Finance Director | City of Crest Hill, IL

CREST HILL, IL (pop. 20,837) Strategically located community with developable commercial land, beautiful open space and strong neighborhoods, the City of Crest Hill seeks candidates to serve as its next Finance Director. Located in Will County, approximately 40 miles southwest of Chicago, Crest Hill comprises nine (9) square miles and is located between the bustling I-80 corridor and State Route 55 making it a prime location in which to live and work.  Additional developable land is available along State Route 30, State Route 53, and the Weber Road corridors. 

Crest Hill is a full-service, stand-alone community with a $50 million budget, 68 full time employees, and an AA bond rating, low bonded debt, and healthy reserves. The City is a founding member of a newly formed Grand Prairie Water Commission recently organized to pump and distribute Lake Michigan water by 2030. 

The City provides the following municipal services:  Finance, Police, Wastewater Treatment (two facilities), Building, and Community Development. Fire protection and emergency medical services are provided by Lockport Township Fire Protection District and Plainfield Township Fire Protection District. The City opened a new 40,000 square foot City Center in 2023. 

The City is actively planning a third Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district and instituting multimillion-dollar upgrades to its wastewater treatment plant to support continued desirable economic development and private.            

The Finance Director is a highly responsible professional position that plans, organizes, and directs the activities of the Finance Department. This position oversees all financial matters including general accounting and reporting, payroll, treasury management, utility billing, and information systems. The incumbent is formally supervised by the City Treasurer with day-to-day activities coordinated by the City Administrator.

Key Responsibilities 

• Plans, organizes, and directs the programs, activities, and operations of the Finance Department.
• Administers the central accounting system in a manner consistent with accepted government accounting principles and practices and to produce adequate cost, financial, and statistical data to meet all statutory requirements.
• Develops and maintains internal control systems, including cash accounting, and enforce collection on City accounts.
• Plans, develops, and coordinates the preparation of the City’s annual budget and Capital Improvement Plan including advising departments in formulating budgets, reviewing budget status, developing the tax levy, tax levy abatement ordinances, annual rate resolutions, and monitoring report.
• Conducts budget sessions and presents budget documents to City Council.    
• Represents the Department in meetings and interacts with various groups including the City Council, boards and commissions, collective bargaining units, governmental bodies, and the public.
• Oversees preparation and issuance of the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR).
• Manages the City’s technology needs, monitors equipment, and administers the computer replacement program. Recommends and implements changes in hardware, software, and local area network as needed.
• Prepares financial reports, conduct cost/benefit analyses, fiscal studies, and income and expenditure estimates.
• Assists in the collective bargaining process by conducting financial impact analyses of proposed modifications.
• Receives all funds due to the City and manages accounts according to sound accounting practices.
• Deposits all City funds in Council designated and approved depositories, review bank reconciliations, and handle all City banking communications.
• Oversees and ensures the City’s investment activities, maintaining maximum financial return consistent with legal requirements, City policy, and sound financial management.
• Balances City accounts monthly and issue monthly financial and operating reports.
• Coordinates and manages payroll including quarterly reporting and issuance of annual W2 forms.
• Manages issuance of the City debt and required compliance and reporting activities.
• Analyzes general economic, business, and financial conditions and their impact on City policies and operations.
• Prepares paperwork for audit including accounting system year-end close, year-end accrual calculations and posting, confirmation letters, capital construction contracts, and utility billing calculations.
• Attends City Council meetings and work sessions as required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, finance, or accounting.
• A minimum of five (5) years progressively responsible experience in municipal finance or closely related field.
• Municipal budget experience preferred.
• Licensed certified public accountant preferred.

The compensation range for this position is $130,000 to $160,000 per year. The actual salary will be dependent on qualifications and experience. The position is a full-time, exempt position. Regular office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Attendance at evening meetings will be required when presenting agenda items.

The City offers a comprehensive benefits package including participation in the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund, medical, dental, vision, and life insurance coverage, flexible spending accounts, paid vacation, personal/sick leave, and holidays. The City does not have a residency requirement.

Interested candidates should apply as soon as possible. The first review of applications will begin on September 19^th. A hard deadline to make interview decisions is October 7, 2024. Position open until filled. Send a cover letter, resume, and contact information for at least five (5) professional references to www.GovHRjobs.com to the attention of Ryan Cotton, MGT Approved Independent Executive Recruiter, Tel: 847-380-3240 Ext. 114. The City of Crest Hill is an equal opportunity employer.