The City of Decatur seeks a strategic finance leader to oversee our annual budget and guide fiscal policy for a community of 70,000 residents. Reporting directly to the City Treasurer/Chief Financial Officer, you'll serve as a trusted advisor to executive leadership and elected officials, translating complex financial data into actionable insights that drive policy decisions.

This role provides executive-level exposure and participates in the City's financial decision-making, leading initiatives that strengthen revenue sustainability, ensure organizational transparency, and provide the financial foundation for community investments in infrastructure, public safety, and quality of life.

Budget Development & Financial Strategy

• Lead development and administration of the City’s annual operating budget
• Partner with department leadership to align financial planning with City priorities
• Monitor revenues and expenditures; prepare forecasts and variance analyses
• Provide strategic financial analysis and recommendations to the Treasurer/CFO

• Prepare and review monthly, annual, and special-purpose financial reports in compliance with GAAP, GASB, and fund accounting requirements
• Support preparation of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) including schedules, work papers, and supporting documentation
• Ensure compliance with State of Illinois statutes and City ordinances governing municipal finance and reporting
• Analyze complex financial and operational data to identify trends, assess fiscal impacts, and support informed decision-making by executive leadership and elected officials

• Oversee compliance, reporting, collection, and audit coordination for locally imposed taxes
• Coordinate payment processing staff and delinquent account referrals with the Legal Department
• Manage business license compliance, verification, monitoring, and inspection coordination

• Advise the Treasurer/CFO on improvements to financial systems, internal controls, and operational processes
• Prepare financial ordinances and resolutions for City Council consideration
• Serve as Acting CFO when designated
• Maintain working knowledge of City administrative, financial, and HR policies

Education & Credentials

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related
• Master’s degree preferred
• CPA, CGFM, or related professional certification preferred

• 7 years of progressive accounting experience
• Minimum of 3 years of governmental budgeting experience
• Minimum of 1 year of supervisory experience, with demonstrated ability to lead staff, provide performance feedback, and support employee development
• Experience with monthly and annual fiscal closings and external audits
• Strong working knowledge of GAAP, GASB, fund accounting, governmental budgeting, and applicable Illinois statutes and City ordinances governing municipal financial operations
• Demonstrated ability to analyze complex financial and operational data, identify trends, and develop sound, evidence-based recommendations

• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Experience with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems; Tyler ERP or similar experience preferred
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain financial information to non-financial audiences

• Competitive Benefits: 14.5 paid holidays per year (including 2 employee-selected days), comprehensive health coverage, an excellent pension plan, paid vacation, and sick leave
• Relocation Reimbursement: Financial support to help cover moving expenses for qualified candidates
• Dedicated Health Center: Free check-ups, chronic condition management, immunizations, bloodwork, and many free prescriptions for employees and their dependents
• Tuition Reimbursement: Funding available for continuing education and professional development

Why Decatur?

Located in the heart of Central Illinois, Decatur offers an outstanding balance of professional opportunity and quality of life:

• Affordable Living: Ranked the #1 Best Affordable Place to Live in the U.S. (2025–2026) by U.S. News & World Report, with low cost of living and attainable housing
• Central Location: Within easy reach of Chicago, St. Louis, and Indianapolis for day trips and regional travel
• Outdoor Recreation: Lake Decatur for boating and kayaking, plus more than 2,000 acres of parks
• Arts & Entertainment: Devon Lakeshore Amphitheater concerts, Millikin University performances, historic Lincoln Theatre, and public art throughout the community
• Family Activities: Splash Cove waterpark, Overlook Adventure Park, and Scovill Zoo

Sponsorship for Employment
The City of Decatur does not provide sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H-1B). To be considered for regular employment with City of Decatur, applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a continuous basis.

Residency Requirement
Employees must reside within 50 miles of Decatur’s corporate limits within 12 months of appointment.

To Apply

Ready to take the next step in your public finance career? Apply today to work closely with executive leadership, guide key financial decisions, and make a lasting impact through public service.

Apply online using the link below. Be sure to include all requested information; incomplete applications will be rejected. You may upload a resume to autofill sections of the application.

All candidates are subject to a pre-employment drug screen, physical, and background check post-offer. The City of Decatur is a drug-free workplace, including marijuana.