Job Description
Job DescriptionSalary: $75,000-$125,000
The Village of DeForest is seeking a highly skilled and service-oriented individual for either a Finance Director or Assistant Finance Director position to lead and oversee the financial operations of the organization. This position offers an opportunity to play a key role in public service by ensuring sound fiscal management, transparency, and long-term financial sustainability.
The level of appointment (Director or Assistant Director) will be determined based on qualifications and experience.
Assistant Finance Director Key Responsibilities
- Assist with the preparation and monitoring of the annual budget
- Support financial reporting, audits, and internal controls
- Crosstrain in payroll, accounts payable/receivable, and utility billing to be available to step into other finance staff when needed
- Perform complex financial analysis and special projects
- Provide leadership in the absence of the Finance Director
Assistant Finance Director Qualifications
- Bachelors degree in accounting, business administration, public administration, finance, or a related field
- CPA or similar professional certification, or on track to achieve certification
- Knowledge of accounting standards and budget processes
- Municipal or governmental finance experience preferred
- Experience with financial software
- Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills
- Ability to work collaboratively with elected officials, staff, and the public
- Experience leading projects that involve managing others' preferred
Salary Range for the Assistant Finance Director position is $75,000-$85,000
Finance Director Key Responsibilities
- Help sustain the financial health and stability of the Village by managing fiscal operations of the Village, including tax incremental districts, utilities, tax collection, budgeting, capital improvement plan, debt management, and financial reporting
- Prepare and administer the annual operating and capital budgets
- Ensure compliance with state statutes, Village ordinances, budget and fiscal policies, and orders and directives of the Village Board
- Oversee annual audits and serve as primary liaison with external auditors
- Advise the Village Board, Administrator, and department heads on financial matters
- Develop financial policies, long-range forecasts, and capital planning tools
- Supervise finance staff, promote continuous improvement, and foster a positive work environment
Finance Director Qualifications
- Bachelors degree in accounting, business administration, public administration, finance, or a related field, Masters degree, preferred
- CPA or similar professional certification, or on track to achieve certification
- Knowledge of governmental accounting standards and budget processes
- Municipal or governmental finance experience preferred
- Experience with financial software, Caselle Government Accounting Software ideal
- Strong analytical, organizational, presentation, communication, and leadership skills
- Ability to work collaboratively with elected officials, staff, and the public
- Supervisory experience or experience leading projects that involve managing others
- Ability to work outside of normal office hours when necessary
Salary range for the Finance Director position is $110,000-$125,000
Both positions have a competitive benefits package, including health, dental, vision, long-term disability insurance, flex spending accounts, Wisconsin retirement plan, vacation and sick time paid off, and holidays.
Job Details and How to Apply
Hours are Monday through Thursday, 7:30 am to 4:30 pm. Fridays, 7:30 am to 2:00 pm. Attendance at regularly scheduled bi-monthly evening meetings would be a job responsibility of the Finance Director position.
Interested candidates should submit their resume.
Application review will begin February 16, 2026. The position will remain open until filled or until the recruitment is otherwise concluded. The Village of DeForest is an Equal Opportunity Employer; we are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals and employees.
The Village of DeForest staff pride themselves on a professional, friendly, and inclusive culture. We work and live by Core Behaviors. Become part of the Growing the Good Life in DeForest.
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Disability insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Military leave
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance