Finance Director - City of Pekin

City of Pekin; Pekin (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Pekin in Illinois seeks a qualified Finance Director to oversee the City’s financial operations and provide strategic leadership. You will manage accounting, budgeting, audits, and financial reporting while guiding a finance team and engaging with City Council and department heads.

The role requires municipal finance expertise, strong analytical ability, and a proactive, detail-oriented approach to policy and financial controls. This is a permanent, at-will city position.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required.
• CPA or CMA designation preferred.
• Five to seven years of progressively responsible financial experience.
• Ten years of a combination of professional experience and education/training.
• Municipal finance experience and understanding of governmental accounting standards.
• Experience with Springbrook financial software is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Direct and oversee the City's financial operations, accounting functions, and internal financial controls.
• Lead the development, preparation, administration, and monitoring of the annual operating and capital budgets.
• Coordinate annual audits and ensure accurate financial records, reporting, and compliance with applicable governmental accounting standards.
• Conduct detailed financial analysis, identify trends, and provide recommendations to support sound fiscal decisions.
• Develop and maintain long-range financial plans addressing organizational priorities and community needs.
• Establish, review, and implement financial policies, procedures, and administrative practices.
• Oversee financial reporting and provide accurate, timely information to the City Council and department heads.
• Provide leadership, accountability, and professional development opportunities for Finance Department employees.
• Exercise sound independent judgment when addressing financial, operational, and policy-related matters.

Skills

Leadership

Budget development

Financial forecasting

Conflict resolution

Policy development

Communication

Team development

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field

CPA or CMA designation preferred

Five to seven years of progressively responsible financial experience

Ten years of a combination of professional experience and education/training

Municipal finance experience

Tools

Springbrook

Job description

The City of Pekin, Illinois, is seeking a highly qualified and analytical Finance Director to oversee the City's financial operations and provide strategic financial leadership. This position requires a detail-oriented professional with a strong background in municipal finance, governmental accounting, financial reporting, and budget administration.

The successful candidate will demonstrate the ability to evaluate complex financial information, maintain accurate and reliable financial records, oversee audit processes, and develop sound financial strategies. Equally important is the ability to lead and develop the Finance Department team while establishing effective working relationships with the City Council, department heads, and other stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Direct and oversee the City's financial operations, accounting functions, and internal financial controls.
• Lead the development, preparation, administration, and monitoring of the annual operating and capital budgets.
• Coordinate annual audits and ensure accurate financial records, reporting, and compliance with applicable governmental accounting standards.
• Conduct detailed financial analysis, identify trends, and provide recommendations to support sound fiscal decisions.
• Develop and maintain long-range financial plans that address organizational priorities and community needs.
• Establish, review, and implement financial policies, procedures, and administrative practices.
• Oversee financial reporting and provide accurate, timely information to the City Council and department heads.
• Provide leadership, accountability, and professional development opportunities for Finance Department employees.
• Exercise sound independent judgment when addressing financial, operational, and policy-related matters.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field required.
• CPA or CMA designation preferred.
• Five to seven years of progressively responsible financial experience.
• Ten years of a combination of professional experience and education/training.
• Municipal finance experience and a thorough understanding of governmental accounting principles.
• Experience with Springbrook financial software is a plus.

Desired Personal Characteristics

The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

• High standards of integrity and professional accountability.
• Strong analytical and organizational abilities.
• Confidence and sound professional judgment.
• A methodical, thorough, and detail-oriented approach.
• Dependability, patience, and a cooperative working style.
• Professional maturity and the ability to maintain composure in challenging situations.
• The ability to establish trust and credibility through consistency and follow-through.
• A forward-thinking approach to financial management and organizational improvement.

Desired Professional Skills

• Budget development, administration, and financial forecasting.
• Governmental accounting and financial reporting.
• Audit coordination, preparation, and compliance.
• Financial analysis and long-range planning.
• Leadership and department management.
• Conflict resolution and professional communication.
• City Council relations and policy development.
• Collaboration and relationship management with department heads.
• Development and implementation of financial policies and procedures.