Oak Park, IL (Pop. 52,000) Exciting opportunity for public finance professionals to serve in a progressive community of nationally recognized, architecturally significant historic neighborhoods and thriving business areas located nine miles west of downtown Chicago. Oak Park is a fully developed, 4.7 square mile, mature, ethnically, racially, and culturally diverse community known for its engaged citizens and its progressive approach to government.
Oak Park is a community of choice, benefitting from multiple modes of transportation and immediate accessibility to local and regional high-quality retail, high-tech employment, arts, and cultural attractions. Oak Park is bounded on the east and north by the City of Chicago, on the west by River Forest and Forest Park, and on the south by Cicero and Berwyn. Further information about the Village is available on their website at: www.oak-park.us.
The Village is a full-service, Home Rule community and operates under the Council-Manager form of government. The elected legislative body, the Village Board, consists of a president/mayor and six trustees. An appointed, professional Village Manager oversees the day-to-day administration of government programs and services. Oak Park’s workforce is approximately 350+ strong. Services include Police, Fire, Public Works, Development Services, Community Relations, Administrative Adjudication, and other key support services. The Finance Department is a key partner and collaborator in the provision of these Village services.
The Village’s overall expenditure budget is just under $205 million, and the general fund budget is approximately $82 million. In its most recent report, Moody’s Investors Service upgraded the Village’s general obligation unlimited tax (GOULT) rating to ‘Aa3’. In 2021, S&P Global Ratings assigned its ‘AA’ rating to the series 2021 taxable general obligation (GO) corporate purpose refunding bonds, with a ‘stable’ outlook.
Position Requirements
The Finance Department ensures the fiscal integrity of the Village by developing, maintaining, and administering all programs related to the accounting of municipal revenues and expenditures. With the support of 9 FTEs and a $10.9 million approved budget, the Department, through its divisions of Administration, Accounting, Budgeting and Performance Management, Payroll, and Purchasing, manages purchasing, prepares financial and budget reports, manages utility and ambulance billing, and administers the municipal payroll and pension systems.
The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is responsible for managing the Village’s finances, including financial planning, analysis, budgeting, financial/accounting, record keeping and reporting, assessment and management of financial risks and emerging trends. Reporting to the Village Manager, the CFO serves as a key member of the executive leadership team and is responsible for the development of the department’s strategic plan, metrics, data analysis, safety & risk management, procurement, policy development, and all fiscal functions of the Village.
The successful candidate will have:
- A bachelor’s degree in finance, business administration, public administration or related field from an accredited college or university along with 8-10 years of progressively responsible senior management level experience in finance and accounting is required.
- Master’s Degree, CPFO or CPA designation, or knowledge, skills, and abilities equivalent to is preferred.
- Exceptional customer service skills servicing internal and external customers.
- Understanding of governmental budgets, audits, GASB requirements, debt management, ERP systems; financial planning and analysis skills are required.
Compensation and Benefits
The salary range is $134,000 – $194,750, with an expected starting salary of $175,000 +/- DOQ. The Village of Oak Park offers a market competitive total rewards package with a comprehensive benefit package that includes participation in the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF), health and life insurance, vacation, sick leave, and other benefits including flexible working arrangements. Residency within Oak Park or within reasonable commuting distance is desired. Relocation assistance available.
Application Process
Apply online at www.GovHRjobs.com with a resume, cover letter and contact information for five professional references by November 18, 2024. Confidential inquiries may be directed to Maureen Barry, Senior Consultant, MGT, at 847-380-3240, x116.
The Village of Oak Park commits itself to diversity, equity, and inclusion by recognizing that creating mutually respectful, multicultural, and equitable environment does not happen on its own; it must be intentional. This includes providing equal opportunities for everyone regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, ability, military or veteran status or any other protected characteristics.