Finance Director | Village of Riverside

Nestled along the Des Plaines River just 10 miles west of downtown Chicago, the Village of Riverside is one of the nation's few communities designated as a National Historic Landmark District. Designed in 1869 by renowned landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, Riverside is recognized for its rich history, distinctive natural setting and commitment to preserving its heritage while delivering exceptional municipal services. The Village is a professionally managed organization that values innovation, collaboration, fiscal stewardship, transparency and outstanding customer service to residents, businesses and community partners. Riverside’s strong financial management is reflected in its AA+ bond rating from Standard & Poor’s, affirming the Village’s fiscal stability and capacity to meet its long-term obligations.

The Village of Riverside seeks an experienced, collaborative and forward-thinking finance professional to serve as its next Finance Director. This executive leadership position offers an exceptional opportunity to oversee the Village's financial operations, provide strategic guidance to the Village Manager and Village Board, lead organizational initiatives in finance, risk management and information technology, and help ensure the Village's long-term financial sustainability.

The Finance Director reports to the Village Manager and serves as the Village Treasurer. This position is responsible for the administration, management, strategic planning and continuous improvement of the Finance Department.

Position Summary

The Finance Director is responsible for planning, organizing, directing, and managing all financial operations of the Village. The successful candidate will oversee accounting, budgeting, financial reporting, treasury management, payroll, utility billing, purchasing support, investments, debt management, internal controls, enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, risk management, and the Village's information technology functions while ensuring compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, accounting standards, and best practices.

In addition to managing the Village's financial operations, the Finance Director is expected to foster a culture of responsiveness, accountability, and exceptional customer service. The successful candidate will ensure timely completion of projects and statutory reporting requirements, communicate effectively with elected officials, staff, residents, businesses, auditors, consultants, and outside agencies, and demonstrate a commitment to providing courteous, professional, and solution-oriented service to everyone conducting business with the Village.

The Finance Director supervises Finance Department personnel, provides strategic financial leadership to the organization, develops financial policies and procedures, oversees the Village's risk management and insurance programs, supports technology initiatives that improve operational efficiency and cybersecurity, and promotes sound fiscal stewardship through transparency, innovation, and continuous process improvement.

Performance is evaluated through established organizational goals, financial reporting, successful completion of projects and deadlines, audit results, customer service, and regular meetings with the Village Manager.

The successful candidate will be:

• An ethical, approachable, and collaborative leader who builds strong working relationships.
• An excellent communicator with outstanding written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Highly organized with the ability to establish priorities, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and consistently meet deadlines.
• Committed to providing exceptional customer service and responsive, professional assistance to residents, businesses, vendors, and fellow employees.
• A strategic thinker with strong analytical, financial management, and problem-solving skills.
• Experienced in governmental accounting, budgeting, financial reporting, and long-range financial planning.
• Knowledgeable in municipal finance, investments, debt management, internal controls, and risk management.
• Comfortable presenting complex financial information to elected officials, staff, residents, and community organizations in a clear and understandable manner.
• Experienced in overseeing ERP systems, financial technology, and information technology initiatives that improve organizational effectiveness.
• Dedicated to transparency, accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement in municipal operations.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a closely related field.
• Master's degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Certified Public Accountant (CPA), or other advanced professional credential preferred, but not required.
• An equivalent combination of education, training, and progressively responsible experience in governmental finance may be considered.

Salary and Benefits

• Salary Range: $134,233.04 – $184,746.25
• Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF)

• IMRF Voluntary Additional Contribution (VAC) Program
• MissionSquare 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
• Medical, dental, vision and life insurance
• Supplemental life insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts (Health and Dependent Care)
• 15 vacation days annually
• 12 paid sick days annually
• 2 personal days annually
• 12 paid holidays