Director of Finance and Budget

ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTATION REQUESTED WITH APPLICATION  

Bachelor's Degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a closely related field (Master's Degree preferred); plus five (5) years of progressively responsible business finance management including experience in risk management, financial software systems, corporate budget development and oversight.  Qualifying experience must include a minimum of three (3) years in a supervisory capacity.   Previous public financial administration, accounting and/or budget experience is required. 

Certified Public Accountant (CPA) License; Certified Public Financial Officer designation; and/or Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) Certifications are preferred.  

Washington State specific government finance is preferred.

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND/OR CERTIFICATES:  
Must possess and maintain a valid Washington State Driver's License. Certified Public Accountant (CPA) License and/or Certified Public Financial Officer designation is highly preferred.

Directs and coordinates the planning, organization and maintenance of the City’s Finance and Budget Department, including but not limited to revenue collection, expenditure, payroll, fund accounting and audits, investments and other related accounting and finance practices; coordinates and assists the City Manager in leading the development, presentation, execution, and performance reporting of the annual budget. 

Establishes and oversees implementation of the policies, systems, and procedures governing all aspects of the City’s accounting, bookkeeping and financial reporting activities, assuring that financial management systems conform to generally accepted accounting principles and standards, and the requirements of the State Auditor. 

Ensures timely and complete preparation of required internal and external financial records, reports and statistics, including those related to state and federal programs; assists management and staff in interpreting and acting on the information.

Oversees administration and directs the preparation, coordination, and analysis of the biennial operating budget and annual comprehensive financial report (ACFR), including direct preparation and review of financial forecasts, revenue estimates and projections.  Prepares budget materials, works closely with the City Manager in preparing preliminary budget recommendations for Council consideration and deliberation. Oversees preparation of preliminary and final budget documents consistent with professional standards and best practices.

Develops, implements, and monitors internal controls and the related the financial policies and procedures of the City in accordance with prescribed law and best practices; oversees the collection and distribution of City funds in accordance with established procedures and the approved City budget; coordinates and conducts the sale of municipal bonds. 

Oversees the City’s investment program consistent with established policies of the City; evaluates and recommends investment options, insurance purchases or alternative self-insurance programs, and debt financing.

Monitors the City’s financial condition and advises the City Manager and Council on financial management issues.  Assists with union negotiation proceedings. May serve as a financial advisor to other agencies with direct financial ties to the City. Serves on the City Manager’s Senior Leadership team.

Oversees the functions, policies, procedures, planning and development of the Purchasing and Utility Customer Services Divisions.  Provides leadership, direction, feedback, and administrative guidance to the Finance, City/County Procurement, and Utility Customer Services Managers.   Provides leadership, and advice to staff; schedules, assigns and reviews work activities of support staff and assists managers in hiring and evaluations. Supervises and evaluates the performance of subordinate staff; plans, coordinates and arranges for staff training as needed; recommends disciplinary action as necessary.

Manages and maintains the City’s risk management programs for buildings, equipment and personnel.  Monitors the City’s risk management fund; prepares Requests for Proposals (RFP) for insurance broker/consultant selection; coordinates the selection of an insurance broker/consultant and third party claims administrator.  Assists in or adjudicates insurance claims and participates in the resolution of unusual claims.

Serves as a management representative on the Employees’ Welfare Benefit Board and as such assists in the management of the City’s self-insured medical and dental insurance program.  Assists in recommending premium contribution levels and appropriate fund reserve levels.  

Assists in the preparation of RFPs for a third party administrator for the City’s self-insured worker’s compensation program; assists in the selection of third party administrator (TPA) and in the resolution of individual claims and resolution of claims administration difficulties; assists in monitoring of and recommending appropriate reserve fund levels.

By state statute, serves as a representative on the Police and Fire Pension Boards.  As a board member, acts in a quasi-judicial capacity to assist in the resolution of local pension related issues and makes recommendations for the resolution of pension issues; adjudicates and oversees local pensions under RCW 41.16, 41.18 and 41.20 and medical benefits associated with pensions for covered active and retired employees under RCW 41.26.

Requires regular and reliable attendance.

Performs related work as required.

Advanced knowledge of the principles, procedures, and techniques of current budgetary and financial operations; public fund investment and risk management principles and practices; best principles and practices for project and financial management. Knowledge of modern office practices and procedures including the effective techniques of supervision and leadership.

Considerable knowledge of technical accounting principles, theories, and concepts; professional industry standards; accounting codes, classifications, terminology and requirements.  Knowledge of Federal and State laws and regulations; Washington State Police and Fire pension statutes; local ordinances and City policies.  Knowledge of data processing applications pertaining to accounting systems. Knowledge of automated finance software systems.

Knowledge of techniques and strategies for dissemination of complex written and verbal information to a wide range of individuals, including the City Council and members of the public. Ability to establish and maintain cooperative, effective working re­lationships with City employees, the public, and employees of State and Federal agencies. Must possess well developed communication skills, both written and oral, with appropriate use of business English, and plain English, including but not limited to correct grammar, vocabulary, letter composition, editing, spelling, and punctuation. Ability to present information clearly and concisely in both written and verbal formats.

Ability to perform a variety of mathematical computations with ability to analyze complex and technical financial documents and to translate analysis into recommendations or reports.  Ability to read, interpret, apply and explain laws, codes, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.  Ability to work independently with self-direction and minimal direction or oversight; maintain sustained attention to detail and work under timeline pressures; prioritize workload; manage multiple tasks with competing deadlines. Excellent analytical and organizational skills are essential.

Ability to plan and direct the work of others; develop and implement modern auditing and accounting methods, procedures, forms and records; develop or analyze new fiscal management ordinances or legislation to prepare and analyze financial reports and statements.  Proven ability to develop and lead cohesive and highly productive work teams with a customer service focus.  

Ability to work extended hours as needed to carry out the financial management and supervisory responsibilities and functions for the City’s Finance Department as required.  

PHYSICAL DEMANDS :
Work is performed primarily in an office environment while sitting at a desk or computer terminal for extended periods of time or while standing for a period of time. Occasionally needs to move inside the office to access file cabinets, office machinery, and department records. Constant use of both hands in reaching/handling/grasping/fingering while performing duties and operating computers. Occasional heavy work includes lifting and carrying up to 25 pounds. Occasionally ascends/descends stairs while maintaining balance. Constant use of all senses including feeling/talking/hearing/seeing while performing duties and communicating with co-workers, general public and completing all tasks as assigned. Must be able to distinguish color and maintain long-term and short-term memory. May work in remote locations or in noisy work areas. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

UNUSUAL WORKING CONDITIONS:  
May encounter individuals who are upset or angry. Extension of the workday or work week with short notice may be required to meet required deadlines.

Salary : $132,163 - $168,709