OVERVIEW

Cook County Bureau of Finance is seeking an experienced Chief Financial Officer who will be responsible for planning and developing fiscal policy and overseeing all financial operations for Cook County. Serving as the chief administrator for finance-related departments and agencies, the role ensures fiduciary responsibilities are met, funds are sufficient for current and projected expenditures, and financial practices remain sound. Key responsibilities include monitoring revenue sources, identifying new funding opportunities, and issuing bonds for capital equipment and improvement projects. The position advises senior leadership on financial policy, recommends and implements policy changes, and communicates updates to other departments as needed.

Cook County offers great benefits and the chance to participate in a strong tradition of public service. Cook County is home to more than five million residents, roughly 45% of Illinois’ population. Cook County Government provides a range of vital services and programs that enhance the quality of life for residents across the region. These services range from health care to urban planning. Cook County is committed to empowering its employees to bring our constituents the best that public service has to offer.

Attention Applicants: Please note that as part of ongoing job architecture initiatives, the County is reviewing job titles and corresponding grades, which may be subject to change.

WHY PURSUE A CAREER WITH COOK COUNTY?

In addition to providing employees with a challenging, rewarding environment for career and personal growth, we are proud to also offer some of the best benefits in the public sphere, including:

• Top Tier Medical Benefits: Medical Plans, Prescription Drug Benefit, Dental Plans, Vision Plan and 9 Additional voluntary benefit plans
• Flexible Teleworking Options
• Generous, Flexible Paid Time Off (13 paid designated holidays; Minimum of 15 vacation days annually; and Paid sick leave)
• Pension Plan
• Financial Support Programs and Resources: Life Insurance, Flexible Spending Accounts – Dependent Day Care, Commuter Benefits, Discounted Parking, PSLF Eligibility, Deferred Compensation and Education Tuition Stipend
• Health/Wellness Perks: Flexible Spending Accounts-Health Care, Employee Assistance Program and MyHealth Connections wellness program.
  
  

SALARY RANGE: $218,700 - $267,300 / YEARLY

SNAPSHOT OF COOK COUNTY

• Serves 5.28 million residents of Chicago and its inner suburbs
  • 2nd largest county in America
  • Larger than 27 states
• Cook County employs over 22,000 employees who work in a variety of skilled jobs and trades.
  • Nearly 80% unionized workforce
  • 15 unions represented
  • 63 separate collective bargaining agreements
• Highway – Cook County maintains almost 600 miles of roads and highways.
• Land – Cook County assesses the value of more than 1.5 million parcels of taxable land and collects and distributes tax funds as a service for local government taxing bodies.
• Safety – Cook County provides vital services to local government, from conducting elections in suburban areas to offering 911 services in unincorporated areas and municipalities.
  
  

LOCATION

Located in the Loop District of downtown Chicago, one of the most formidable business districts in the world, the area has an astounding number of cultural foundations, stunning parks such as Millennial Park and Maggie Daley Park, steps away from the Chicago Riverwalk, award-winning restaurants, and plenty of shopping! In addition, Chicago is serviced by multiple bus and train lines for public transportation from the suburbs to the city, taxis are plentiful, public parking garages for motorists, and bicycle share rentals and local bike lanes for bicyclists.

Job Summary

Responsible for the overall planning and development of fiscal policy. Oversee all financial operations and functions as chief administrator in the coordination of finance departments and agencies. Ensures the fiduciary responsibilities are met, that funds are adequate for current expenditures and that projected expenses are monetarily sound. Monitors existing sources of revenue and explores potential sources of new revenue. Issues bonds to fund capital equipment and capital improvement projects. Advises senior leadership in all matters related to financial policy. Recommends and implements policy changes as necessary and informs other departments of same. 

Typical Job Duties

• Designs and develops an effective strategy for the efficient and systematic coordination of all fiscal policies and procedures.
• Institutes new methods and provides administrative direction to ensure smooth operation among departments having access to and responsibility for the management, accounting expenditure and control of funds.
• Promotes standardization, improvement, simplification and modernization of operating systems and procedures relative to all financial activities.
• Recommends and implements organizational administrative changes aimed at achieving an optimum level of operating efficiency, reduction of duplication of services and consolidation of resources.
• Ensures that all applicable ordinances, rules, guidelines and legal requirements are met in the execution of financial operations.
• Establishes and maintains professional standards of performance and provides leadership in the development of common goals and objectives among departments involved in fiscal operations.
• Ensures the legislative intent of executive leaders and other stakeholders are met.
• Assumes primary responsibility for the timely and efficient execution of the annual budgetary process.
• Presides over budget meetings with various stakeholders, oversees the preparation of the budget and appropriation, based upon consultations senior leadership.
• Consults with department leaders to review estimated revenues and other available resources, assets and liabilities, debt services and periodic fund balances.
• Provides financial analysis and long-term projections to executive leadership and other stakeholders.
• Provides assistance, guidance and direction in financial matters with internal and external stakeholders, including financial institutions.
• May collaborate with bureaus/departments regarding collection of taxes, fees and other revenues, investment of funds and coordination of State and Federal Funds.
  
  

Required for all jobs

Performs other duties as assigned. 

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree or higher in finance, economics, accounting, public administration, or business administration and
• Five (5) years in financial or governmental administration or directly related experience or
• An equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master’s Degree in finance, economics, accounting, public administration, or business administration.
• Ten (10) years of financial or governmental administration experience.
• Eight (8) years of previous management experience. 
  
  

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of the principles of municipal finance.
• Knowledge of the uses and applications of technology to achieve goals and objectives in supporting financial operations and decision-making.
• Thorough knowledge of financial planning, accounting and auditing principles.
• Ability to act independently to make sound financial decisions, conduct meetings, analyze facts and situations and determine an appropriate course of action.
• Effective leadership and communication skills for managing teams and engaging with diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to interpret highly technical information and devise strategy and policies relevant to meeting established goals for each department. 
  
  

Physical Requirements:

Sedentary Work involves exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally or a negligible amount of force frequently to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time. 

The duties listed are not set forth for purposes of limiting the assignment of work. They are not to be construed as a complete list of the many duties normally to be performed under a job title or those to be performed temporarily outside an employee's normal line of work. 

EMPLOYMENT TERMS                                                                                                                  

RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT: Pursuant to the Shakman Consent Decree, Supplemental Relief Order and the Cook County Personnel Rules, this position is exempt from the County’s career service rules, is at-will and political reasons or factors may be considered when taking any employment action. As an employee in a Shakman Exempt Position, if you do not currently live in Cook County, you will have six (6) months from date of hire to establish actual residency within Cook County.

Please contact shakmanexemptapplications@cookcountyil.gov for inquiries about this position.