Finance Manager at Town of Normal – Normal, Illinois

The starting range for this position is $76,712 to $94,816, depending on qualifications. The full range is $76,712 to $121,996.

The Town of Normal Finance Department is responsible for handling the accounting, collection, purchasing, investment and disbursement of all Town funds, as well as all other financial matters pertaining to the operation of the Town.

This position involves intermediate to advanced responsibilities in administration, supervision and financial accounting within the Finance Department. It requires oversight of payroll, accounts payable, financial reporting, municipal fund investments, audit schedules, budgeting, bank reconciliation and journal entries. The role also entails supervising accountants, accounting associates and office associates.

The employee is expected to demonstrate initiative, professional skill and sound judgment while performing duties under the general guidance of the Finance Director. Additionally, the employee may be responsible for preparing and presenting information in the absence of the Finance Director.

• Supervising staff, including accountants, accounting associates and office associates.
• Reviewing work, approving leave requests, conducting employee performance evaluations, counseling staff and recommending disciplinary actions.
• Coordinating the year-end audit and liaising with auditors before and during the audit process.
• Managing and maintaining the Town’s financial systems, including the general ledger and support systems.
• Overseeing the month-end closing process.
• Handling all Town and related investments and capital assets.
• Supervising payroll and accounts payable processes.
• Screening, interviewing, and recommending candidates for Finance Department positions.
• Recommending staff training and development programs.
• Conducting research to propose improvements, modifications or new policies for accounting systems and processes.
• Assisting in the preparation of the Town’s five-year operating and capital improvement budget.
• Tracking grant-related expenses, revenue and reporting.
• Managing the Town’s debt-related matters.
• Supporting monthly financial analysis.
• Evaluating financial impacts of future development agreements.
• Completing special accounting projects assigned by the Finance Director or other department heads.
• Performing internal audits as required.
• Preparing and presenting reports to the City Manager or Town Council in the absence of the Finance Director.
• Carrying out additional duties as assigned.

• A degree in accounting, finance, business or public administration.
• Extensive knowledge of accounting principles, theories and financial management practices.
• Solid understanding of investment principles and financial instruments.
• Familiarity with laws and practices related to government financial management.
• Proficiency with modern office equipment and software.
• Effective oral and written communication skills, including the ability to follow and convey instructions clearly.
• Mastery of job-related regulations and procedures, with the ability to apply them effectively.
• Expertise in managing cash flow and reconciling computer reports with manual controls.
• Strong leadership skills, including the ability to plan, organize, and coordinate departmental work and train staff.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills for establishing positive relationships with the public, co-workers and Town officials.
• Ability to work under pressure, prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.
• Demonstrated good judgment in decision-making.

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Public Finance Officer (CPFO) or a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA).
• Progressively responsible experience in governmental accounting, auditing or finance.
• Supervisory experience strongly preferred.