Assistant Finance Director

Assistant Finance Director

The City of Lake Forest seeks a collaborative, experienced, and forward-thinking Assistant Finance Director to join our Finance Department. This is an exceptional opportunity for a finance professional ready to take a step into leadership, contribute to long-term financial planning, and guide the daily operations of a high-performing, service-oriented team.

Lake Forest offers a professional, supportive, and well-established work environment where staff are trusted to do meaningful work, think long-term, and help steward public resources responsibly. Our Finance Department is known for fiscal integrity, transparency, collaboration, and continuous improvement, and we are looking for an Assistant Finance Director who will help carry those values forward.

The selected candidate will have the opportunity to work alongside the current Assistant Finance Director who has 35 years of service with Lake Forest. This overlap affords the selected candidate the ability to learn the day-to-day operations; develop an accelerated understanding of the Finance Department's relationship and role with all departments; and ensure the City has a sound succession plan in place for a key role in the organization.

Examples of Duties

Leadership & Staff Development

• Supervise, develop, and evaluate a team of six, including workload assignment, annual goal setting, coaching, and performance reviews.
• Lead recruitment, selection, and onboarding for department vacancies.
• Build cross-training and documented procedures so every core function has a trained backup.
• Create opportunities for staff to grow within their role, as well as take on new responsibilities for professional development and, when possible, succession planning.

Projects and Process Improvement

• Lead department projects from scope through implementation, including process improvements in areas such as cash handling, reconciliation, and purchasing.
• Strengthen internal controls while streamlining operations.
• Oversees financial system access and security, maintaining segregation of duties and internal controls.

Financial Reporting & Audit Leadership

• Coordinate the annual audit, serve as the main point of contact for auditors, prepare audit schedules, review the ACFR, and submit the final report for GFOA award consideration.
• Review monthly journal entries and monthly financial reports, analyzing trends and identifying areas of concern.

Budget Development & Long-Range Financial Planning

• Support development of the annual operating budget, including collaborating with departments, coordinating fee schedules, and preparing revenue projections for the City's long-range financial forecast.
• Assist with budget monitoring throughout the year.

Ordinance Preparation & Special Reporting

• Prepare the annual Tax Levy Ordinance and Appropriation Ordinance, coordinating related documentation with School District 67.
• Oversee development of the annual TIF report for submission to the State.
• Administer and track grant programs in coordination with the City's consultant.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting or related field; MBA or CPA desirable.
• Minimum of five years of progressive municipal accounting experience, including at least two years supervising professional staff.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP and governmental accounting practices.
• Advanced Excel skills. Proficient in other Microsoft 365 products. Experience with BS&A software is a plus.
• Demonstrated leadership skills, including staff development and team building.
• Effective communication skills with internal customers, residents, and external partners.
• Ability to independently plan, organize, and accomplish projects with limited direction.

Supplemental Information

Full Benefits Package

• Full salary range: $136,824- $161,949 DOQ, annual progression based on merit with bonus opportunities based on exceptional performance.
• Insurance: Medical (PPO/HMO), dental, vision
• Leave: 13 paid holidays, front-loaded vacation and sick time, parental leave
• Retirement: IMRF pension, plus 457(b) and Roth options
• Additional Benefits: Tuition reimbursement, Employee Assistance Program, legal and life coverage, Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility, longevity bonuses

The City of Lake Forest is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds and experiences.