Assistant Finance Director

City of Elmhurst; Elmhurst (IL); On-site; USD 123,000 - 184,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Elmhurst is seeking an experienced Finance Director to oversee day-to-day financial operations, including accounts payable, payroll, month-end close, and financial reporting. This role ensures integrity of City financial systems and provides professional guidance to City departments.

Responsibilities include supervising AP and Payroll staff, coordinating audits and year-end reporting, supporting the budget process, managing MUNIS and Executime, and working with Boards and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, public administration, or related field with five years of professional accounting operations experience and four years supervisory experience.
• Equivalent combination of education, training and experience as determined by Human Resources.
• Certified public accountant license is preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and oversee accounts payable functions.
• Manage payroll processing for City and Library; supervise Payroll Specialist.
• Close month and quarter; review journal entries and reconciliations.
• Oversee annual audits and year-end reporting.
• Assist with annual City-wide budget functions.
• Administer finance ERP MUNIS and timekeeping system Executime.
• Coordinate special projects and studies.
• Plan, organize, supervise staff; promote training and development.
• Attend Boards/Commissions meetings and prepare minutes.

Skills

Supervisory skills

Government accounting

Financial reporting

Budgeting

Internal controls

Communication

Policy development

Team building

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

MUNIS ERP

Executime

Job description

Responsible for the oversight and administration of basic day-to-day financial operations of the Finance Department. This includes ensuring bills, City, Library and pension payroll are processed and paid timely and accurately. Also responsible for the oversight of reconciliations and financial reporting. Responsible for maintaining the integrity of City financial systems and providing professional assistance to City Departments.

Essential Functions

• Responsible for the coordination and oversight of all accounts payable functions. This includes supervision of the Accounts Payable Coordinator, review of finance invoices within purchasing policy authority and invoice delegation.
• Responsible for the management and oversight of City and Library payroll processing functions. This includes the supervision of Payroll Specialist, detailed review of payroll, detailed review of monthly pension payroll, review of 941 returns and other tax documents.
• Responsible for month and quarter end functions including delegating journal entries, reviewing and posting general journal entries, reviewing bank reconciliations, reviewing month end reports, reviewing treasurer reports and other cash investment reports, and ensuring month end is closed within established deadlines.
• Responsible for all functions surrounding annual financial audits and year end reporting. This includes being responsible for the delegation and review of audit work papers, coordination of annual OPEB and actuarial reports, IDOI reports, performing year end close in MUNIS, GATA filings, and review of tax forms.
• Assists in annual City-wide budget functions including preparation and review of budget areas, review of salary and health insurance work papers and attending budget committee and budget Council meetings.
• Responsible for administration of finance functions in City ERP MUNIS and time keeping system Executime.
• Assists with the management and coordination of fiscal services and systems of the City to include, budget process, accounting system, payroll system, utility billing, parking system administration, annual audit, risk management, insurance procurement, general administrative services, and tax increment financing administrative support services.
• Coordinates and/or assists in the completion and implementation of special projects and studies.
• Plans, organizes, supervises, reviews, and evaluates the activities of professional, technical and office support staff and supervisors.
• Contributes to the overall quality of the Finance Department's service provision by developing and coordinating work teams and by reviewing, recommending, and implementing improved policies and procedures.
• Reviews cash balances and transfers funds as necessary to fund payroll, accounts payable and other expenditures.
• Develops financial policies and procedures to include, revenue, economic incentive, purchasing and investment policies and internal audit control procedures.
• Provides analysis and recommendations for the administration of department programs.
• Prepares a variety of written correspondence, reports, procedures, and other written materials.
• Directs the maintenance of accurate records and files.
• Assists in selection of staff and provides for their training and professional development; interprets City policies and procedures to employees; ensures effective morale, productivity, and discipline of department staff.
• Confers with members of other departments regarding departmental or City-wide financial and administrative requirements and solutions; facilitates the resolution of problems and the development of coordinated policies.
• Attends and participates in Boards and Commissions including Police and Fire Pension boards and Finance Committee meetings. This includes preparation of meeting minutes and other items as assigned for Finance Committee.
• Uses standard office equipment, including a computer, in the course of the work; may drive a motor vehicle or arrange for appropriate transportation in order to attend off-site meetings and visit off-site City locations.
• Demonstrates courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with public and staff; acts in a manner that promotes a harmonious and effective workplace environment.
• Regular and reliable attendance is an essential function of this role.
• Serves as Acting Finance Director in Finance Director’s absence.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, public administration, or a field related to the work AND five years of professional experience in accounting operations, four years of supervisory experience OR an equivalent combination of education, training and experience as determined by Human Resources.

Required Certificates, Licenses, and Registrations:

• Certified public account license is preferred but not required.

Required Knowledge & Skills

• Principles and practices of employee supervision, including selection, work planning, organization, performance review and evaluation, and employee training and discipline.
• Project management principles and practices.
• Principles and practices of generally accepted accounting standards and procedures with emphasis on governmental and fund accounting, including methods of financial reporting and financial statement preparation.
• Principles and practices of capital and operational budgeting and funding.
• Principles on internal controls over financial reporting and financial operations.
• Federal, State, and local laws, rules, and regulations influencing local government fiscal operations.
• Principles and practices of developing teams, motivating employees, and managing in a team environment.
• Record keeping principles and practices.
• Correct business English, including spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• Techniques for working collaboratively with staff, the public and elected officials.
• Attendance and participation at evening meetings or City events may be required.
• Analyzing, planning, and directing comprehensive financial operations.
• Developing and monitoring a fiscal system which complies with various local, State, and federal laws, rules, and regulations.
• Analyzing organizational, administrative, and budgetary matters and recommending effective courses of action.
• Developing and implementing goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and work standards.
• Developing effective work teams and motivating individuals to meet goals and objectives and provide customer services in the most cost effective and efficient manner.
• Interpreting, applying, and explaining complex federal, state, and local laws.
• Preparing clear and concise reports, correspondence, and other written materials.
• Using initiative and independent judgment within general policy guidelines.
• Using tact, discretion, and prudence in working collaboratively with those contacted in the course of the work.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.

Salary and Benefits

Salary Range: $122,600- $183,900 DOQ. FLSA Status: Exempt. Benefits: Includes medical, dental, vision and life insurance (City contributes annually half the cost of the deductible to employee HSA), tuition reimbursement, paid time off, and participation in the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF).

Interested, qualified candidates are asked to submit a completed application and resume online at https://elmhurst.org/jobs . Offers of employment are subject to successful completion of background check, drug screen, and physical. This position is open until November 6, 2026.

The City of Elmhurst is an equal opportunity employer.