Finance Director

About the role

The Finance Director will lead a busy and dynamic Department that implements local government financial best practices and methods while actively monitoring opportunities for improvement. The Department has a team of 7 (Director, Assistant Director, Accountant, Administrative Assistant and three Account Clerks) and will benefit from a team-oriented, supportive, and accessible mentor to assist with professional growth and foster strong customer service internally and externally.

Responsibilities

• Lead the implementation of local government financial best practices and methods
• Monitor opportunities for improvement within the Department
• Provide accounting and financial reporting, budgeting and long-term financial planning, capital financing, cash management and investment of City funds, payment of bills, payroll, billing, and collection of revenue
• Assist residents with payments for City services and programs, including water, sewer and garbage, parking permits, and deed certificates
• Support long-term capital improvement efforts, enterprise fund management and special fund management
• Serve as a key partner to the City Administrator and other management team members
• Serve as the liaison to the Finance Committee and the West Chicago Winfield Wastewater Authority (WCWWA)
• Serve as the Treasurer to the Police Pension Fund Board and assist with the oversight of its activities
• Interact and share knowledge, guidance, and financial counsel with the City Administrator, Mayor and City Council

Requirements

Having considerable understanding of the dynamics and cycles of government is essential. The ideal candidate should have:

• A bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, public administration, or a related field
• At least 10 years of progressive experience in local government finance, preferably in a similar role
• Experience leading a team of 7 or more staff members
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work collaboratively with multiple departments and stakeholders
• Knowledge of local government finance policies and procedures
• Experience with budgeting, financial planning, and capital financing
• Experience with payroll, billing, and revenue collection
• Experience with municipal finance and pension fund management

Qualifications

The Finance Director will be relied upon to interact and share their knowledge, guidance and financial counsel with the City Administrator, Mayor and City Council. Offering well-timed information, that anticipates questions, educates and offers insight into municipal finance to promote thoughtful interchanges and feedback will be helpful.

Skills

Skills required for this role include:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work collaboratively with multiple departments and stakeholders
• Knowledge of local government finance policies and procedures
• Experience with budgeting, financial planning, and capital financing
• Experience with payroll, billing, and revenue collection
• Experience with municipal finance and pension fund management

Benefits

The City of West Chicago offers a competitive benefits package which includes:

• Paid time off
• Pension plan
• Health insurance
• Retirement savings plan

Pay

The salary range for this position is $143,422 to $170,000 (DOQ), consistent with City policy and compensation plan.

Schedule

The Finance Director will work full-time hours, with occasional evening and weekend work as needed.