Assistant Finance Director | Village of Wilmette

With the Village of Wilmette’s current Finance Director planning to retire in the next 3 – 5 years, the Village seeks to hire its next “Finance Director in waiting”. Succession planning and internal promotions are highly valued in our stable organization, and this is a great opportunity to help lead one of Illinois’ most affluent and professionally managed communities. Strategic, highly collaborative leaders with strong executive skills are encouraged to apply for this Assistant Finance Director position.  The Assistant Director is a key member of the Village’s management team and reports directly to the Finance Director. The position is responsible for the day-to-day administration of department functions including managing a team of 10 and directly supervising 3 employees.

Wilmette is a beautiful, progressive and historic community located 16 miles north of downtown Chicago with convenient access to the Metra train station (Union Pacific North Line) which is steps away from Village Hall, as well as the CTA Purple Line. The community has approximately 28,000 residents and total area of 5.4 square miles. The Village’s financial position is incredibly strong with a balanced operating budget for 2023 of approximately $95 million and General Fund reserves totaling more than 40% of operating expenditures. The Village maintains a Aaa stable bond rating (the highest rating possible) and has been proactive in its pension funding strategies to minimize future liabilities. The Village prides itself on meeting the highest principles of governmental budgeting and transparency and has received the GFOA distinguished budget for the past 32 years. The Village has had two Finance Directors over the past 45 years.

Responsibilities

The Assistant Finance Director is a vital member of the executive team and works with the Finance Director to develop, implement, and coordinate fiscal activities for the Village of Wilmette.  Key responsibilities of the Finance Department include accounting and financial reporting, treasury management, budget development and oversight, payroll, utility billing, vehicle stickers, supervising account staff, debt administration, public safety pension administration, revenue collection and analysis, administrative adjudication, customer service, and vendor disbursements.

 Essential position requirements include, but are not limited to:

• Provide general management assistance and recommendations to the Director
• Analyze fiscal transactions to assure conformity and compliance with generally accepted accounting practices and applicable Village ordinance(s)
• Evaluate Village compliance with GASB and GAAFR as applicable to Village requirements
• Prepare data for municipal bond sales
• Budget preparation and forecasting
• Review and prepare Village Board financial reports for trends and accuracy
• Provide supervisory management of the Finance Department
• Responsible for the day-to-day cash flow of Village funds
• Analyze and reconcile expenditures and revenue accounts
• Oversee and coordinate preparation of monthly and annual financial reports to include the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (AFR)
• Prepare journal entries and reconcile general ledger and subsidiary accounts; prepare monthly financial statements, including distribution of monthly revenue and expenditure reports to departments
• Assist with the fiscal year-end and fixed asset accounting

 Position Requirements

Minimum qualifications include a bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration, public administration or a closely related field, minimum of five years of experience, including at least three years at a supervisory level; or an equivalent combination of experience and training. Master’s Degree and CPA license are preferred. Proficiency with Tyler Technologies Munis, and Microsoft Office word, excel, outlook, or must be able to learn within the first six months of employment.

 The successful candidate will have a thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of government accounting. Comprehensive knowledge of general laws and administration policies governing municipal financial practices and procedures. Ability to analyze, interpret and explain financial policies, procedures, and practices, prepare, and verify accurate and timely financial statement.  Ability to apply established accounting and budgeting methods and techniques.  In addition, possess excellent communication and organizational skills, be detail oriented, possess the ability to handle multiple and simultaneous projects and be able to provide effective leadership and maintain harmonious relationships within the department.

 Compensation and Benefits

The 2023 salary range for this position is $115,620 to $153,425 with a flexible starting salary DOQ.  The Village provides an excellent benefits package, including participation in the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF), medical, dental and vision coverage, life insurance, voluntary participation in a deferred compensation program (457 plan), tuition reimbursement, and participation in section 125 flexible spending accounts for medical, dependent care and transportation.