As the finance director, Haley’s tasks will include monitoring the city’s cash flow by overseeing purchasing, accounts payable and receivable, water billing and tax collection, as well as preparing the city’s budget and audit.

Haley graduated from NIU as a finance major with a bachelor’s in science, and graduated from the Keller Graduate School of Management with a master’s of business administration.

Haley said she looks forward to coming back to DeKalb, a city she feels comfortable in.

“It feels like going back home,” Haley said. “It’s an opportunity for me to build a standalone finance department that the city hasn’t had … in some time.”

Haley has been serving as the finance director for two years in Carpentersville, where she has automated procedures, adopted internal controls and updated financial policies.

“[Haley] has a strong municipal background,” said city manager Anne Marie Gaura. “She’ll be able to hit the ground running and provide financial leadership on key issues facing the city.”

Haley has more than 20 years of municipal finance experience; she served as the assistant finance director in Roselle for 10 years and worked in West Dundee as the treasurer and accountant for seven years.

Haley said she looks forward to developing the finance department and getting familiar with the city and staff.

Mayor John Rey said he’s pleased with Gaura’s choice of Haley for finance director.

“Cathy [Haley] can bring new eyes to financial reporting in DeKalb,” Rey said. “I’m impressed with her municipal experience and educational pursuits. I look forward to her joining the senior management team.”

Haley will be taking over for assistant city manager Rudy Espiritu, who has been serving as the interim finance director since March.