Director of Finance

The Village of Arlington Heights is actively searching for an experienced Director of Finance to lead its Finance Department. This leadership role is pivotal to ensuring the Village’s long-term financial stability and sustainability. The Director of Finance will have the opportunity to oversee the Village’s strategic budgeting, financial operations, and lead forward-thinking financial planning that will support the continued growth and development of the Village of Arlington Heights. The Director of Finance will work with Village officials and other departments to align financial strategies with long-term goals of the community.

 

The Village of Arlington Heights, Illinois is a vibrant and thriving community located 25 miles northwest of downtown Chicago. With nearly 60 public parks and facilities and more than 100 restaurants and eateries across the Village, it is easy to see why the Village has been repeatedly been named “Best Downtown Atmosphere” and “Best City/Town to Live” for 10+ years, from the Daily Herald’s Readers’ Choice Awards.

 

More than 77,000 people are proud to call the Village of Arlington Heights home. Arlington Heights is a family-oriented community where residents feel a sense of pride. Over 9 in 10 residents favorably rated the overall quality of life in Arlington Heights, Arlington Heights as a place to live, and as a place to raise children (National Community Survey, 2023). 

 

The Village of Arlington Heights employs more than 400 people who provide excellent service to the residents of this community. 90% of Village residents recently rated the customer service they received from the Village of Arlington Heights as good or excellent (National Community Survey, 2023).

 

Arlington Heights has a diverse economy with over 37,000 private sector jobs from 3,000 businesses, and is home to major employers such as Northwest Community Healthcare and the United Airlines Operations Center. 

 

Arlington Heights is served by two Metra commuter rail stations, connecting it to downtown Chicago in under 45 minutes. Arlington Heights’ walkable downtown area is a thriving mixed-use district and offers residents more than 40 one-of a kind restaurants, shops, and venues for entertainment. In the warmer months, residents enjoy Arlington Alfresco, four blocks of pedestrian-only outdoor dining and shopping in the downtown area. 

 

The Village of Arlington Heights is a home rule municipality with a Village Board comprised of eight Trustees and the Village President. The President and Trustees are elected at large for four years with staggered terms. 

 

The Village of Arlington Heights staff work to provide high quality services to the community in a fiscally responsible manner. The Village’s service-oriented philosophy continues to balance community needs with municipal resources through a planned approach to the governance process. 

 

As a result of conservative budgeting practices, the Village is in a strong financial position. The Village has strong reserve balance and an excellent bond rating. For the fifth consecutive year, the total 2023 property tax levy collected in 2024 reflects a 0% increase over the prior year levy.

 

The Village’s total expenditure budget for 2024 is just over $231 million and includes operating, capital, internal service and other miscellaneous funds. In 2024, the general fund expenditure budget was approximately $88 million. The Village’s operating funds include services such as police and fire protection, water and sewer services, public parking, building, code review, planning, health, general services and public infrastructure maintenance. 

 

The Village continues to prudently plan for the future by investing in infrastructure to maintain safe, reliable roads, water mains and sewer lines. The Village has a robust multi-year capital improvement plan including a street resurfacing and rehabilitation program, storm water control fund, and lead service line replacement program. 

 

The Village also currently oversees 4 tax increment financing (TIF) districts. The Director of Finance will continue to work to ensure existing and any potential future TIF districts continue to beneficial for the Village of Arlington Heights.  

 

The Director of Finance position offers an experienced municipal finance professional the opportunity to lead the Village of Arlington Heights into a financially sound future. 

 

The anticipated starting salary for this position is $170,000 - $201,000, depending on qualifications and experience. The full salary range for this position is $148,935 - $215,956. Hybrid work arrangements for this role are available. Residency in Arlington Heights is not required for this position.  

 

In addition to competitive pay, the Village of Arlington Heights offers its’ employees opportunities for professional development, and a diverse and competitive benefits package, including multiple health insurance options, dental insurance, paid vacation, and participation in the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund pension plan. 

 

This position is available due to the upcoming retirement of the current Director. As a key member of the Village’s leadership team, the Director of Finance will be responsible for overseeing the financial activities of the Village, including budgeting, revenue management, and financial reporting. 

 

As the Director of Finance, you will play a pivotal role in planning and directing all functions and operations of the department. Reporting to the Village Manager, the Director will supervise and coordinate the workflow of department staff and set departmental goals. The Director of Finance will work with Village officials, department heads, and the public to ensure the financial health and well-being of the Village.

 

The Director of Finance oversees a department of 16 competent and experienced finance professionals including an Assistant Director, Accounting Manager, Payroll Coordinator, Purchasing Coordinator, Accountant/Budget Coordinator, Village Clerk, Customer Service Supervisor, and additional water billing and account clerk staff.  

 

The Village of Arlington Heights recently successfully launched a new ERP system, Tyler Munis, and is currently utilizing the payroll, accounting, accounts payable, accounts receivable, cashiering, and purchasing applications of the software. 

 

• Serving as the Village’s Budget Officer, planning, developing, and coordinating the preparation of the annual budget, and working with department heads to ensure alignment with Village goals.

• Serving as the Village Treasurer, developing policies for the investment of Village funds, managing debt and overseeing bond issuance and property tax levies.

• Ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal regulations related to finance, including payroll taxes and pension fund management.

• Ensuring compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and overseeing financial reporting, including the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR).

• Overseeing Village-wide expenditures, procurement, and ensuring prompt collection of revenues.

• Assisting in the negotiation and evaluation of Economic Development Incentive Agreements.

• Supervising staff performance and providing strategic direction for the department.

 

The person in this role must be available to attend evening Board and commission meetings on a regular basis.

 

The ideal candidate for the Village of Arlington Heights’ next Director of Finance will have:

• At least a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, or a related field. A Master’s degree preferred. CPA certification is highly desirable.

• At least 10 years of progressively responsible experience in government finance, including 5 years in a supervisory role.

• Strong knowledge of governmental accounting, budgeting, and financial management, including the ability to understand actuary reports.

• Excellent leadership skills to effectively manage a team.

• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to present and make recommendations to Village board. 

Above all, the ideal candidate will have a commitment to professionalism and integrity and a dedication to serving the Village of Arlington Heights with excellence.  

Join Our Team

If you are experienced finance professional and ready to take the next step in your career, apply today! Your expertise will guide the Village through continued financial success, ensuring that Arlington Heights remains one of the most desirable places to live and work.

 

If interested in this opportunity, please apply on the Village of Arlington Heights website as soon as possible. A first review of applications will take place on November 25, 2024. This position is open until filled. Please include a detailed cover letter and resume outlining your qualifications and experience, along with at least three professional references.

 

For more information about this position, please contact Beth Cooper, HR Generalist at (847) 368-5155 or Kelly Livingston, Director of Human Resources at (847) 368-5152.

 

For more information about the Village of Arlington Heights, visit our website at www.vah.com or visit www.vah.com/careers to apply.