Assistant Finance Director | City of Des Plaines, IL

Des Plaines, IL (pop. 60,625), The City of Des Plaines is seeking a technically skilled and collaborative Assistant Finance Director to join its Finance Department. This is an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful impact in a vibrant community known for its growing business district, exceptional services, and community spirit.

Des Plaines is a diverse and strategically located community just 17 miles northwest of Chicago. It is adjacent to O’Hare International Airport and the beautiful Cook County Forest Preserves. The City is a hub for employers, recreation, entertainment, and urban-suburban living.

Finance Department Overview

The City of Des Plaines Finance Department is vital to the municipality's fiscal management and financial sustainability. It oversees a comprehensive range of financial operations, including revenue collection, cash management, utility billing, accounts payable and receivable, payroll, real estate transfer tax processing, and procurement. Additionally, the department manages customer service functions, ensuring efficient, transparent, and accountable transactions. In addition to operational responsibilities, the Finance Department ensures compliance with regulatory requirements and best practices in public finance. This includes managing the annual budget process, overseeing financial audits, administering debt issuance when needed, and preparing essential financial reports and ordinances—such as appropriation and tax levy ordinances—as part of broader financial governance. The department also safeguards the City’s financial and capital assets, promoting responsible fiscal stewardship and long-term sustainability.

Position Overview

The Assistant Finance Director is a critical management role within the Finance Department. This position oversees key financial operations to ensure the City's fiscal integrity and efficiency. Reporting to the Director of Finance, this position supervises team members, enhances departmental processes, implements financial strategies, and maintains robust financial systems. Additionally, the Assistant Finance Director will serve as acting Director of Finance when assigned.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist in leading and supervising the finance team, ensuring the accuracy of financial operations, including, but not limited to, overseeing city funds, payroll, audit support, and project management; manage staff workloads, evaluating ongoing and annual performance, and provide coaching, counseling, and discipline as necessary.
• Collaborate with the Finance Director to develop short and long-term departmental work plans, proactively managing resources, including personnel, to achieve fiscal objectives and strategic goals.
• Continuously refine and implement internal control procedures to ensure compliance with state and national accounting standards and public sector best practices.
• Directly oversee the preparation of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR), Popular Annual Financial Report (PAFR), and other essential City reports, ensuring their accuracy and timely distribution.
• Support City management in budget preparation and financial reporting, providing expert analysis for union negotiations, fiscal planning, and strategic financial decision-making.
• Assist with investments and grant management, ensuring adherence to compliance standards and promoting transparency in financial practices.

Candidate Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a related field from an accredited institution.
• Five to seven years of progressively responsible experience in the accounting or finance sector, focusing on accounting proficiency or a comparable equivalent combination of education and experience.
• A Master’s degree in a related field is preferred.
• Proven success in supervisory roles, accounting, audit, budget preparation, managing organizational change, and fostering a positive work environment.
• A strong understanding of governmental accounting standards, budgetary systems, and financial reporting (GAAP, GASB) is highly preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in staff supervision, managing organizational change, and fostering a positive work environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively engage and collaborate with diverse stakeholders.

Salary and Benefits:

• Starting salary range: $118,331 – $162,143, depending on qualifications.
• Comprehensive benefits package, including:
  • 15 vacation days, 3 personal days, 12 sick days, and 11 paid holidays.
  • Medical, dental, and optical insurance with low deductibles and premiums viewable here.
  • Employer-paid life insurance, IMRF contributions, and various retirement planning options.
  • Tuition Reimbursement Program for continued professional development.