The City of DeKalb, Illinois
Announces a Recruitment For
Finance Director
COMMUNITY BACKGROUND
The area known today as DeKalb has a long, colorful history that began to
unfold in the early 1800s. Settlers from the east coast were attracted to the
area by the rich farmland and abundant natural resources. Agriculture was
the primary economic activity. The area began to grow and develop with the
arrival of the Chicago and North Western railroad in the mid-1800s. The
area’s prime location brought easier shipping of local crops to larger
markets such as Chicago. In 1873, local farmer Joseph Glidden developed
barbed wire and began commercial mass production of his new invention
designed to manage animals in large pastures. However, another
entrepreneur later claimed to invent barbed wire. After 18 years of legal
wrangling, Glidden’s patent was declared the “winner,” thereby assuring
DeKalb a place in history and the nickname “Barb City.” The DeKalb County
Farm Bureau, the first organization of its kind, was established in 1912. In
the 1930s, the DeKalb AgResearch Corporation marketed its first hybrid
seed corn.
The founding of Northern Illinois State Normal School in 1895 permanently
changed DeKalb’s landscape by adding education, cultural and sporting
events to complement and enhance the lifestyle of DeKalb residents and
visitors. The 756-acre campus became known as Northern Illinois University
(NIU) in 1957. Today, NIU is the second-largest university in the State of
Illinois system, with 19,015 students and is the largest employer in DeKalb.
DeKalb has evolved from primarily an agri-business and manufacturing
town, into a regional economic engine with its access to the I-88 and I-39
corridors. DeKalb has a history and culture of innovation. Whether you are
looking for small town charm or a progressive area, DeKalb is a unique city
which takes pride in its farming roots, is embracing growth, celebrating its
diversity and is advancing the abundant opportunities that have been
brought its way.
DeKalb is the cultural hub of the county. Art galleries, Kishwaukee
Symphony Orchestra, the Municipal Band, live theater, dance, arena
concerts, independent films and championship sports are all in DeKalb’s
backyard. DeKalb has 44 area parks, three major bike trails and the art deco
Egyptian Theatre.
The Kishwaukee River flows northward through the City, offering
recreational opportunities. The community has an outstanding school
system. In 2013, DeKalb High School District 428 was ranked among the best
in Illinois by U.S. News and World Report. The DeKalb Public Library has
served the community for more than 100 years and completed an extensive,
$25.3M expansion project in August 2016.
CITY OF DEKALB
DeKalb Municipal
Government
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Council – Manager form of
government.
City Council consists of a Mayor who
is elected at large for a four year
term and seven Alderpersons.
City Council approves the annual
municipal budget and decides on
taxing levels to fund municipal
services.
Council establishes policies, goals,
and objectives to direct the City’s
growth and development. The
Council adopts ordinances, rules and
regulations as necessary for the
general welfare of the community
and its visitors.
City Manager directs the day-to-day
services and operations of the City.
The City has a total budget of $88
million with a $36 million general
fund operating budget for FY 2017.
200 full time employees and 67 part
time employees.
Departments: City Manager’s Office,
Community Development, Human
Resources, Fire, Police, Public Works
Finance, and Information
Technology.
There are three unions in the City:
IAFF, FOP and AFSCME.
FINANCE DIRECTOR
The Finance Director oversees the financial processes, policies and
systems for the City including budget development, financial
forecasting, accounting and financial reporting, auditing, treasury
management, investments, payroll, purchasing, utility billing, debt
administration, property and casualty insurance, licensing, revenue
collection and vendor disbursements. The Finance Director will
develop and collaborate with departments to incorporate sound
financial processes that integrate and align with the strategic
objectives of the City.
The position of Finance Director is a department head level position
and a key member of the Executive Team, who reports to the Assistant
City Manager. The position is a full time exempt position requiring
attendance at meetings outside of regular business hours including
weekends. The Finance Director works in an office environment and is
frequently away from the department attending meetings in other
locations. This position routinely handles highly sensitive and/or
confidential information. This position will also collaborate regularly
with City staff, elected officials, committee members and the
community at large. The Finance Director will lead and supervise
department staff with direct supervision of the Assistant Finance
Director.
Minimum
Qualifications
Education
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Master’s Degree or the ability to
complete a Master’s Degree in
agreed upon timeframe in
Accounting, Finance, Public
Administration, Business
Administration or related field.
Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting,
Finance or related field in
conjunction with CPA designation
may be substituted for Master’s
Degree requirement.
