Budget Manager

City of Champaign; Champaign (IL); On-site; USD 115,000 - 161,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Champaign is seeking a Budget Manager to lead essential budget and financial functions that empower every department to serve residents effectively.

The role oversees the annual City budget (FY 2026/27 is $256 million), guides the process from November kickoff to June adoption, and directs the five-year forecast and tax levy, while managing purchasing and capital records.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, and/or business-related fields or an equivalent combination of work experience and education that demonstrates the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Professional experience with overseeing budget systems or organizational budget administration.
• Supervisory experience that demonstrates the ability to plan and manage the work of subordinate staff.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and manage the annual budget for the City of Champaign.
• Lead the budget process from kickoff in November to adoption in June.
• Direct the five-year financial forecast and annual tax levy.

Skills

Supervisory experience

Financial forecasting

Budget development

Cross-department coordination

Education

Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, and/or business-related fields

Equivalent combination of work experience and education

Master’s degree (preferred)

Tools

ERP systems

Budget software

Advanced Excel

Job description

Position Overview

Help us build a strong, sustainable future for the City of Champaign. As our Budget Manager, you’ll lead essential budget and financial functions that empower every department to serve our residents effectively.

Job Responsibilities

The Budget Manager has a major role in shaping the programs and services provided to our residents and community. They are responsible for preparing and managing the annual budget for the entire City organization, $256 million for Fiscal Year 2026/27. They lead the annual budget process from kick off in November to adoption in June and direct the development of the five-year financial forecast and annual tax levy. Additionally, they manage the City’s purchasing program and capital equipment records and perform other complex financial administrative functions that require in-depth knowledge of budgetary and financial principles and best practices. Work involves complex problem-solving and coordinating cross-departmental efforts.

Required Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, and/or business-related fields or an equivalent combination of work experience and education that demonstrates the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Professional experience with overseeing budget systems or organizational budget administration.
• Supervisory experience that demonstrates the ability to plan and manage the work of subordinate staff.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in business, public administration, or related field.
• Experience with purchasing or contracting.
• Experience with financial forecasting.
• Experience with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) or budget computer systems.
• Experience working in or with governments on financial-related matters.
• Expertise using spreadsheet applications.

Drug screening and criminal background check will be required. The full annual salary range is $114,891.92 - $160,857.32, accompanied by an excellent fringe benefits package. Most new hires will be placed at the beginning of the salary range.

Other Information

Contact the Human Resources Department at [phone] Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. if you require an accommodation to complete this application or during any phase of the application, interview, or employment process. The following locations offer free Internet access and assistance: Champaign Public Library, Champaign Public Library Douglass Branch, and the Illinois WorkNet Center.

The City of Champaign is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to promoting a work environme nt and a community that values and supports diversity and inclusion. Women, minorities and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

The City of Champaign's mission is to provide responsive, caring, cost-effective service in partnership with our community. The following values guide our work: Personal Integrity, Responsibility, Respect, Teamwork, Results. The City of Champaign is committed to promoting a work environme nt and a community that values and supports diversity and inclusion. Learn more about the city's mission and values at https://champaignil.gov/city-managers-office