Director of Finance/Chief Financial Officer - Lake County, Illinois

The City of San Jose • Full-time • Waukegan, Illinois, United States • $169k - $191k / year • 4w ago

Lake County, IL (population 714,342) located in northeastern Illinois along the beautiful shore of Lake Michigan, is seeking an experienced and forward-thinking Director of Finance / Chief Financial Officer (CFO). The County is looking for a finance executive with proven leadership skills to oversee its robust financial operations and provide strategic oversight for long-term fiscal planning. The successful candidate will be an integral part of the County’s executive team, helping to guide the organization into the future.

Lake County is a large, complex organization consisting of over 30 departments and divisions, including law enforcement, public health, transportation, public works, criminal justice, and emergency management. The County is professionally managed by an appointed County Administrator, has 2,629 full time employees, and operates with an annual budget of $658.9 million. The County enjoys AAA credit ratings from both Moody's and Standard & Poor’s and consistently earns GFOA recognition for its Budget and Audit processes.

As CFO, you will report to the County Administrator and be a vital member of the County's executive leadership team. This role is not just about ensuring fiscal oversight in purchasing, payroll, and accounting; it’s about looking ahead, managing long-term financial plans, and implementing strategies that improve the County’s performance, and the services provided to its residents. You will collaborate closely with elected officials, the County Administrator and department leaders on a variety of projects, including the development of budgets, fiscal policies, operational strategies, and long-term financial forecasting and reporting.

Key Responsibilities:

Oversee all financial operations of Lake County, including financial reporting, accounting, payroll, and debt management. You will support the County Administrator on the development of the annual budget.
Collaborate with elected and appointed officials to ensure sound fiscal management to align with the strategic plan and County initiatives.
Lead and manage finance-related divisions such as the Accounting, Purchasing, Grants Management, and Payroll.
Play a key leadership role in major projects such as ERP implementation, bond issuance, tax incentives, TIF projects, and more.
Working closely with Internal Audit, maintain and strengthen the County’s fiscal policies, ensuring compliance with best practices and the highest standards of financial governance.
Serve as a trusted advisor to the County Administrator and County Board on financial matters, strategic goals, and performance improvements.
Ensure the County's continued strong credit ratings and financial standing.

Qualifications:

A Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field (required); a Master’s degree in Public Administration (MPA), Business Administration (MBA), or a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation is preferred.
A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience, preferably in government finance, budgeting, and accounting, with at least eight years in a leadership or executive-level role.
Proven experience with municipal finance, budgeting, and financial reporting in a complex public sector organization.
Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
Strong leadership abilities with a track record of fostering a high-performing, team-oriented environment.
Experience in overseeing large-scale financial projects such as ERP systems, bond issuance, and tax incentive programs is highly desirable.

Why Lake County?

Lake County offers a dynamic and collaborative work environment where you can make a meaningful impact on the community. You will work with a diverse and engaged team in an organization that values fiscal responsibility, innovation, and forward-thinking strategies. The area boasts an excellent work-life balance, with access to beautiful recreational spaces, top-rated schools, and all the cultural and entertainment options Chicago has to offer, just a short drive away.

The starting salary for this position is negotiable, with a salary grade of $147,495-$235,992; anticipated hiring range is $169,000-$191,000, depending on qualifications and experience. Complete salary grade information is available on the Lake County website.Employees who meet eligibility requirements will have access to Lake County's competitive benefits package including health, dental, vision, life insurance, pension, deferred compensation plans, transportation, and so much more! Interested candidates are encouraged to apply immediately. Please submit your resume, cover letter, and contact information for five professional references at www.GovHRjobs.com to: Katy Rush, MGT Approved Independent Executive Recruiter. Confidential inquiries about the position can be directed to 847-380-3240 X 122.

Resume review will begin immediately, with interviews expected to take place in early April. This position will remain open until filled.

Lake County is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion.