Budget & Revenue Officer

The City of Decatur seeks a strategic finance leader to oversee our annual budget and guide fiscal policy for a community of 70,000 residents. Reporting directly to the Director of Finance, you’ll serve as a trusted advisor to executive leadership and elected officials, translating complex financial data into actionable insights that drive policy decisions.

This role provides executive-level exposure and participates in the City’s financial decision-making, leading initiatives that strengthen revenue sustainability, ensure organizational transparency, and provide the financial foundation for community investments in infrastructure, public safety, and quality of life.

Benefits

• Competitive Benefits: 14.5 paid holidays per year (including 2 employee-selected days), comprehensive health coverage, an excellent pension plan, paid vacation, and sick leave.
• Relocation Reimbursement: Financial support to help cover moving expenses for qualified candidates.
• Dedicated Health Center: Free check-ups, chronic condition management, immunizations, bloodwork, and many free prescriptions for employees and their dependents.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Funding available for continuing education and professional development.

Budget Development & Financial Strategy

• Lead development and administration of the City’s annual operating budget
• Partner with department leadership to align financial planning with City priorities
• Monitor revenues and expenditures; prepare forecasts and variance analyses
• Provide strategic financial analysis and recommendations to the Director of Finance

Financial Reporting, Audit & Compliance

• Prepare and review monthly, annual, and special-purpose financial reports in compliance with GAAP, GASB, and fund accounting requirements
• Support preparation of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) including schedules, work papers, and supporting documentation
• Ensure compliance with State of Illinois statutes and City ordinances governing municipal finance and reporting
• Analyze complex financial and operational data to identify trends, assess fiscal impacts, and support informed decision-making by executive leadership and elected officials

Revenue, Tax & Business License Administration

• Oversee compliance, reporting, collection, and audit coordination for locally imposed taxes
• Coordinate payment processing staff and delinquent account referrals with the Legal Department
• Manage business license compliance, verification, monitoring, and inspection coordination

Leadership & Financial Operations

• Advise the Director of Finance on improvements to financial systems, internal controls, and operational processes
• Prepare financial ordinances and resolutions for City Council consideration
• Serve as Acting Director of Finance when designated
• Maintain working knowledge of City administrative, financial, and HR policies

Education & Credentials

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related
• Master’s degree preferred
• CPA, CGFM, or related professional certification preferred

Professional Experience

• 7 years of progressive accounting experience
• Minimum of 3 years of budgeting experience, governmental preferred
• Minimum of 1 year of supervisory experience, with demonstrated ability to lead staff, provide performance feedback, and support employee development
• Experience with monthly and annual fiscal closings and external audits
• Strong working knowledge of GAAP, GASB, fund accounting, governmental budgeting, and applicable Illinois statutes and City ordinances governing municipal financial operations
• Demonstrated ability to analyze complex financial and operational data, identify trends, and develop sound, evidence-based recommendations

Technical & Communication Skills

• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Experience with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems; Tyler ERP or similar experience preferred
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain financial information to non-financial audiences

An equivalent combination of education, experience, and training may be considered.

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.

Residency Requirement

Employees must reside within 50 miles of Decatur’s corporate limits within 12 months of appointment.

The City of Decatur is a drug-free workplace. This includes marijuana. Candidates will be subject to a pre-employment drug screen, physical exam, and background check post offer.

Why Decatur?

• A Place You Can Afford: Named the #1 Best Affordable Place to Live in the U.S. for 2025–2026 by U.S. News & World Report, Decatur offers a low cost of living and attainable housing.
• Central Illinois, Close to Everywhere : Located within driving distance of Chicago, St. Louis, and Indianapolis, Decatur offers convenient access to major cities while maintaining a community feel.
• Room to Get Outside : Lake Decatur and more than 2,000 acres of parks and trails offer opportunities for boating, fishing, kayaking, hiking, and more.
• Arts, Culture & Entertainment: Enjoy concerts at the Devon Lakeshore Amphitheater, performances at Millikin University, shows at the historic Lincoln Theatre, and a growing public art scene.
• Something for the Whole Family: From Scovill Zoo and Splash Cove Waterpark to Overlook Adventure Park, there are plenty of ways to enjoy time together.
• A Strong Employment Community: Decatur is home to major employers including ADM, Caterpillar, Primient, HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital, and Decatur Memorial Hospital.

Come build your career, contribute to the community, and enjoy what Decatur has to offer.