Strategic Public Finance Leader (CFO)

GovHRUSA; Illinois; On-site; USD 140,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Peoria County in Illinois seeks a knowledgeable and strategic Chief Financial Officer to lead the Finance Department, oversee budgeting, accounting, and financial reporting, and ensure responsible stewardship of public funds. This senior role reports to the County Administrator and engages with the County Board, auditors, and community stakeholders.

The ideal candidate will bring extensive governmental finance experience, strong budgeting and forecasting skills, and a collaborative leadership

Qualifications

• Progressively responsible experience in governmental or public-sector financial management.
• Strong knowledge of government accounting, budgeting, reporting, internal controls, and fiscal management.
• Experience preparing, administering, and monitoring complex budgets.
• Ability to analyze financial issues and translate into practical recommendations.
• Understanding of debt administration, capital planning, forecasting, and long-term sustainability.
• Collaborative leadership and ability to work across departments and elected officials.
• High ethical standards and commitment to transparency and accountability.
• Excellent written, oral, interpersonal, organizational and presentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead development, preparation, monitoring, and administration of the annual operating and capital budget.
• Advise the County Administrator and Board on financial conditions, risks, opportunities, and sustainability.
• Prepare and present clear, timely financial information to leadership and elected officials.
• Ensure compliance with government accounting standards, laws, and internal controls.
• Manage debt portfolio and provide analysis for debt financing and capital needs.
• Monitor revenues, expenditures, cash flow, reserves, investments, and other indicators.
• Provide financial analysis and decision support for programs, projects, contracts, and grants.
• Strengthen financial policies, procedures, and reporting systems.
• Support responsible purchasing practices and procurement strategies.
• Collaborate with departments to improve planning and resource utilization.
• Promote financial transparency and public understanding of County finances.
• Oversee preparation of the Annual Comprehensive Finance Report and external audits.
• Lead, mentor, and develop Finance staff with a culture of professionalism and accountability.

Skills

Public finance leadership

Budgeting

Financial analysis

Internal controls

Debt management

Collaboration

Communication skills

Ethical standards

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting/finance

Master's degree or CPA/CGFM desirable

Job description

Peoria County in Illinois seeks a knowledgeable and strategic Chief Financial Officer to lead the Finance Department, oversee budgeting, accounting, and financial reporting, and ensure responsible stewardship of public funds. This senior role reports to the County Administrator and engages with the County Board, auditors, and community stakeholders.

The ideal candidate will bring extensive governmental finance experience, strong budgeting and forecasting skills, and a collaborative leadership