Director of Finance

Anticipated Hiring Range: $155,000-$180,000

Job Summary

The City of Decatur is seeking an experienced finance professional with deep expertise in governmental accounting, budgeting, and treasury management. The ideal candidate should bring a strong background in guiding long‑range financial planning that ensures fiscal sustainability. They will be adept at balancing compliance with Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) standards and the strategic needs of city leadership. The candidate should also be technologically forward‑looking, leveraging Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems and modern financial tools to enhance efficiency, transparency, and customer service.

Equally important, the candidate should be a collaborative leader who builds trust with elected officials, department heads, staff, and community stakeholders. They are skilled at translating complex financial data into clear, actionable guidance and excel at developing and mentoring finance staff for future leadership. With proven experience in labor relations, risk management, and stakeholder engagement, they embody integrity, strategic vision, and a public‑service mindset—ensuring the City’s financial health while fostering accountability and innovation.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Financial Leadership

• Oversees all fiscal affairs of the City, including accounting, auditing, financial reporting, and risk management.
• Prepares long‑range financial planning forecasts for all City funds in collaboration with department directors.
• Advises the City Manager and Council on tax levy strategies, debt issuance, and economic development financing tools (e.g., TIF).
• Participates in citywide policy‑making decisions related to resource allocation and program funding.

Budget & Reporting

• Directs the preparation and administration of the annual operating and capital budgets.
• Leads the preparation of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) in compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and GASB standards.
• Prepares fiscal and audit reports, ensuring accuracy, transparency, and timely delivery.

Treasury, Debt & Investment Management

• Manages issuance and administration of long‑term debt.
• Develops and executes investment policies; manages day‑to‑day investment of City funds.
• Ensures compliance with federal, state, and local financial regulations.
• Oversees centralized purchasing of goods and services for all City departments.
• Directs risk management functions to safeguard City assets and financial stability.

Technology & Customer Service Innovation

• Evaluates and implements financial systems and customer service technology, including online bill payment and credit card processing.
• Stays current on emerging tools and financing methods that enhance efficiency and service delivery.

Leadership & Staff Development

• Leads, mentors, and evaluates staff in the Financial Management Department.
• Implements succession planning, training, and cross‑training to build departmental capacity.
• Promotes a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Qualifications and Preferred Skills

The ideal candidate should have:

• Bachelor’s degree, master’s preferred, in accounting, finance, public administration, or a related field; CPA, CGFM, or CPFO certification(s) preferred.
• Ten years of progressively responsible experience in finance, accounting, or budgeting, with at least three years in a supervisory or leadership role.
• Thorough knowledge of financial automation systems, treasury management, and procurement practices.
• Demonstrated ability to evaluate, implement, and optimize ERP and financial technologies, including online billing, payment platforms, and customer service solutions.
• Comprehensive understanding of governmental fund accounting, financial controls, and public budgeting practices.
• Proven ability to develop, administer, and monitor complex operating and capital budgets in compliance with professional and statutory guidelines.
• Thorough knowledge of GASB rules and pronouncements, particularly those related to municipal accounting, debt issuance, and revenue administration.
• Ability to ensure ongoing compliance with state and federal financial reporting requirements.
• Strong record of staff leadership, mentoring, and succession planning in a diverse workforce.
• Strong analytical skills paired with exceptional oral and written communication abilities.
• Prior experience preparing for and managing external audits, including coordination with independent auditors.
• Knowledge of municipal risk management practices, including insurance, liability, and claims management.
• The City will consider an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that clearly demonstrates the ability to achieve the goals and responsibilities of the position.

The City offers a robust benefits package; including health, dental, vision, and life insurance; relocation and tuition reimbursement programs; generous vacation and sick leave; and 14.5 paid holidays, including two flex days. The City also provides access to a dedicated employee health center.

In addition, the City offers a defined benefit pension plan through the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF), which includes an optional Voluntary Additional Contribution program. A deferred compensation plan is also available.

Why Decatur?

Located in the heart of Central Illinois, Decatur offers an outstanding balance of professional opportunity and quality of life:

• Affordable Living: Ranked the #1 Best Affordable Place to Live in the U.S. (2025–2026) by U.S. News & World Report, with low cost of living and attainable housing.
• Central Location: Within easy reach of Chicago, St. Louis, and Indianapolis for day trips and regional travel.
• Outdoor Recreation: Lake Decatur for fishing, boating and kayaking, plus more than 2,000 acres of parks.
• Arts & Entertainment: Devon Lakeshore Amphitheater concerts, Millikin University performances, historic Lincoln Theatre, and public art throughout the community.
• Family Activities: Splash Cove waterpark, Overlook Adventure Park, and Scovill Zoo.
• Job Opportunities: Major employers like ADM, Caterpillar, Primient, HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital, and Decatur Memorial Hospital provide diverse career opportunities.

Application Process

If you are a strategic finance leader with expertise in governmental accounting, budgeting, and treasury management, we invite you to apply for this key leadership role. The Director of Finance will guide the City’s financial strategy, oversee critical financial operations, and serve as a trusted advisor to City leadership while ensuring strong fiscal stewardship and transparency.

Apply today to bring your experience to a community‑focused organization where your leadership will help shape the City’s long‑term financial strength and success. Application deadline is April 5, 2026. When submitting the application online, attach a résumé, cover letter, and contact information for three professional references.

Residency

Residency within the corporate limits of Macon County within 12 months of appointment is required.

Sponsorship for Employment

The City of Decatur does not provide sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H‑1B). To be considered for regular employment with City of Decatur, applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a continuous basis.

All candidates are subject to a pre‑employment drug screen, physical, and background check post‑offer. The City of Decatur is a drug‑free workplace, including marijuana.

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