Assistant Finance Director | City of Des Plaines

Apply Today: Assistant Finance Director

Expected Starting Salary: Approximately $140,000 DOQ

Position open until filled. Early applications are encouraged.

This position is an excellent opportunity for an experienced public sector finance professional who is ready to expand their leadership responsibilities and play a key role in shaping the City's financial future.

Why Des Plaines?

Des Plaines is a vibrant, full-service municipality serving more than 60,000 residents. Our Finance Department is committed to innovation, collaboration, and responsible stewardship of public resources. We are looking for a leader who shares those values and is excited to help shape the future of our organization.

The City of Des Plaines is seeking an experienced finance professional to serve as our next Assistant Finance Director. This leadership role is ideal for someone who enjoys improving processes, leveraging technology, mentoring staff, and using data to drive sound financial decisions. The successful candidate continuously looks for opportunities to modernize operations through innovation and automation.

About the Role: As Assistant Finance Director, you'll help lead one of the City's most critical departments. Working closely with the Finance Director, you'll oversee daily financial operations, mentor and develop staff, support long-range financial planning, and serve as Acting Finance Director when needed. Success in this role requires strong experience in governmental budgeting, financial reporting, and audit management.

We're looking for a collaborative leader who values accountability, continuous improvement, and building strong relationships across the organization.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead, mentor, and develop Finance Department staff while fostering a collaborative, high-performing team.
• Partner with the Finance Director to oversee daily operations, departmental initiatives, and strategic financial planning, serving as Acting Director when needed.
• Lead process improvement efforts by leveraging technology, automation, and data analysis to enhance efficiency and strengthen internal controls.
• Assist in preparing the City's budget, ACFR, PAFR, and other key financial reports.
• Provide financial analysis and recommendations to support City leadership, budgeting, capital planning, collective bargaining, and other organizational initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with governmental accounting standards while overseeing financial reporting, grants, investments, and other critical financial functions.

Your Qualifications:

• Professional Experience: Five or more years of progressively responsible governmental finance or accounting experience, including experience supervising professional staff.
• Technical Expertise: In-depth knowledge of governmental accounting standards, budgetary systems, and financial reporting (GAAP, GASB). Experience preparing or leading the preparation of an ACFR is strongly preferred.
• Leadership Skills: Proven experience in supervising and mentoring staff, driving change, and fostering a positive work environment.
• Communication: Strong verbal and written skills to effectively engage with your team, residents and business owners.
• Educational Background: Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field required; Master's degree preferred.

Why You’ll Love Working Here:

• Generous Paid Time Off: Start with 15 vacation days, 3 personal days, and 12 sick days, plus 11 paid holidays.
• Comprehensive Healthcare: Medical, dental, and optical insurance with low deductibles and premiums.
• Life & Retirement Benefits: Employer-paid life insurance, IMRF, and a variety of retirement planning options.
• Growth & Development: Take advantage of our Tuition Reimbursement Program to continue your professional journey with us!