DIRECTOR OF FINANCE/BUDGET OFFICER | CITY OF ROCHELLE, ILLINOIS

The City of Rochelle, IL (pop. 9,446) is seeking an innovative and strategic finance professional to serve as its next Director of Finance/Budget Officer. This an excellent opportunity for a motivated leader who thrives in a dynamic environment and wants to make a meaningful impact in a diverse and full-service community. This position is available following the retirement of a long-serving and valued team member. The City of Rochelle employs over 165 full and part-time employees throughout City Hall, the Fire and Police Departments, the Rochelle Municipal Utilities Divisions, the Street Department, and the Engineering Division.

Located 80 miles west of Chicago and 25 miles south of Rockford, at the intersection of two major rail lines and interstate highways, Rochelle is a vibrant, strategically positioned city known as “The Hub City.” Rochelle offers the best of small-town charm with significant economic development assets including its own suite of municipal utilities generation (electric, water, water reclamation, advanced communications & technology center), a short line railroad, a landfill, an 18-hole Fairways Golf Course, and a municipal airport.

Rochelle is a professionally managed non-home-rule municipality that adopted the Council-Manager form of City government thirty years ago. Rochelle is governed by a Council composed of the Mayor and six City council members elected at large to staggered four-year terms. Reporting directly to the City Manager, the Director of Finance/Budget Officer serves as a key member of the City’s leadership team and a trusted advisor on all financial matters. This role oversees the City’s Finance Department and acts as Treasurer for both the Fire and Police Pension Funds. The Director also serves as an advisor to the Utility Billing Department and works closely with a team of 13 department heads on budgeting, capital improvement plans, and other strategic initiatives.

The City of Rochelle has a total budget of approximately $130 million, including a $15 million General Fund and several enterprise funds, four active TIF districts, and internal service funds. The City has earned the GFOA Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for the past six years, in addition to being a recipient of the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting Award, underscoring its commitment to transparency and excellence. In 2023, the City increased to a bond rating of 'AA-' from an ‘A+’ from Standard & Poor’s.

The Finance Department has four full-time authorized positions, including two (2) Payroll & Accounting Generalists and (1) Deputy Director of Finance. The City’s philosophy is to provide exemplary customer service with the Finance Department being a key component of that service delivery. The Administrative Services budget, which houses the Finance Department and Human Resources, has a $1.7 million operating budget. Rochelle is proud of its strong, collaborative organizational culture that emphasizes innovation, inclusion, stewardship, and continuous improvement. The new Director will have the opportunity to drive process improvements, provide mentorship to department staff, and support major projects.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead, manage, and develop Finance Department operations and staff. Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, and customer service throughout the department.
• Manage all fiscal operations of the City including accounting and financial reporting, investments and debt, budget and audit preparation, tax levies, back-end of payroll administration, pension funds, grant management, and purchasing.
• Provide comprehensive financial analysis and guidance to the City Manager, City Council, and department heads.
• Oversee preparation and administration of the City’s annual budget and coordinate long-term financial planning and forecasts. Ensure the budget is balanced and conforms to the City’s financial policies. Prepare revenue and expenditure projections to be used in long-term financial forecasts.
• Manage annual audit process and ensure compliance with national and state financial regulations.
• Financially monitor the City’s four active Tax Increment Finance (TIF) Districts and corresponding capital programs in collaboration with the City’s consulting firm. The position is actively involved in the oversight and issuance of TIF Notes and General Obligation Bonds to further the City’s economic development plans and capital improvements.
• Oversee investment management, debt issuance and service, and pension fund administration in partnership with Lauterbach & Amen.
• Advise on utility finance matters and support financing for economic development initiatives.
• Participates with the leadership team in negotiations with four collective bargaining units, including for the Fire Department, Police Department, Utilities, and Public Works.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business, public administration or a related field from an accredited institution is required. A master’s degree is a plus.
• A minimum of five years of experience of progressively responsible financial administration is required.  A strong understanding of governmental accounting standards, budgetary systems, utility finance, and financial reporting is highly preferred.
• Supervisory experience is desirable.
• Experience with municipal financial software systems is highly preferred.
• Skilled in communication and able to build effective relationships with elected officials, staff, and community stakeholders.
• Commitment to fostering innovation, efficiency, and a positive workplace culture.

The salary range is $118,800 - $166,320 +/- DOQ. The City offers a flexible hybrid work arrangement after an initial probationary period, a competitive benefit package, including medical, vision, dental and complimentary $50,000 life insurance, membership in the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF), wellness memberships & discounts, comprehensive Employee Assistance Program (EAP), optional 403b and Roth IRA plans, four weeks of accrued vacation, 1 week of personal time, 97.5 hours of accrued sick time per year, and 13 annual holidays.