Assistant Finance Director

About the Role

The Assistant Finance Director is a professional, skilled, technical, and management position within the Finance Department of the Village of Pleasant Prairie. The role supports the Finance Director in managing the Village’s financial operations, ensuring fiscal integrity, compliance with laws and regulations, and effective financial planning. It includes overseeing accounting, budget development, financial reporting, fiscal planning, and internal controls for all Village departments while leading and mentoring finance staff.

Principal Activities

• Provide leadership, supervision, and mentorship to direct reports, ensuring efficient operation of financial functions and adherence to procedures.
• Assist the Finance Director in oversight of the Finance Department’s financial operations.
• Support development and implementation of short‑ and long‑term financial strategies, policies, procedures, and internal controls to safeguard the Village and ensure compliance with statutory regulations, municipal codes, county ordinances, Village accounting policies, GAAP, and GASB.
• Maintain accurate financial records in compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
• Collaborate with department heads to provide strategic fiscal analysis and support effective decision‑making.
• Assist in managing audits, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, and addressing findings or recommendations.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, officials, and the public, providing financial insight and recommendations.
• Serve as a strategic partner in optimizing resources and supporting the Village’s long‑term financial health.
• Present and/or represent the Finance Department at Village Board meetings and public forums as required.
• Stay informed of relevant financial regulations, best practices, and emerging trends in government finance.
• Maintain a high level of confidentiality, enforce and communicate all Village and Department rules, regulations, policies, standard operating procedures, and guidelines.
• Perform other duties and special assignments as directed within the scope of the Finance Department.

Financial Management and Reporting

• Assist the Finance Director in preparing and presenting monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports.
• Oversee preparation of budget documents, including revenue and expenditure forecasts, and monitor budget performance.
• Review financial transactions for accuracy, compliance, and adherence to policies and procedures.
• Prepare and analyze financial data to identify trends, risks, and opportunities.

Accounting and Fiscal Oversight

• Assist with preparation and posting of journal entries, account reconciliations, and closing procedures.
• Ensure proper accounting of all governmental funds, including general funds, special revenue funds, capital project funds, and enterprise funds.
• Assist in managing cash flow and investment activities to maximize financial resources.
• Provide oversight of debt service payments, ensuring timely principal and interest payments, tracking and reporting debt obligations, and assisting with debt issuance and borrowing decisions.
• Evaluate accounting systems and processes and implement necessary improvements.

Budgeting and Financial Planning

• Provide fiscal analysis and support to departments for budget preparation, identifying funding sources and ensuring accurate financial projections.
• Monitor and analyze departmental budgets and expenditures to ensure compliance with approved limits.
• Evaluate departmental funding needs and identify potential revenue sources.

Requirements

• Physical: Frequent public interaction; ability to communicate information clearly; frequent use of computer, phone, copier, and other office equipment; primarily sedentary work in an indoor office with low to moderate noise; occasional movement around the building.
• Education, Certifications, and Experience: Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or related field; 5+ years of experience in governmental finance, accounting, or budgeting, including supervisory experience; strong understanding of governmental accounting standards (GASB, GAAP), budgeting procedures, local government operations, and financial analysis; CPA or CPFO certification preferred; valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record; ability to analyze complex financial data and present it clearly; excellent leadership and team‑building skills; proficiency in financial software and Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel; strong organizational, oral communication, and interpersonal skills.
• An equivalent combination of experience, education, and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities will be considered.

Schedule

Typical work hours are Monday – Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Attendance at bi‑monthly Village Board meetings is required when necessary, with occasional weekend hours during peak financial reporting periods or budget cycles. Occasional travel may be required for training, conferences, or meetings.