Charleston, Illinois, Charleston, IL (20,141) – The City of Charleston, Illinois is seeking an organized, analytical, and trustworthy accounting professional who is gifted in municipal budgeting, tax levies, and governmental fund accounting to become its next Comptroller.
Charleston is the County Seat in Coles County, Illinois, and is the home of Eastern Illinois University. Charleston is in central Illinois at the intersection of State Route 16 and State Route 130. Charleston is just minutes away from I-57 and is three hours south of Chicago, IL, two hours east of St. Louis, Missouri, and two hours west of Indianapolis, Indiana. Given its strategic location, Charleston serves as a regional draw for retail, health care, recreation, and industry.
Charleston is home to several diverse large employers that contribute to the city's economic stability and quality of life in the community. Eastern Illinois University serves as the community’s largest employer and is considered a tremendous community partner. Sarah Bush Lincoln Hospital located on State Route 16 is another tremendous community partner that provides top-of-the-line health care for the region. Vesuvius, Rural King, and Charleston School District #1 provide numerous employment opportunities.
The City of Charleston is a statutory City Manager Form of Government where the City Manager is appointed by the Mayor and City Council. The Comptroller serves on the City’s Executive Staff and reports directly to the City Manager. The current Comptroller is leaving the City after 17 years of exemplary service to the City. The City is in strong financial condition, experiencing significant sales tax revenue increases over the past three fiscal years, currently maintains an A+ Bond Rating, and is well below the statutory general obligation debt limit. Copies of the City’s recent municipal budgets, property tax levies, and audited financial statements may be found on the City’s website www.charlestonillinois.org .
The Comptroller serves as the City Treasurer and oversees nine funds within an approximate $37,000,000 annual budget and has daily oversight of three full-time employees. The Comptroller inspects the collection of salaries, invoices, unpaid bills, and asset management for the City.
Duties Include:
Preparation and maintenance of the annual budget and tax levy
Oversees the collection of accounts receivable
Oversee the accounts payable
Maintains all records of water charges
Manages the City’s investment program
Supervises the City’s purchasing process
Oversees the City’s debt service activities
Provides the Mayor and City Council with a monthly financial report
Maintains the City’s property and casualty insurance program
The Comptroller’s Office utilizes Tyler Technologies New World Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) as its financial software. The City’s Fiscal Year begins May 1 st of each year. The City begins its annual budget process in January of each year.
The City Manager is seeking a confident and diplomatic professional with excellent audit oversight, tax levy, and fund management skills to be the next Comptroller . The ability to relate to the staff, department directors, the City Council, and the Mayor and create a fair and consistent environment is essential. The City Manager is also particularly interested in candidates who have tax levy experience, fund management experience and are Certified Public Accounts.
Ideal Candidate will possess:
A Bachelor’s Degree in accounting, finance, or a related field from an accredited university.
Must be able to possess a valid Driver’s License.
Certified Public Accountant is preferred.
Five years of accounting and management experience.
A proficient knowledge of governmental fund accounting.
Compensation and Benefits:
The anticipated starting annual salary range is between $95,000 and $110,000 + or – based on education and previous experience. Residency in the Charleston School District is required for this position. This is a full-time, exempt position with the City. Charleston offers an extremely competitive and comprehensive benefits package that includes very affordable medical and dental coverage (also available to dependents), life insurance, Flexible Spending Account, and vacation leave. Charleston also offers paid holidays, sick leave, professional development, and retirement through the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF).
Selection Process
Interested Candidates should apply online with a resume, cover letter, and contact information for five professional references by October 23, 2023. The first review of resumes is scheduled for October 9, 2023.
Electronic submissions are required.
Apply at: www.GovHRjobs.com
For questions contact:
Jim Arndt, Vice President GovHR USA
Tel: 217-500-0770
The City of Charleston is committed to compliance with the American Disabilities Act and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Diversity and inclusion are critical to our success. We seek to recruit the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool and strongly encourage women, people of color, LGBTQ individuals, people with disabilities, and veterans to apply.