Certifications through GFOA, IGFOA
or IMTA preferred.
Experience
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CITY OF DEKALB
Minimum of six years of progressive
financial administration experience.
Specific experience in several of the
following areas: budgeting,
auditing, revenue forecasting,
payroll, purchasing, fund accounting
and treasury management.
Experience within municipal
government financial administration
strongly preferred.
Three years of supervisory
experience.
MS Office Suite required. Experience
or ability to gain proficiency with an
ERP, project management,
document management and other
governmental financial systems.
JOB DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
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Manages the overall administration and operations of the Finance Department. Oversees cash collection, utility
billing, purchasing, accounts payable, payroll, liability insurance, licensing and the annual audit. Develops finance
staff to ensure continual professional growth as content matter experts in related disciplines.
Plans and directs the annual budget process to include: revenue projections for all funds, expenditure calculations
and acts as a resource to Department Heads during the budgetary process.
Provides strategic financial analyses to the City Council, City Manager, Assistant City Manager and other
departments. Consults with Department Heads to identify short-term and long-term financial needs. Makes
recommendations on financial initiatives for the Capital Improvement Plan.
Develops, implements, and monitors policies and procedures to ensure preservation of City assets and sound
accounting control of City finances. Ensures compliance with all new Governmental Accounting Standards Board
(GASB) statements annually.
Coordinates with City Manager, Assistant City Manager and Department Heads to resolve financial issues
impacting multiple departments and addressing City-wide policy and management concerns.
Manages the City’s financial accounting system consistent with accepted governmental accounting principles and
practices to meet all statutory requirements.
Oversees, monitors and assures the preparation of the City’s annual independent audit and the annual tax levy.
Develops and maintains the City’s Purchasing Manual and financial policies to reflect industry best practices.
Collaborates with the Assistant City Manager to identify the annual goals and objectives of the Finance
Department.
Prepares agenda items for City Council meetings relative to financial operations. Participates with other staff in
collaborative writing of such summaries. Attends meetings of the City Council and provides quarterly financial
reports and other presentations as needed.
Monitors and analyzes the financial trends for all City revenues and expenditures.
Serves as the staff liaison to the Finance Advisory Committee (FAC). Prepares written and verbal reports to present
in an understandable manner at FAC meetings.
Oversees property and risk insurance programs including requests for bids and attends quarterly claims review
meetings with third party administrator.
Manages City finances to provide for bonded debt service such as general obligation bonds or revenue bonds.
Oversees and ensures the investment activities for the City (excluding Police & Fire Pension Funds) in order to
obtain maximum financial return consistent with legal requirements, City policy and prudent financial
management.
CITY OF DEKALB
OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS
• Analyzes financial data to prepare a quarterly report detailing assets,
liabilities, revenues and expenditures to summarize current and
projected City financial positions.
• Performs functions of the City Treasurer as defined by statute and
ordinance.
• Acts as a key member of the Collective Bargaining Management
Team.
• Attends quarterly meetings for Police and Firefighter’s Pension funds.
• Manages and recommends administrative, operational and system
improvements within the Finance Department to streamline and
enhance overall effectiveness.
• Establishes strong working relationships with employees,
management, police and fire pension board members, elected
officials, outside organizations and the general public.
• Attends and participates in professional organizational meetings,
seminars and workshops to stay abreast of new trends and
innovations related to the municipal financial industry.
• Serves as a staff liaison to boards, committees, and commissions as
assigned.
• Prepares various requests for proposals and completes financerelated projects as assigned.
Planning for the Future
The City of DeKalb implemented the
DeKalb 2025 Strategic Plan (click on the
picture below to view the plan). The
Strategic Plan guides the City’s annual
investments, program and policy
priorities, and performance reporting for
the foreseeable future. Key Strategic
Plan initiatives identified for Fiscal Year
2017 include:
• Support place-making in DeKalb’s
neighborhoods, downtown, at entrance
gateways, the airport, and on campus.
•Develop and promote cultural, social,
educational, and recreational activities
that appeal to a wide range of interests
and age groups.
•Position downtown DeKalb for longterm success.
•Create an attractive climate for
commercial and industrial investment.
•Support and model diversity and
inclusiveness in all City government
activities.
•Expand the availability of safe, secure,
affordable, accessible, and timely
transportation options within DeKalb.
•Balance cost-effectiveness, efficiency,
and quality in delivering City services.
