FINANCE DIRECTOR/CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER (CFO)

Position Type:
Administration/Management

Date Posted:
6/25/2026

Location:
Urbana City Building

Date Available:
When filled
The City of Urbana is seeking a strategic, collaborative, and experienced leader to serve as the next Finance Director/Chief Financial Officer (CFO). The Finance Director/CFO is the chief fiscal officer of the City. This full-time, executive management position serves as a key member of the City's executive leadership team and reports directly to the Mayor.

The incumbent performs advanced professional work managing a wide and highly complex array of financial functions within the City's Finance Department. This position is responsible for providing strategic and administrative oversight to the City's finance and accounting functions; the development, implementation, and maintenance of internal control systems and OF financial policies and procedures; acting as a trusted advisor to the Mayor, City Council, and staff and as a liaison between City departmentS and auditors, outside financial agencies, and the public; and is responsible for ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations. An employee in this classification works under limited supervision and broad, general direction; exercises considerable independence; should have advanced knowledge of Government Accounting Standards; and have superior written and oral communication skills.

Successful performance in this position requires effective and supportive leadership and management skills and the ability to foster collaboration; support staff development; and model superior internal and external customer service, ethical standards, and integrity. This position is responsible for the supervision of management, professional, and administrative support staff. The incumbent has considerable interface with all City departments, the City Council, and other elected officials, and community stakeholders.

Finance Department
The Finance Department has 15 employees and a general fund budget of $2.2 million, The department is comprised of three divisions: Administration; Administrative Services, which houses the Customer Service and Parking Enforcement sections; and Financial Services, which is responsible for the accounts payable and receivable, payroll, and accounting functions.

The Finance Director/CFO is a member of the City's executive management team and functions under the general direction of the Mayor. The major responsibilities of the position include the following:

• Advises the Mayor, City Council, and staff regarding sound financial practices and policies, financial planning, and funding strategies.
• Directs and manages activities related to the City's budget, financial and accounting reporting systems, and audits.
• Develops the annual budget format, coordinates the budget process, and prepares the budget document; reviews all proposed budget amendments and ordinances.
• Manages the development and implementation of departmental operating procedures; approves updates and changes to departmental procedures.
• Reviews key financial operations and activities at regular intervals to ensure standard operating procedures are followed and performance standards are met; recommends and/or implements changes to same.
• Manages investment of City funds including maintaining, updating, and ensuring compliance with investment policy.
• Provides long-range City financial forecast to establish future revenue needs and updates annually. Recommends strategies for revenue increases or budget reductions, based on the forecast.
• Reviews and approves purchases (approves all purchases above $10,000) and budget transfers pursuant to availability of funds, City Code requirements, and policies; provides guidance to City departments related to the City's decentralized procurement processes.
• Develops and ensures compliance with policies related to all City financial and purchasing functions.
• Attends City Council and other meetings as required and prepares items for Council action.
• Develops systems to monitor the fiscal status of all City functions, prepares reports, and regularly reviews and advises the Mayor on fiscal condition, changes, and trends.
• Manages and monitors financial matters related to risk management, and coordinates with Legal and Human Resources Divisions on worker's compensation and/or liability claims, as needed. Directs procurement of insurance products.
• Reviews and approves long-range financial plans for automation of financial processes; oversees the implementation of financial technologies including but not limited to those related to financial reporting, customer service, and revenue collection.
• Maintains effective relationships with other City departments and governmental officials, community leaders, citizens, news media representatives, etc.

Required and Desirable Qualifications
The City welcomes applicants with any combination of education and experience that will provide the required knowledge and abilities to perform the duties of the Finance Director/CFO as outlined above. Applicants are generally expected to have a bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or some other closely related field. A master's degree in finance, accounting, business administration, public administration, or another relevant field is desirable but not required. Applicants should also have at least ten (10) years of progressive executive experience in governmental budgeting and financial planning and management, including preparation of governmental comprehensive annual financial reports (CAFR) and extensive experience in all aspects of accounting, general ledger control, financial reporting, debt issuance, investments, banking, accounts payable and revenue billing, and collection., with at least five (5) years at a supervisory level.

The City considers the following skills, abilities, knowledge, and commitments to be essential for the successful candidate:

• Ability to plan, organize, analyze, and direct the comprehensive financial programs of a municipal finance department and communicate complex information effectively regarding the City's finances and financial programs to a wide variety of audiences
• Ability to formulate and implement finance and accounting policies, methods and procedures and ensure that these comply with federal, state, and local law
• Committed to responsible fiscal stewardship
• Ability to provide supportive and collaborative leadership to department staff and among City staff and foster cross-departmental communication, teamwork, and education related to the City's financial programs and processes
• Committed to staff development and involvement, with an intentional focus on developing future leaders for the department and the City
• Exceptional aptitude to anticipate and solve problems, identify alternative courses of action, and to prepare, present, and defend proactive recommendations
• Commitment to responsive and dedicated customer service
• Excellent communication skills, including listening actively, presenting effectively, and creating documents and reports that are clear and concise
• Thorough knowledge of principles, practices, and procedures of modern municipal financial management, including municipal budgeting, government fund accounting, financial forecasting, financial controls, audits, and financial planning
• Thorough knowledge of controlling laws, regulations, and rules governing financial management
• Thorough knowledge of principles and practices of public procurement.
• Thorough knowledge of financial systems and technologies
• Knowledge of risk management, including claims management, insurance, and liability

Compensation and How to Apply
The full annual salary range for this position is $133,233.20 to $219,834.78. The starting annual salary (hiring range) for the position is $133.233.20 to $176,533.99 DOQ/E, with the opportunity to move through the full pay range based on performance. The City of Urbana provides its employees with a highly competitive package of fringe benefits. Relocation assistance may be negotiated with the successful candidate.

To apply, submit a resume, cover letter, and contact information for five professional references to [redacted]; please type "Finance Director/CFO" in the subject line. Priority consideration will be given to candidates who apply before July 24, 2026, however the position will remain open until filled. Inquiries may be directed to Femi Fletcher, Human Resources Manager, at [redacted].