Finance Director

Position Announcement: Finance Director Village of Northfield is seeking an experienced, strategic, and collaborative municipal finance professional to serve as its next Director of Finance and Village Treasurer. With its convenient location only 19 miles north of downtown Chicago, Northfield enjoys a small-town atmosphere, safe neighborhoods, and a laid-back lifestyle. The Village operates under a Council-Manager form of government, in which the Finance Director is appointed by and reports to the Village Manager, who reports directly to the Village Board. The Village has a $24 million total budget, which includes a $13.5 million general-fund budget. This position serves as the Chief Financial Officer and Village Treasurer, providing overall leadership and administrative control of the Village’s financial operations and systems. This role oversees the fiscal operations including accounts payable and purchasing, utility billing and cashiering, general accounting, payroll and benefits administration, budgeting and long-term financial planning. The Finance Director serves as the Village’s ERP System (BS&A) in-house expert, is the primary liaison with the external auditors and Police Pension Board and participates in economic development initiatives. Northfield currently outsources its Finance Director functions on a part-time basis but aims to transition back to a full-time, in-house position. The Finance Department presently consists of one full-time Assistant Finance Director and five part-time employees. This role is an ideal opportunity for finance professionals in the local government or not-for-profit field who are ready to take the next step in their career. The selected Finance Director will have opportunities to collaborate cross-departmentally on administrative projects to further develop their management skill set. Qualifications Applicants wishing to be considered must have a bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field and a minimum of four years of supervisory experience. CPA and/or advanced degree preferred. The ideal candidate will have demonstrated experience with governmental fund accounting, operations, and budgeting, as well as proficiency with Microsoft Office and modern ERP systems. In addition to possessing the minimum qualifications, the new Finance Director will bring a demonstrated history of effectively growing and managing a team. The ideal candidate will be familiar with GFOA recommended practices and GASB principles, have a history of clean audits, and be comfortable assisting with investment decisions. Desired traits include strong attention to detail, excellent verbal and written communication skills, and strong organizational skills. Compensation The salary range for the full-time exempt position is $178,000 - $191,000, with an anticipated starting salary of $182,000 +/- and generous benefits. The position requires a 37.5-hour work week and is not eligible for remote work. Job Description Village of Northfield Department: Administration • Supervisor: Village Manager Classification: Full-time; Exempt Under administrative direction of the Village Manager, the Finance Director is a senior executive role overseeing fiscal operations, budgeting, financial reporting and ensuring compliance with local, state and federal accounting standards. The Finance Director directs a team of full and part-time employees and is involved with strategic planning for the Village of Northfield working closely with Department Directors, elected officials, residents, consultants, and outside agencies. The Finance Director is appointed to be Village Treasurer and expected to exercise a high level of ethics, sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, and demonstrate initiative in carrying out assigned responsibilities. Job Content The following job functions and major duties have been identified as being essential to the effective performance of the position. Fiscal leadership: Administer, manage, and strategically direct all Village financial operations, including budgeting, accounting, financial reporting, investing, and expenditures. Budget and capital planning: Lead the development of the annual budget and Capital Improvement Program in coordination with department heads and the Village Manager. Compliance and reporting: Prepare and oversee federal, state, and county fiscal reports, monthly financial reports to the Village Board, and ensuring adherence to accounting and reporting standards. Financial oversight: Manage Village investments, oversee the annual audit, and supervise water/sewer billing and revenue collection. Payroll and benefits administration: Oversee bi-monthly payroll processes ensuring appropriation calculation of wages, overtime, deductions, and benefits; ensuring adherence to federal, state, and local payroll tax laws and labor regulation. Strategic advising: Provide guidance to the Village Manager and Village Board of Trustees on fiscal policy, revenue generation, debt management, economic development, and employee benefits. Department management: Direct Finance Department staff, serve as in-house ERP system expert, and ensure high professional standards. Participate in ad-hoc groups regarding economic development initiatives, business attraction incentives and redevelopment agreement review. Maintain records, reports, and project documentation. Perform other tasks as assigned. Knowledge, Ability, and Special Skills: A bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field and a minimum of four years of supervisory experience is required. CPA and/or advanced degree preferred. The ideal candidate will have demonstrated experience with governmental fund accounting, operations, and budgeting, as well as proficiency with Microsoft Office and modern ERP systems. The employee should be able to conduct complex research and analysis; prepare clear and concise reports and recommendations; manage multiple projects simultaneously; interpret and apply policies, laws, and regulations; and establish and maintain effective working relationships with Village officials, staff, residents, and outside organizations. The employee must possess excellent written and verbal communication skills, strong interpersonal abilities, sound judgment, and the ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast‑paced environment. #J-18808-Ljbffr Northfield