•Foster a results-driven culture that
captures and utilizes data and best
practices to serve short-term and longterm community needs.
CITY OF DEKALB
FINANCE DEPARTMENT
The Finance Director is responsible for managing a team of Finance
professionals while leading the City’s fiscal initiatives. The department
reports directly to the Assistant City Manager and is one of eight
departments providing numerous services to the City of DeKalb employees,
as well as the community at large. The department consists of the Director,
Assistant Director, Accountant, four Account Technicians and three parttime Customer Service Representatives.
The Finance Department is dedicated to providing residents and businesses
with exceptional government financial management. The City successfully
transitioned to a January 1 Fiscal Year to align with capital planning. The
Department's commitment to financial excellence has earned the City the
following distinctions from the Government Finance Officers Association
(GFOA).
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Certificate for Excellence in Financial Reporting for its
Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR)
Award for Outstanding Achievement in Popular Financial Reporting
(PAFR)
The Distinguished Budget Presentation Award.
Compensation and
Benefits
The starting salary for the position is
$125,000 +/- commensurate with
knowledge, skills and experience.
The City of DeKalb provides a
comprehensive benefits package that
includes medical, dental, vision and
prescription benefits, life insurance
coverage, HSA & flexible spending
accounts, deferred compensation and
participation in the Illinois Municipal
Retirement Fund (IMRF).
The Finance Director is required to reside
within City limits or establish residency in
an agreed upon timeframe. A relocation
package is available.
Application Process
Please submit an on-line application, cover
letter, resume and five professional
references by 5:00 pm on Monday, June
12, 2017. Application instructions and the
full job description can be found at:
www.cityofdekalb.com/254/Employment
The City of DeKalb is an Equal Opportunity Employer
and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color,
religion, creed, sex, age, marital status, national
origin, sexual orientation, military status, gender
identity, or disability in employment or the provision
of services.
CITY OF DEKALB
CITY OF DEKALB
JOB DESCRIPTION
DATE APPROVED: 5/15/17
POSITION TITLE: Finance Director
DEPARTMENT: Finance
REPORTS TO: Assistant City Manager
FLSA STATUS: Exempt
BARGAINING UNION: Non-Bargaining Unit
JOB SUMMARY:
The Finance Director oversees the financial processes, policies and systems for the City including budget
development, financial forecasting, accounting and financial reporting, auditing, treasury management,
investments, payroll, purchasing, utility billing, debt administration, property and casualty insurance,
licensing, revenue collection and vendor disbursements. The Finance Director will develop and collaborate
with departments to incorporate sound financial processes that integrate and align with the strategic
objectives of the City.
POSITION CONTEXT:
The position of Finance Director is a department head level position and a key member of the Executive
Team, who reports to the Assistant City Manager. The position is a full time exempt position requiring
attendance at meetings outside of regular business hours including weekends. The Finance Director works
in an office environment and is frequently away from the department attending meetings in other locations.
This position routinely handles highly sensitive and/or confidential information. This position will also
collaborate regularly with City staff, elected officials, committee members and the community at large. The
Finance Director will lead and supervise department staff with direct supervision of the Assistant Finance
Director.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
• Manages the overall administration and operations of the Finance Department. Oversees cash
collection, utility billing, purchasing, accounts payable, payroll, liability insurance, licensing and the
annual audit. Develops finance staff to ensure continual professional growth as content matter experts
in related disciplines.
• Plans and directs the annual budget process to include: revenue projections for all funds, expenditure
calculations and acts as a resource to Department Heads during the budgetary process.
• Provides strategic financial analyses to the City Council, City Manager, Assistant City Manager and
other departments. Consults with Department Heads to identify short-term and long-term financial
needs. Makes recommendations on financial initiatives for the Capital Improvement Plan.
• Develops, implements, and monitors policies and procedures to ensure preservation of City assets and
sound accounting control of City finances. Ensures compliance with all new Governmental Accounting
Standards Board (GASB) statements annually.
• Coordinates with City Manager, Assistant City Manager and Department Heads to resolve financial issues
impacting multiple departments and addressing City-wide policy and management concerns.
• Manages the City’s financial accounting system consistent with accepted governmental accounting
principles and practices to meet all statutory requirements.
• Oversees, monitors and assures the preparation of the City’s annual independent audit and the annual
tax levy.
• Develops and maintains the City’s Purchasing Manual and financial policies to reflect industry best
practices.
