Finance Director

Champaign County Forest Preserve District • Mahomet, IL

5d • $88,588 - $106,306 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Finance Director plays a pivotal role in helping the Forest Preserves act as good stewards to the lands we manage and as accountable members of our community. Our success as an organization depends on our ability to be efficient, effective, and forward-thinking with our financial resources. Furthermore, as a government agency it is critical that our funds are used responsibly and are managed transparently.

We are in search of someone with the distinct capability to proficiently manage financial affairs and lead a high-performing team that shares a dedication to preserving and enriching our natural and cultural resources. Your commitment to nurturing a cohesive team and optimizing operational efficacy will significantly contribute to the stewardship of over 4,000 acres of beautiful natural and recreational areas throughout Champaign County.

POSITION SUMMARY
The Finance Director provides leadership and oversees the financial processes, policies, and systems for the Forest Preserves and Forest Preserves Friends Foundation, the affiliated 501(c)(3). The Finance Director also serves as a member of the Strategy Team.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance, a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a major in accounting, or a bachelor’s degree in a related field that provides a similar level of education in accounting or finance.
• Minimum of 7 years of professional experience in positions where finance or accounting was the primary function of the role.
• Within the above 7 years of experience, at least 3 of those years must be in a supervisory role in financial operations.
• Within the above 7 years of experience, at least 3 of those years must be in a government agency.
• Must be experienced with computerized fund accounting operations.
• A valid Illinois driver’s license is required within six months of date of hire.
• Knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles for local government agencies.
• Ability to represent the organization in a professional manner and to establish and maintain good public relations with all staff, Board, vendors, stakeholders and the general public.
• Ability to exercise confidentiality.
• Highly organized with the ability to multi-task in a public environment and to handle stressful situations.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and to identify and solve routine problems as they arise. Considerable ability to analyze agency risks to determine whether they can be eliminated or minimized.
• Ability to speak in front of groups, including the Board of Commissioners and Foundation Board.
• Ability to take complex information and concepts and communicate/present them in an understandable manner.
• Ability to effectively manage, develop, and empower employees in a manner that is consistent with our organizational values of stewardship, community, and discovery.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree and/or CPA or CPFO desired.
• Experience with governmental accounting operations desired.
• Experience completing third-party financial audits, either as a client or as an auditor, is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for the development, implementation and ongoing management of all financial activities including budgeting, accounting, auditing, purchasing, payroll, accounts receivable, asset management, grants reporting and policies, and financial recordkeeping and reporting for both the Forest Preserves and the Foundation.
• Directs, coordinates, and supports development of long-range budget plans with management team, including the annual Forest Preserves’ and Foundation budgets, fixed asset replacement, annual compensation and staffing, disaster recovery, and grant planning. ensures that all plans and proposed budgets are properly aligned with the Forest Preserves’ Strategic Plan and operational needs.
• Serves as the organization’s Procurement Officer, overseeing financial decisions by monitoring and enforcing purchasing policies/procedures and supervising competitive bid/quote processes to ensure compliance with legal requirements.
• Coordinates and monitors bond issuances, debt, refinancing, and required disclosure reports.
• Prepares financial estimates and projections for short- and long-term financial planning for the organization. Assists and advises on the availability of funds and financial trends.
• Establishes and maintains internal audit controls to ensure compliance with generally accepted accounting practices and compliance with 501(c)(3) regulations for the Foundation. Ensures adequate documentation of all fiscal transactions to demonstrate this compliance in annual audits.
• Administers all banking and investment functions in accordance with Board financial policy, ensuring sufficient liquidity for payment of bills and payroll while optimizing investment returns.
• Maintains adequate fiscal controls to ensure that departmental costs are within budgetary limitations. Tracks annual budget performance to account for overages and maximizes the opportunity to use savings to address emergencies and critical needs.
• Conducts or oversees and assists grant administration, including reporting and identifying potential funding sources for grant matches.
• Develops, analyzes, and recommends changes to a variety of procedures, plans, agreements, and operating systems to improve performance, maximize benefits, address economic conditions, maintain best practices, adjust to trends, and position the organization for success.
• Responsible for ensuring that the annual audit process is successfully completed in a timely and compliant manner and that the proper systems are in place to ensure audits run smoothly.

Benefits

• Eligible for group insurance plans (medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and FSA)
• Sick leave
• Vacation leave
• Comp time
• Paid holidays
• Paid family leave
• IMRF Pension Plan: Eligible

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager