex organizations quickly, assess needs, and deliver meaningful impact with minimal ramp-up time. - Hands-on leadership style combined with strong analytical judgment, strategic thinking, and executive communication skills. - Experience collaborating onsite with executive teams and cross-functional stakeholders in a hybrid work setting. - Familiarity with business systems and finance process improvement initiatives that enhance reporting accuracy and operational efficiency. Robert Half is the world's first and largest specialized talent solutions firm that connects highly qualified job seekers to opportunities at great companies. We offer contract, temporary and permanent placement solutions for finance and accounting, technology, marketing and creative, legal, and administrative and customer support roles. Robert Half works to put you in the best position to succeed. We provide access to top jobs, competitive compensation and benefits, and free online training. Stay on top of every opportunity - whenever you choose - even on the go. Download the Robert Half app (https://www.roberthalf.com/us/en/mobile-app) and get 1-tap apply, notifications of AI-matched jobs, and much more. Our specialized recruiting professionals apply their expertise and utilize our proprietary AI to find you great job matches faster. All applicants applying for U.S. job openings must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Benefits are available to contract/temporary professionals, including medical, vision, dental, and life and disability insurance. Hired contract/temporary professionals are also eligible to enroll in our company 401(k) plan. Visit roberthalf.gobenefits.net for more information. © 2025 Robert Half. An Equal Opportunity Employer. M/F/Disability/Veterans. By clicking "Apply Now," you're agreeing to Robert Half's Terms of Use (https://www.roberthalf.com/us/en/terms) and Privacy Notice (https://www.roberthalf.com/us/en/privacy) .