The Village of Oak Park (pop: 54,500) is a vibrant, welcoming community with historic architecture and vintage homes blended with the convenience of modern amenities. Located in Cook County, Illinois, just nine miles west of downtown Chicago, Oak Park offers the best of both worlds—a unique blend of urban energy and suburban charm in a thriving, multicultural community.

Well known for progressive values, tree-lined streets, and bustling business districts, Oak Park is an ideal place to live, work, and play. The Village benefits from convenient access to local and regional transit, high-quality public schools, and arts and cultural attractions, including Frank Lloyd Wright’s home and studio and his acclaimed Unity Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Oak Park is proudly diverse and inclusive across race, religion, ethnicity, age, income level, and lifestyle. The Village is deeply committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion principles that welcome, respect, and encourage the contributions of all its community members. With a tradition of civic engagement and accessible, supportive local government, Oak Park invites active participation in decisions that shape residents’ lives and community.

Core Values
• Community: Authentic, holistic engagement with our diverse community.
• Connection: Organizational learning, teamwork, collaboration, and communication that drive connection and innovation.
• Service: Service excellence with integrity, accountability, and fiscal stewardship.
• Respect: Commitment to respect for everyone in our workplace and community.
• Results: Shared vision of Oak Park, making a lasting difference in our community.

The Department
The Finance Department is central to the Village’s long tradition of strong financial stewardship. With a team of 11 dedicated professionals, the Department delivers essential services that keep the Village running smoothly and responsibly. From preparing budgets and financial reports to managing purchasing, billing, payroll, and pensions, the team ensures the Village’s resources are managed with care and integrity to best serve the community.

The Organization
The Village of Oak Park was incorporated in 1902 and operates under the council/manager form of government. The legislative body consists of the Village President and a Board of six Trustees, all elected on an at-large basis with overlapping four-year terms. The Village Manager is responsible for all day-to-day operations and ensures the effective, efficient, and responsive delivery of quality governmental services.

The Finance Director
The Finance Director leads the Village’s financial operations, guiding planning, analysis, budgeting, and reporting while anticipating risks and emerging trends. As a key member of the executive leadership team, the Director also oversees the department’s strategic plan, data analysis, procurement, safety and risk management, and policy development. The Finance Director collaborates with the Village Manager, Executive Team, and Village Board to develop, manage, and continuously improve the Village’s long-term financial plan to ensure sustainability, resiliency, and equitable service delivery. The Village currently benefits from the leadership of an experienced Interim Chief Financial Officer, who will support a smooth transition until April 2026, when the new Finance Director will assume full responsibility for the Village’s financial operations.

Opportunities for the Finance Director
The Finance Director will have the opportunity to:
• Work with the team to review Finance Department operations, budget development, and administration, and recommend improvements.
• Help shape financial strategies and plans to support once-in-a-generation infrastructure projects, including construction of a new Police Facility and the redevelopment or substantial renovation of Village Hall.
• Lead the Village Board’s goal of Community Affordability in partnership with Village leadership.
• Support the creation of a financial incentive framework and policies to promote economic vitality and strategic growth.
• Anticipate and prepare the organization to meet future challenges and trends.
• Foster accountability through financial management reports, strategy maps, and metrics.
• Continue developing financial planning and analysis capabilities across the organization.

The Ideal Candidate
The Ideal candidate brings expertise in municipal accounting, budgeting, and finance, with a strong understanding of investment programs, debt management, and financial forecasting. Additional skills include:
• Ability to evaluate complex business proposals and develop effective solutions.
• General understanding of laws related to finance and municipal operations.
• Strong people skills to interact and influence management, staff, and partners.
• Cultural competence to work effectively with diverse populations.
• Experience building teams and implementing innovative processes.
• Strong learning orientation and adaptability to trends and challenges.

Compensation and Benefits
Oak Park Village offers a highly competitive compensation and benefits package, including a base salary range of $162,500 to $235,600 (DOQ). Benefits include participation in the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF), health, dental, vision, and life insurance, as well as vacation, sick leave, and flexible working arrangements. Residency within Oak Park or within reasonable commuting distance is desired. Relocation assistance is available.

Education and Experience
A bachelor’s degree in Finance, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field from an accredited college or university, along with 8-10 years of progressively responsible senior management experience in finance and accounting, is required. The successful candidate must be bondable as a condition of employment.

Application and Selection Process
This announcement will remain posted until filled. The first review of applicants will occur on September 19, 2025. Interested candidates should email a cover letter, resume, and five professional references to: Kira Tchang, Assistant Village Manager/HR Director, at jobs@oak-park.us.

The Village of Oak Park is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, recognizing that creating a respectful, multicultural, and equitable environment must be intentional. Equal opportunity is provided regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, ability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.