Chief Fiscal Officer

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THE OFFICE

The Office of State Public Defender (OSPD) will be created as an independent office within the judicial branch on January 1, 2027. The 2025 FAIR Act, Public Act 104-0300, created the Office to provide for an effective public defense system throughout the State of Illinois. OSPD is charged with implementing uniform standards for trial-level public defense; systematically evaluating local needs and capacity; offering specialized support to local jurisdictions (i.e., investigation, mitigation, and expert witness assistance); and establishing clear and equitable procedures for distributing the Public Defender Fund, among other duties to ensure consistent, equitable, and high-quality defense services.

THE POSITION

The Chief Fiscal Officer oversees the fiscal operations of the Office of State Public Defender (OSPD), including budgeting, accounting, payroll, procurement, and contract administration. This position is responsible for directing policies and programs within the Fiscal Division to ensure compliance, accuracy, and efficiency. The Chief Fiscal Officer exercises professional judgment and works with considerable independence under the general supervision of the Chief of Staff.

SALARY, BENEFITS & LOCATION

The position is located in Springfield, Illinois. This position's headquarter location could change based on future operational needs.

The salary is commensurate with experience. The salary range for this position is $158,880 to $166,332.

The required working hours are Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. The State Public Defender, in his or her discretion, may potentially approve a hybrid work schedule.

An attractive benefits package is offered, including pension, medical, dental, vision and life insurance, as well as deferred compensation and generous leave time. Information about benefits provided by OSPD can be found here:

State Employee General Benefits - https://cms.illinois.gov/benefits/stateemployee.html

OSPD Summary of Benefits - https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/01a05ec3aebc750d83c07bd1fd39845d

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

● Directs the planning, preparation, justification and execution of the annual budget.

● Administers and implements fiscal services to all OSPD programs and recommends budget solutions and policy decisions in accordance with budget parameters.

● Reviews all purchase requisitions and budgetary spreadsheets to monitor expenditures throughout the fiscal year and makes modifications as necessary.

● Improves the accuracy and reliability of financial data by instituting internal control and automations designed to promote operational efficiency and effectiveness.

● Develops and monitors accounting systems; produces monthly appropriation and budget performance reports for management.

● Directs the preparation of regular and special reports concerning the status and progress of all OSPD programs.

● Prepares and presents briefings, reports and correspondence, frequently of a highly confidential nature.

● Presents annual budget request to the Public Defender Commission, Illinois Supreme Court, Governor’s Office of Management and Budget and the General Assembly and represents the Office in budget negotiations and legislative hearings.

● Acts in a liaison capacity with officials from the State Auditor General’s Office, Treasurer’s Office, Office of the Comptroller, Capital Development Board, and other agencies.

● Serves as audit liaison for external and internal audits and coordinates responses and resolution of all applicable findings.

● Oversees the administration of the Public Defender Fund and other pass-through funding and grantmaking functions of the OSPD.

● Monitors and supports compliance with procurement policies and procedures.

● Reviews and provides recommendations relating to procuring and awarding grants.

● Serves as a supervisor over the Fiscal Division by providing instructions, setting expectations, observing performance, providing feedback through ongoing and annual performance evaluations, participating in the hiring process, and recommending corrective or disciplinary action when necessary.

QUALIFICATIONS

MINIMUM

● A Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Public Administration or a related field from an accredited institution.

● Seven years of progressively responsible experience in state or local government, or, fiscal or accounting field.

● Five years of supervisory experience of two or more levels.

● Must possess a valid Illinois Driver’s License and demonstrate proof of automobile insurance to operate a personal vehicle on state business, as well as maintain a safe driving record.

PREFERRED

● A Master’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Public Administration or a related field.

● Ten years of progressively responsible experience in state or local government or business administration.

● Experience with the State of Illinois procurement process.

● Experience in communicating with the Governor’s Office of Budget and Management, Office of the Comptroller, Office of the Treasurer and/or the Auditor General’s Office.

● Experience with government-funded programs.

● Experience in grant management.

● Seven years of supervisory experience of two or more levels.

● Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation.

OTHER KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

● Effective oral and written communication, presentation, facilitation, and interpersonal skills.

● Ability to plan, organize, implement, and maintain a variety of functions and projects simultaneously and meet required deadlines and schedules.

● Ability to positively and professionally interact with co-workers.

● Demonstrated leadership skills including planning and priority setting, sound decision-making, problem-solving, and analytic and interpretive skills.

● Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office products (i.e., Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Outlook).

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

● Ability to sit for extended time periods.

● Professional office working environment requiring telephone usage and ability to process written documents.

● Ability to travel, including overnight stays, as required.

HOW TO APPLY

Interested individuals should submit a resume to https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/01a05edff7f571af80349e7964f00cfd. All jobs vacancy announcements and application links are also available at www.ilosps.gov/join-our-team.

A judicial branch application is not required to apply, but it will be required before final hiring decisions are made. The application can be downloaded from the Illinois Courts website at https://ilcourtsaudio.blob.core.windows.net/antilles-resources/resources/b0377255-a5e8-4c75-af0b-65925622d97b/Judicial%20Branch%20Employment%20Application.pdf.

This position will remain open until filled. However, those individuals submitting materials by November 6, 2026, will be given first consideration.

Any questions about this position or the application process can be submitted via email at the following address: HR@ilosps.gov

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Pay: $158,880.00 - $166,332.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person