• Collaborates with the Assistant City Manager to identify the annual goals and objectives of the Finance
Department.
• Prepares agenda items for City Council meetings relative to financial operations. Participates with other
staff in collaborative writing of such summaries. Attends meetings of the City Council and provides
quarterly financial reports and other presentations as needed.
• Monitors and analyzes the financial trends for all City revenues and expenditures.
• Serves as the staff liaison to the Finance Advisory Committee (FAC). Prepares written and verbal
reports to present in an understandable manner at FAC meetings.
• Oversees property and risk insurance programs including requests for bids and attends quarterly claims
review meetings with third party administrator.
• Manages City finances to provide for bonded debt service such as general obligation bonds or revenue
bonds.
• Oversees and ensures the investment activities for the City (excluding Police & Fire Pension Funds) in
order to obtain maximum financial return consistent with legal requirements, City policy and prudent
financial management.
• Analyzes financial data to prepare a quarterly report detailing assets, liabilities, revenues and
expenditures to summarize current and projected City financial positions.
• Performs functions of the City Treasurer as defined by statute and ordinance.
• Acts as a key member of the Collective Bargaining Management Team.
• Attends quarterly meetings for Police and Firefighter’s Pension funds.
• Manages and recommends administrative, operational and system improvements within the Finance
Department to streamline and enhance overall effectiveness.
• Establishes strong working relationships with employees, management, police and fire pension board
members, elected officials, outside organizations and the general public.
OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS:
• Prepares reports and pertinent documentation for City Manager and/or Assistant City Manager as
requested.
• Attends and participates in professional organizational meetings, seminars and workshops to stay
abreast of new trends and innovations related to the municipal financial industry.
• Serves as a staff liaison to boards, committees, and commissions as assigned.
• Prepares various requests for proposals and completes finance-related projects as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:
• Strong working knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). Knowledge required
in the principles and practices of public finance administration including accounting, budgeting, cash
collection, investments, payroll administration, purchasing and the maintenance of related records and
operations.
• Skilled in the principles and practices related to governmental accounting and budgetary controls, fiscal
planning and financial reporting.
• Knowledge of the operations and key principles related to municipal governmental administration.
• Demonstrated project management skills with the ability to manage multiple overlapping projects
spanning over several months (typically 3-12 months).
• Ability to direct the work of others while leading and motivating a team.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to analyze complex issues and make sound recommendations.
• Ability to develop and maintain collaborative working relationships with all levels of staff,
management, elected officials, committees, organizations and the general public.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills. Must have the ability to communicate and facilitate
effectively with diverse audiences.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and exhibit diplomacy, tact and discretion at all times.
• Ability to work independently while exercising sound judgment and initiative.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education:
• Master’s Degree or the ability to complete a Master’s Degree in agreed upon timeframe in Accounting,
Finance, Public Administration, Business Administration or related field required.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance or related field in conjunction with Certified Public
Accountant (CPA) designation may be substituted for Master’s Degree requirement.
• Certifications through GFOA, IGFOA or IMTA preferred.
• Valid driver’s license.
Experience:
• Minimum of six years of progressively responsible financial administration experience
required. Specific experience is necessary in several of the following: budgeting, auditing, revenue
forecasting, payroll, purchasing, fund accounting and treasury management.
• Experience within municipal government financial administration strongly preferred.
• Minimum of three years of supervisory experience.
• Strong working knowledge of MS Office Suite required. Previous experience or ability to gain
proficiency with an ERP, project management, document management, FOIA administration and other
governmental financial software systems required.
WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
• Duties are performed primarily in an office setting with prolonged periods of sitting. The person in
this position needs to occasionally move inside the office to access file cabinets, office equipment,
etc.
• This position will have extensive contact with others.
• At times, workloads can be extensive with limited time for response/and or action. Position requires
prolonged periods of concentration and the ability to cope with numerous interruptions and changing
priorities.
• This position will work irregular work hours including evenings and weekends.
• This position will travel to outside meetings and may be exposed to weather elements.
EQUIPMENT USED:
• General office equipment including computers, laptops, scanners, copier and smart phones.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
• The Finance Director will serve as a staff liaison to boards, committees and commissions as
assigned.
• This position requires the ability to work outside of normal business hours including evenings and
weekends as required.
STATEMENT OF OTHER DUTIES DISCLAIMER:
The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and essential duties and
responsibilities of work performed by employees within this position. It may not contain a comprehensive
inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees to do this job.