Senior Finance Leader - Public Sector

The City of Lake Forest; Lake Forest (IL); On-site; USD 137,000 - 162,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full Benefits Package

Tuition reimbursement

Employee Assistance Program

Pension/retirement options

Job summary

The City of Lake Forest is seeking an Assistant Finance Director to lead the day-to-day operations of the Finance Department, supervise six staff, and guide ongoing financial planning. Working under the Finance Director, you will oversee audits, monthly reporting, and the annual budget, while collaborating across city departments and preparing materials for the Finance and Audit Committees.

This role emphasizes strong internal controls, process improvements, and staff development, with

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or related field; MBA or CPA desirable.
• Minimum of five years of progressive municipal accounting experience, including at least two years supervising professional staff.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP and governmental accounting practices.
• Advanced Excel skills. Proficient in other Microsoft 365 products. Experience with BS&A software is a plus.
• Demonstrated leadership skills, including staff development and team building.
• Effective communication skills with internal customers, residents, and external partners.
• Ability to independently plan, organize, and accomplish projects with limited direction.

Responsibilities

• Supervise, develop, and evaluate a team of six, including workload assignment, annual goal setting, coaching, and performance reviews.
• Lead recruitment, selection, and onboarding for department vacancies.
• Build cross-training and documented procedures so every core function has a trained backup.
• Create opportunities for staff to grow within their role, as well as take on new responsibilities for professional development and, when possible, succession planning.
• Lead department projects from scope through implementation, including process improvements in areas such as cash handling, reconciliation, and purchasing.
• Strengthen internal controls while streamlining operations.
• Oversees financial system access and security, maintaining segregation of duties and internal controls.
• Coordinate the annual audit, serve as the main point of contact for auditors, prepare audit schedules, review the ACFR, and submit the final report for GFOA award consideration.
• Review monthly journal entries and monthly financial reports, analyzing trends and identifying areas of concern.
• Support development of the annual operating budget, including collaborating with departments, coordinating fee schedules, and preparing revenue projections for the City’s long-range financial forecast.
• Assist with budget monitoring throughout the year.
• Prepare the annual Tax Levy Ordinance and Appropriation Ordinance, coordinating related documentation with School District 67.
• Oversee development of the annual TIF report for submission to the State.
• Administer and track grant programs in coordination with the City’s consultant.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Advanced Excel

Staff development

Independent planning

Education

Bachelor’s degree in accounting or related field

MBA or CPA desirable

Tools

BS&A software

Microsoft 365

Job description

The City of Lake Forest is seeking an Assistant Finance Director to lead the day-to-day operations of the Finance Department, supervise six staff, and guide ongoing financial planning. Working under the Finance Director, you will oversee audits, monthly reporting, and the annual budget, while collaborating across city departments and preparing materials for the Finance and Audit Committees.

This role emphasizes strong internal controls, process improvements, and staff development, with