Director of Finance

Director Of Finance

The City of Decatur is seeking an experienced and forward-thinking municipal finance leader with deep expertise in governmental accounting, budgeting, treasury management, and long-range financial planning. The ideal candidate will bring a proven ability to advance fiscal sustainability through strategic financial analysis, sound stewardship of public resources, and thoughtful planning for the City's future. They should possess a comprehensive understanding of GASB standards, public sector financial operations, debt management, and capital financing — balancing technical rigor with the broader strategic priorities of City leadership. Experience leveraging ERP systems and modern financial technologies to strengthen efficiency, transparency, reporting, and customer service is highly valued. Equally important, the successful candidate will be a collaborative and trusted advisor who translates complex financial information into clear, accessible communication for elected officials, department leaders, staff, and the public. The ideal candidate will demonstrate integrity, sound judgment, and a genuine commitment to public service, along with a proven ability to build strong working relationships across the organization. They should have experience leading and developing professional staff, championing organizational improvement, and fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, and operational excellence within a public-sector environment.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Financial Leadership

• Oversees all fiscal affairs of the City, including accounting, auditing, financial reporting, and risk management.
• Serves as trusted financial advisor to the City Manager and City Council on fiscal policy, long-range financial planning, and funding strategies — including tax strategies and debt issuance — that support City operations and community development.
• Leads long-range financial planning forecasts for all City funds in collaboration with Department Directors.
• Evaluates financial trends, economic conditions, and operational impacts to inform decision-making and long-term fiscal sustainability.

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 Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) standards.
• Ensures accurate, transparent, and timely financial reporting to all stakeholders.
• Maintains compliance with applicable federal, state, and local financial regulations, reporting requirements, and internal financial controls.
• Cultivates and maintains strong relationships with external auditors, financial institutions, and regulatory agencies.

Treasury, Debt & Investment Management

• Manages issuance and administration of long-term debt instruments.
• Develops and executes investment policies; oversees day-to-day investment of City funds.
• Monitors cash flow, financial reserves, and debt capacity to sustain the City's long-term financial health and advance strategic priorities.

Procurement & Risk Management

• Oversees centralized purchasing of goods and services across all City departments in alignment with City objectives.
• Directs risk management functions to safeguard City assets and ensure financial stability.
• Promotes a culture of sound financial stewardship through effective internal controls, purchasing practices, and risk mitigation strategies.

Technology & Innovation

• Evaluates and implements financial systems and customer service technology, including online payment platforms and digital processing solutions.
• Leads modernization and continuous improvement initiatives across financial operations and service delivery.

Leadership & Staff Development

• Provides leadership and strategic direction for a Finance Department of approximately 25 employees, including direct supervision and evaluation of seven management and supervisory staff members.
• Fosters a collaborative, high-performing team culture and builds strong cross-departmental partnerships to support effective financial planning, operational coordination, and organizational goals.

Qualifications and Preferred Skills

Education & Certification

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, public administration, or a related field; master's degree preferred.
• CPA, CGFM, or CPFO certification preferred.

Experience

• Ten years of progressively responsible experience in finance, accounting, or budgeting, including at least three years in a supervisory or management role, preferably within a municipal or governmental setting.

The City will consider an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that clearly demonstrates the ability to fulfill the goals and responsibilities of the position.

Technical Knowledge & Skills

• Comprehensive knowledge of governmental fund accounting, financial controls, public budgeting, financial forecasting, and long-range financial planning.
• Thorough knowledge of GASB rules and pronouncements, particularly those related to municipal accounting, debt issuance, and revenue administration.
• Thorough knowledge of financial automation systems, treasury management, cash management, and procurement practices.
• Demonstrated ability to develop, administer, and monitor complex operating and capital budgets in compliance with professional and statutory guidelines.
• Demonstrated ability to evaluate, implement, and optimize ERP and financial technologies, including online billing, payment platforms, and customer service solutions.
• Demonstrated ability to ensure ongoing compliance with state and federal financial reporting requirements.

Communication & Leadership

• Demonstrated ability to analyze complex financial data and communicate findings and recommendations clearly and effectively to elected officials, City leadership, and community stakeholders.
• Proven leadership skills, including the ability to mentor and develop staff, build collaborative cross-departmental relationships, and foster a high-performing team environment.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with elected officials, department directors, employees, external agencies, and the public.

Additional Qualifications

• 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.
• Experience supporting strategic financial initiatives, including capital planning, debt management, or economic development financing.

More Details

Benefits 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 Choose Decatur, Illinois? 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 June 28, 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