FINANCE DIRECTOR – VILLAGE OF LINCOLNWOOD, ILLINOIS

Lincolnwood, IL (13,463) is seeking a strategic and collaborative leader to serve as its next Finance Director. The position is ideal for a forward-thinking leader with experience in municipal finance grounded in an understanding of accounting and an ability to develop high-level financial goals for the organization. The next Finance Director must have effective leadership, management and strategic planning skills and the initiative to introduce change when appropriate. With a work culture that embraces innovation, the next Finance Director will have the opportunity to shape the department and establish its future direction.

Lincolnwood is an ethnically, racially, and socioeconomically diverse and dynamic community that serves as the gateway to the North Shore. The Village has a unique blend of residential, commercial, and light industrial. Lincolnwood is home to the new District 1860 mixed use development, a stellar variety of top-notch restaurants such as Stefani Prime, L. Woods and Libanais, the Lincolnwood Town Center regional mall and seven automotive dealerships. Several key businesses are currently under construction or permitted including a dual branded Marriott hotel and an Amazon Fresh grocery store.

Located in Cook County, Lincolnwood is a small but mighty 2.7 square mile community. In 2024, the Village transitioned to a calendar year budget which totals $68 million including a nearly $34 million general fund budget. Lincolnwood is a full-service municipality with 101 FTEs, a contracted Fire Department, and 250+ seasonal staff. The Village is focused on investing in its infrastructure, including facilities improvements and is in the initial planning stages of an Aquatic Center renovation and a potential Recreation Center.

Lincolnwood is a professionally managed home rule community operating under the Council/Manager form of government. The Mayor and six Trustees are elected at large for four-year terms. The Finance Director is appointed by and reports to the Village Manager and is a key member of the executive leadership team. Village departments include Community Development, Fire, Finance, Parks and Recreation, Police, Public Works, and the Village Manager’s Office.

The Finance Department has five full-time authorized positions, including an Assistant Director, Accountant and two Account Clerks. A part-time Clerk supports the front counter operations. The Village’s philosophy is to provide exemplary customer service with the Finance Department being a key component of that service delivery. The Finance Department has a $1.1 million operating budget.

The Village takes a conservative approach to fiscal management, with healthy fund balance reserves and a low overall debt burden, consistent with its most recent ‘Aa2’ rating from Moody’s Investors Service. The Village has been a recipient of the GFOA Distinguished Budget Presentation Award and the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting Award.

Key Responsibilities:
 Manage all fiscal operations of the Village including accounting and financial reporting, investments and debt, budget and audit preparation, tax levies, payroll and benefits administration, pension funds, grant management, purchasing, vehicle and business licensing and utility billing.
 Coordinate the annual operating budget preparation. Ensure the budget is balanced and conforms to the Village’s Financial Policies. Prepare revenue and expenditure projections to be used in long-term financial forecasts.
 Support annual development of the Village’s five-year capital improvement program, including five-year forecasts for capital funds. Analyze funding requirements and opportunities to ensure the Village’s infrastructure is maintained at appropriate levels.
 Financially monitor the Village’s two Tax Increment Finance (TIF) Districts and corresponding capital programs. The position is actively involved in the oversight and issuance of TIF Notes and General Obligation Bonds to further the Village’s economic development plans and capital improvements.
 With the Lincolnwood Town Center on the verge of redevelopment, the Finance Director will play a critical role in analyzing the financial feasibility of a variety of uses for the 30+ acres. This includes evaluating revenue projections, funding mechanisms, economic impact, and long-term fiscal sustainability to ensure redevelopment efforts align with the Village’s financial goals and economic vision.

Qualifications:
 Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business, public administration, or a related field from an accredited institution. A master’s degree is a plus. CPA or CPFO is preferred.
 A minimum of seven years of experience of progressively responsible financial administration is required. A strong understanding of governmental accounting standards, budgetary systems and financial reporting is highly preferred.
 Proven success in supervisory roles, accounting, audit, budget preparation, managing organizational change and fostering a positive work environment.

The salary range is $140,153 – $196,214 +/- DOQ. The Village offers a competitive benefit package, including medical, dental and life insurance, membership in the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF), optional 457 deferred compensation plan, four weeks of accrued vacation, sick leave, holidays, and an educational stipend.

How to Apply:
Apply online at http://www.GovHRjobs.com with a resume, cover letter, and contact information for five professional references by April 7, 2025, for best consideration. This position is open until filled. Confidential inquiries may be directed to Maureen Barry, Senior Consultant, MGT, at 847-380-3240 x116 or Ashley Eccles, Senior Consultant, MGT, at Tel: 847-380-3240 x134. For questions regarding the position, department, or organization, please contact Interim Finance Director Elizabeth Holleb at eholleb@lwd.org or 847-745-4701.

The Village of Lincolnwood is a proud Equal Opportunity Employer.