Deputy Chief Fiscal Officer

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 Deputy Chief Fiscal Officer is a senior level position responsible for ensuring efficient and effective operations of the Office of State Public Defender’s (OSPD) Fiscal Division. The Deputy Chief Fiscal Officer works with considerable independence, exercising professional judgment under the general supervision of the Chief Fiscal Officer.

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 $116,640 to $140,340.

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

● Supports the administration and implementation of fiscal services across the agency and recommends budget solutions and policy decisions in accordance with budget parameters.

● Prepares and presents briefings, reports, and correspondence, including sensitive or confidential information, as requested by the Chief Fiscal Officer.

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

● Reviews purchase requisitions and budgetary spreadsheets to track expenditures and assists in making necessary adjustments throughout the fiscal year.

● Works to improve the accuracy and reliability of financial data, contributing to the development of internal controls and automation strategies that promote operational efficiency and effectiveness.

● Assists in the development and monitoring of accounting systems and generates monthly reports for management review.

● Prepares routine and special reports on the status and progress of OSPD programs for management and other stakeholders.

● Serves as a liaison with the State Auditor General’s Office, Treasurer’s Office, Office of the Comptroller, Capital Development Board, and other relevant agencies, as requested.

● Coordinates internal and external audit responses and assists with corrective action plans to ensure commitments and deadlines are met.

● Monitors compliance with procurement policies and procedures, providing guidance to staff as needed.

● Maintains permanent records in compliance with the retention policy and according to the practices established by the Chief Fiscal Officer.

● Serves as supervisor by providing instructions, setting expectations, observing performance, providing feedback through ongoing and annual performance evaluations.

● Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

MINIMUM

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

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

● Three years of progressively responsible experience in government fiscal operations, including work in payroll, accounting, and/or budget processes.

● 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 from an accredited institution.

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

● Seven years of supervisory experience.

● Seven years of progressively responsible experience in government fiscal operations, including work in payroll, accounting, and/or budget processes.

● 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).

WORKING CONDITIONS/STRUCTURE

● 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 Branch Employment Application.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: $116,640.00 - $140,340.00 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

Salary : $116,640 - $140,340