Recruitment Brochure Available Here
ABOUT THE VILLAGE
The Village of Westchester, established in 1925, with a population of nearly 17,000, is seeking an experienced, innovative, and team-oriented professional to serve as its Finance Director. Westchester is a non-home rule community located in Cook County, just 13 miles west of downtown Chicago. Known for its solid residential base, strong community spirit, and suburban charm, Westchester offers a full range of excellent municipal services and a welcoming environment for businesses and families alike.
FINANCIAL OVERVIEW
Westchester is a full-service municipality with a current total budget of $49 million for FY 2024-25, including a $23 million General Fund, $7 million Utility Fund, and significant allocations for capital projects. With a focus on financial transparency and accurate cost accounting, the Village continues to pursue opportunities to make the organization more efficient, customer friendly, and effective. The Village has maintained a strong fund balance and a stable bond rating from Moody’s of A2 (recently reaffirmed). Westchester’s primary revenue sources include local taxes, intergovernmental revenues, and charges for services. The Village plans to advance economic development and engage in strategic financial planning to enhance its infrastructure and continue delivering exceptional public services.
ABOUT THE POSITION
The Village operates under a council-manager form of government, with legislative oversight provided by an elected President and Board of Trustees. Under the general supervision of the Assistant Village Manager, the Finance Director is an integral part of the revitalized executive leadership team. This position administers, directs, and controls municipal fiscal and accounting operations, including payroll, financial planning and long-term forecasting, cash/treasury management, budgeting, accounting/auditing, debt management, tax levy, revenue administration, utility billing, collections, and purchasing. The Director has two direct reports, which are the Accounting Manager and Accountant. The Finance Department overall has six authorized full-time staff: Finance Director, Accounting Manager, Accountant, Accounts Payable/Payroll Clerk, Finance Clerk, and Utility Billing Clerk.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
The Finance Director serves as the Chief Financial Officer of the Village and is responsible for the administration of all financial operations. Key responsibilities include:
- Leading the annual budgeting and capital improvement plan process in collaboration with the Village Manager, Assistant Village Manager and executive management team.
- Overseeing accounts payable and receivable, budgeting, production of financial statements and reports, annual audits, debt management, and monitoring expenditures.
- Providing strategic financial guidance to the Village Manager and Assistant Village Manager, elected officials, and department heads.
- Developing and implementing financial policies and procedures to ensure fiscal health and transparency.
- Managing cash flow, investments, and treasury functions to optimize financial performance.
- Preparing and presenting informative financial reports, analyses, and forecasts for various stakeholders.
- Ensuring compliance with all relevant financial regulations and standards.
- Coordination of liability, risk, and health insurance programs.
The full job description is available here.
QUALIFICATIONS
The ideal candidate for the Finance Director position will possess:
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and enterprise financial management systems.
- A bachelor’s degree with major coursework in Public Administration, Business, Finance, or a closely related field.
- MBA/MPA/CPA designation, or equivalent knowledge, skills, and abilities is preferred.
- At least five years of senior leadership level financial management experience, with at least two years in a managerial capacity.
- Direct experience in municipal or public sector financial management, with a thorough understanding of governmental budgets, audits, GASB principles, fund accounting, debt management, tax increment financing district reporting and management, as well as long-term financial planning and analysis.
- Similar private sector experience and/or a combination of education, training, and experience may also be considered.
The ideal candidate will also demonstrate:
- High standards of performance, productivity, and initiative.
- A strategic mindset with a focus on innovation and process evaluation, embracing a philosophy of continuous improvement.
- Strong leadership, management, and interpersonal skills that foster team spirit and enhance departmental service delivery.
- Excellent communication skills, capable of clearly articulating complex financial concepts and strategies to a diverse audience.
- A collaborative approach, with the ability to openly interact with all team members and build effective working relationships across all levels of the organization.
- Dedication to the Village of Westchester’s values, including integrity, ethical standards, professionalism, communication, teamwork, and quality of life.
HOURS AND COMPENSATION
This is a full-time, non-exempt position, with an expected hiring annual salary range of $125,861 – $152,693, +/- dependent on experience and qualifications, with excellent insurance, holiday, and paid time off benefits. Exact compensation may vary based on skills, training, and experience. Regular working hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday, with occasional night and weekend meetings, as needed. The Village offers a generous benefit package, including but not limited to:
- Paid vacation, personal, and sick leave
- Twelve recognized paid holidays
- Group medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Group life insurance
- Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF) pension
- Access to voluntary deferred compensation 457 plans for additional retirement savings
HOW TO APPLY
If you are an experienced finance professional with a passion for public service and have the necessary qualifications, we encourage you to apply for this rewarding opportunity to join our team!
Applications are being accepted until the position is filled, with applications due no later than September 20, 2024. Interested candidates should submit a cover letter explaining interest in the position, resume, and completed job application via mail or email to:
Human Resources
Village of Westchester
10300 W. Roosevelt Road
Westchester, IL 60154
Because of the number of submissions the Village receives, the Village is unable to contact all applicants. Candidates will be contacted directly if they are chosen as an interview candidate for an open position.
The Village of Westchester is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, citizenship, marital status, unfavorable discharge from the military, handicap, disability, or any other legally protected status, in accordance with applicable legal standards.
Applicants for this position who are selected as finalists will be subject to a background screening. Pre-employment process following conditional job offer will include a full background investigation, including but not limited to drug and alcohol screening and physical examination. References will be contacted only following candidate approval.
