Finance Director | Village of Wauconda, IL

Wauconda, IL (14,125), a non-home rule community located in Lake County, Illinois, approximately 45 miles northwest of Chicago, is seeking reliable, team-oriented, and financially savvy candidates to serve as their next Finance Director. 

Wauconda (5.73 square miles) is a community of beautiful neighborhoods, with excellent schools, community services and recreational offerings. The outstanding quality of life in Wauconda is shaped by Bangs Lake, a 306-acre recreational amenity that offers a variety of recreational activities such as swimming, fishing, and boating.

The Village is a full-service organization which provides Police, Public Works, Community Development, Finance, and Administrative services, as well as water provision and a wastewater treatment plant. The Mayor and six (6) Trustees are elected on a non-partisan basis for four (4) year overlapping terms. The Village Administrator, appointed by the Mayor with the approval of the Board of Trustees, is responsible for the implementation of policy and the overall operations of a $25 million budget, including $7.8M capital spending, as well as management and leadership of 53 full time employees. Moody’s Investors Service assigned a credit rating of ‘Aa2’ during the Village’s issuance of General Obligation Refunding Bonds in 2021. 

Position Requirements

Appointed by the Mayor with approval of the Village Board and reporting to the Village Administrator, the Finance Director oversees the financial operations of the Village. This includes cash management, investments, financial reporting, financial planning, and the development and monitoring of the Village budget. The Director currently has three direct reports within the Finance Department: a Deputy Finance Director, an Accounts Payable clerk (who also assists the Community Development Department), and a Utility Billing clerk.  A third-party vendor assists with payroll functions. 

The next Director will review and oversee the Village’s new contract with an investment advisor and guide the Board’s discussion to ensure the Village’s long-term capital needs are met.  This position also works with the Village Administrator to oversee the Village’s information technology services contract. The Director also supports the collective bargaining process with the Village’s three labor unions and provides strategic advice for economic development, including the management of a TIF district. 

The Village is seeking an experienced and organized Director to lead the Finance Department.  The successful candidate will have the following:

• Bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, public policy, business, or related field. 
• Five (5) years of increasingly responsible experience in public or private finance or accounting, with three (3) years of management/supervisory responsibility, preferably in local government.
• Master’s Degree, CPFO or CPA designation, or knowledge, skills and abilities equivalent to is preferred.
• Strong oral and written communication skills, strategic planning abilities, and the facility to work well with elected and appointed officials.
• Technically proficient in accounting and commonly used applications of financial services information technology.

Compensation and Benefits    

The anticipated starting salary range is $120,000 - 130,000 based on qualifications and experience, with a range maximum up to $137,000.  Residency is not required.  The Village offers a competitive benefits package, including membership in the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF), optional 457 deferred compensation plans, and a menu of health plans.  The position will work primarily from the Village Hall with occasional opportunities to work remotely.

Application Process   

Apply online immediately at www.GovHRjobs.com with a resume, cover letter and contact information for five  (5) professional references.  Position is Open Until Filled with first review of applications on Feb. 10, 2023.  Confidential inquiries may be directed to Maureen Barry, Senior Vice President, GovHR USA at 847-380-3240, x116.  The Village of Wauconda is an Equal Opportunity Employer.