Superintendent of Finance

Job Description

The Winnetka Park District has an immediate opening for a Superintendent of Finance. This role serves as the District’s senior financial officer and is responsible for the accuracy, integrity, and compliance of all financial, budgetary, and statutory financial operations of the District. The position provides strategic financial leadership; ensures compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations; and safeguards public funds through sound internal controls, oversight, and reporting. The Superintendent of Finance is accountable for producing timely, complete, and accurate financial information for executive leadership, the Board of Commissioners, auditors, regulatory agencies, and the public.

The position reports directly to the Executive Director and is a member of the Administration Leadership team.

Pay: The hiring range is $125,000 - $138,000, depending on relevant work experience, education, and other qualifications. This position is full-time and exempt.

Qualifications:

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible managerial and administrative experience in governmental finance, accounting, or fiscal administration. Experience in a similar position at a park district, municipality, or governmental agency is strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated expertise in fund accounting, Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) standards, and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) . Experience in purchasing and procurement compliance, investments, cash management and banking relationships, budget preparation and administration, preparation of appropriation and tax levy ordinances, and coordination of annual external audits required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Proven ability to produce accurate, timely, and verifiable financial work products with minimal executive intervention.
• Strong understanding of internal controls, risk management, and fiduciary responsibility.
• Ability to anticipate financial risks and compliance requirements and address them proactively.
• Demonstrated supervisory and leadership skills, including delegation, staff development, and accountability.
• Ability to work effectively and professionally with staff, executive leadership, auditors, vendors, and the Board of Commissioners.

Education and Certifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Public Administration, Business Administration, or related field is required. Master’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Public Administration, or related field preferred.
• Designation as a certified public accountant (CPA) is preferred.
• Certified Parks and Recreation Professional (CPRP) or Certified Park and Recreation Executive (CPRE) preferred.
• Must obtain and maintain CPR/AED and First Aid certifications within 6 months of hire. Must possess a valid Illinois Driver’s License, Class D.

Key Responsibilities:

• Establish, maintain, and oversee agency accounting, reporting, and financial control systems pursuant to GASB, GAAP, and applicable laws.
• Serve as primary liaison to external auditors and coordinate the annual audit process.
• Manage all banking relationships, cash flow, investments, and debt-related activities in accordance with Board policy and state law.
• Direct and manage the Park District’s annual operating and capital budget from development through adoption and ongoing monitoring.
• Prepare and oversee all budget, appropriation, and levy-related documentation and ordinances.
• Conduct long-range financial forecasting and support the District’s multi-year capital improvement planning.
• Provide regular financial trend analysis, projections, and risk assessments to the Executive Director.
• Oversee the purchasing and procurement functions of the Park District to ensure legal compliance and fiscal responsibility.
• Hire, train, supervise, and evaluate Finance Department staff.
• Collaborate with department heads to ensure financial practices, reporting, and controls are understood, followed, and aligned across the organization.
• Review fiscal, financial, and procurement-related policies and recommend updates to the Executive Director and Board of Commissioners as needed to ensure legal compliance, best practices, and alignment with District operations.
• Attends Park Board meetings, committee meetings, and community meetings as required.
• Prepare accurate and complete financial reports and presentations for Board and executive review.
• Demonstrate the highest standards of professional ethics, integrity, and stewardship in the management of public funds.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Executive Director.

To view the full job description, click here: Superintendent of Finance

Please direct any questions to our Human Resources Director, Beth Dostert (edostert@winpark.org).

Company Description

The Winnetka Park District is one of five units of local government in Winnetka. Our properties cover nearly five square miles and include 26 parks, five beaches, a boat launch, two golf courses, a tennis center, an ice arena, platform tennis courts, and athletic fields. We provide a full range of year-round recreation programs, including athletics, fitness programs, education programs, camps, and special events.

Benefits

• We offer a High-Deductible PPO medical plan provided by Blue Cross Blue Shield with various levels of coverage, including dependents. Employees must satisfy an annual deductible. The plan includes a generous cost-sharing Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA).
• We offer two PPO dental insurance plans through Guardian with dependent coverage. One plan includes orthodontics for adults and children.
• We offer a vision plan by VSP (via Guardian) with dependent coverage.
• Mandatory participation in the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF). Employees must contribute 4.5% of earnings to the pension plan. The District contributes a percentage that varies per year. The benefit also provides disability insurance.
• Mandatory Retirement Healthcare Funding Plan—a tax-advantaged plan to save for future medical costs. Contribution levels are based on plan provisions. The District offers a $25 per payroll contribution match.
• We offer a term life insurance plan through Guardian for 1.5 times your salary up to $200,000. The district will pay 100%.
• AD&D insurance is paid 100% by the District, provided by Guardian.
• The district pays 100% for Aflac cancer insurance. The employee pays the full premium for any other voluntary Aflac insurance plan they enroll in.
• We offer a voluntary whole life insurance and long-term care plan, available only at the time of hire.
• A voluntary 457 Roth retirement plan. The District offers a $25 per payroll contribution match.
• Competitive paid time off includes vacation (10–25 days) based on tenure, 4 personal days, 12 sick days, and 14 holidays.
• 6 weeks of paid parental leave after one year of full-time employment.
• Use of Park District Facilities and Programs: some use is free or offered at a discount.
• Continuing education is paid by the District, including training fees and travel expenses for workshops and conferences.
• Tuition reimbursement may be available after one year of full-time employment for job-related development that benefits the District.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): free, confidential counseling for mental health, legal and financial fitness, and work-life balance assistance.

The board of commissioners approves the benefits and may change them at their discretion.

EEO Statement

Winnetka Park District is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment with Winnetka Park District is governed based on merit, competence, and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, age, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status, national origin, marital status, mental or physical disability, pregnancy or related medical conditions or any other legally protected status.

The District complies with federal and State disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and candidates with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact the Human Resources Director at edostert@winpark.org, or by phone 847-501-2040.