Director of Finance

CityLink; Peoria (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 129,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

Pension

Voluntary Supplemental

PTO

Job summary

CityLink seeks a Director of Finance to oversee all facets of financial operations, policy development, and implementation of financial management systems. You will be the primary authority on financial matters, guiding strategic fiscal health and governance for the organization.

The role requires 10+ years in senior finance leadership, strong collaboration with the General Manager, and oversight of budgeting, treasury, and reporting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business, or Economics; Master’s/CPA/CMA preferred.
• 10+ years of progressively senior, public-sector, or transit finance leadership with board-level exposure.
• Governmental accounting, grant management, risk & treasury management, budget planning, and audit oversight experience.
• Proven track record building and leading high-performance finance teams.
• Excellent communicator with strong stakeholder and political navigation skills.
• Proficiency with enterprise ERP/financial systems and financial modeling tools.

Responsibilities

• Guide enterprise-wide financial strategy to ensure long-term fiscal health and support service delivery.
• Lead multi-year budget development, long-range forecasting, and capital investment planning.
• Oversee treasury operations, debt issuance, investments, and risk management.
• Maintain strong internal controls, audit readiness, procurement compliance, GAAP and GASB adherence.
• Provide financial reporting and analysis to executives, regulators, and Board in data and narrative formats.
• Drive modernization, automation, and analytics enhancements in finance processes.
• Lead the Finance team, including staffing, performance reviews, and compliance.
• Ensure regulatory compliance and respond to inquiries with clarity and accuracy.
• Coordinate annual operating and capital budgets and monitor forecasting.
• Develop financing strategies to support capital projects and revenue opportunities.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Budgeting

GAAP & GASB

Stakeholder management

ERP systems

Financial reporting

Communication

Risk management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Finance/Accounting/Business/Economics

Master's degree / CPA / CMA preferred

Tools

ERP software

Financial modeling tools

Job description

Job Title: Director of Finance

Department: Finance

Reports to: General Manager

FLSA Status: Salary Exempt

Employment Status: Full Time | Non-Union

Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, Pension, Voluntary Supplemental, PTO

Salary Range: $90,300-128,950 DOE

Job Summary:

The Director of Finance will be entrusted with managing all facets of financial operations, devising financial policies and guidelines, and overseeing the initiation and functioning of the District's financial management systems. This role is integral in maintaining the veracity of fiscal data and fostering an environment of transparency and accountability within the organization. This individual will stand as the primary authority on financial matters in the institution.

Essential Duties:

• Guide enterprise-wide financial strategy to ensure long-term fiscal health while supporting high-quality service delivery.
• Lead multi-year budget development, long-range forecasting, and capital investment planning.
• Oversee treasury operations, including debt issuance, investment strategy, and enterprise risk management functions
• Build and maintain high-performing financial systems, ensuring strong internal controls, audit readiness, procurement compliance, and adherence to GAAP and GASB principles.
• Provide financial reporting and analysis to executive leadership, regulators, and the Board in both data-driven and narrative formats to support strategic decision-making.
• Continuously evaluate and improve financial policies and practices, identifying opportunities for modernization, automation, and enhanced analytics.
• Drive implementation of innovative financial technologies and systems to optimize reporting, efficiency, and transparency.
• Lead the Finance team by managing staff assignments, performance reviews, training, compliance adherence, and personnel decisions including hiring and terminations.
• Ensure financial operations comply with federal, state, and local regulations; implement process improvements based on best practices and evolving requirements.
• Oversee preparation of financial statements and respond to internal and external financial inquiries with clarity and accuracy.
• Manage tax compliance and reporting, District cash flow, and financial forecasting activities.
• Coordinate external and internal audits; manage documentation and ensure resolution of any findings or deficiencies.
• Oversee development and administration of the annual operating and capital budgets, including monitoring, forecasting, and reporting functions.
• Develop and implement innovative financing strategies to support capital projects and identify sustainable revenue opportunities.
• Collaborate on benefit-related financial matters including retirement fund management, employee health insurance, and liability/property insurance.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of the District's financial and operational goals.

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business, or Economics (Master's / CPA / CMA preferred). A combination of education and experience may be considered for the right candidate.

• 10+ years of progressively senior, public-sector, or transit finance leadership, with board-level exposure.
• Deep experience in governmental accounting, grant management, risk & treasury management, budget planning, and audit oversight.
• Proven track record in building and leading high-performance finance teams.
• Exceptional communicator with strong stakeholder and political navigation skills.
• Proficiency with enterprise ERP/financial systems and financial modeling tools.

Required Knowledge & Skills:

• Strong understanding of finance, accounting, auditing, financial reporting methods, financial control practices, strategic planning, and risk management.
• Proficient in generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and governmental accounting standards board (GASB) principles.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficient with computers and relevant software applications.

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements:

• Working Conditions:
• Duties performed primarily in an office environment while sitting at a desk or computer most of the time. Occasional walking and standing.
• Requires stooping, reaching, bending, and lifting of office supplies and equipment.
• Exerting up to 25 pounds of force for lifting and/or pushing, occasionally.
• Must be able to access and navigate each department at the organization's facilities.

Travel:

• Regular travel to local GPMTD properties is required.
• Occasional out-of-state travel may be necessary for training, conferences, etc.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license

General Working Hours:

• Monday - Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm (with flexibility as needed).