Financial Services Department Manager

Cover Letter Required

Position Summary

Northern Water is seeking a Financial Services Department Manager to oversee the financial activities for Northern Water, the Municipal Subdistrict and Enterprises. This is an excellent opportunity for someone with strong problem-solving capabilities, strategic thinking and attention to detail. The successful candidate will enjoy a fast-paced working environment, managing a team, collaborating across multiple departments, with external partners and with the Board of Directors.

Northern Water is growing and we’re seeking employees who are passionately committed to helping us collect and deliver water to more than 1 million people and about 615,000 acres of irrigated farmland. Since 1937 our strong and stable reputation has attracted employees to be a part of our mission. We offer competitive pay, exceptional benefits and a workplace environment that offers great culture and collaboration. With more than 190 employees, most are based at our beautiful Berthoud, Colo. headquarters, and about 20 are based in scenic Grand County on the West Slope of the Continental Divide.

This is an exciting time to become a part of our organization as we embark on building two of the largest water storage projects in recent United States history. We’re proud of our reputation as a leading water delivery, conservation and management organization, not only in the western United States, but across the nation. Come join our team!

Department Description

The Financial Services Department manages Northern Water and the Municipal Subdistrict’s financial affairs, including processing vendor payments and customer receipts, processing payroll, procuring goods and services, producing financial reports, investing funds, managing debt and producing the annual budget. Northern Water’s fiscal year begins October 1 and ends September 30 of each year.

General Statement

This role is responsible for overseeing accounting, budgeting, financial reporting, payroll, and procurement functions, while maintaining compliance with all relevant regulations and internal policies. The Financial Services Department Manager will collaborate with senior leadership and external stakeholders to provide strategic financial insights that support Northern Water’s mission and long-term objectives.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Directs all financial operations, including governmental accounting, budgeting, financial reporting, internal controls, payroll, and procurement.
• Leads the annual budget process to ensure accuracy, transparency, and alignment with organizational goals. Oversees the preparation of the Budget Books, collaborating closely with the Communications Department.
• Oversees the preparation of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Reports (ACFRs), ensuring compliance with GASB standards and other regulatory requirements. Collaborates closely with the Communications Department.
• Compiles and presents financial information, forecasts, and variance analyses to senior leadership and the Board of Directors. Manages and maintains rate, reserve and indirect cost studies.
• Manages payroll processes in adherence with federal and state laws, and ensure compliance with all applicable regulations, including GAAP and GASB guidelines. Collaborates closely with the Human Resources Department.
• Establishes and maintains procurement procedures, collaborates with the Contracts Department, and ensures all activities comply with laws and regulations.
• Supervises and mentors the financial services team, fostering a culture of collaboration, professional growth, financial stewardship and integrity, and excellence in public service.
• Maintains optimal cash flow, oversees investments, and conducts regular financial risk assessments.
• Leads internal and external audits, consulting with auditors to deliver transparent, timely, and accurate reporting of public funds.
• Establishes and refines financial policies and procedures to improve operational efficiency and uphold public fiduciary responsibilities.
• Manages debt financing strategies, including evaluating loan options, ensuring compliance with financial regulations, and optimizing capital structure to support organizational goals.
• Partners with internal departments to support financial planning, capital project financing, and strategic organizational initiatives.
• Stays informed of current legislation, best practices, and industry trends relevant to governmental finance and public-sector financial management.

Other Duties and Responsibilities

• Special projects and research as assigned.
• All other duties as assigned.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field, with a focus on governmental accounting.
• Master’s degree preferred.

Experience

• Minimum 10 years of experience in governmental financial management or a related field
• At least 5 years of proven leadership or supervisory experience in a government or public-sector setting

License, Certificate, and Credential Requirements

• CPA or CPFO designation strongly preferred.

Knowledge

• In-depth understanding of federal and state grant regulations, public procurement laws, vendor management, purchasing card programs, vendor payments, 1099 and W-2 processing, and MSRB compliance.
• Comprehensive knowledge of governmental financial management standards, auditing programs, GAAP, GASB, APA, NIGP, and GFOA.
• Proficiency in financial software systems (Infor experience preferred) and advanced skills in Microsoft Excel, including financial modeling.

Skills

• Strong problem-solving capabilities, strategic thinking, and attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across multiple departments, with external partners, and with the Board of Directors.

Abilities

• Demonstrated ability to manage people and teams.
• Willingness to work on a variety of assignments and support a variety or strategic initiatives.

Physical Requirements

• Occasional physical activity is required, including walking, bending, stooping, or climbing stairs.
• Prolonged sitting and operation of keyboard devices.
• Must be able to meet the physical requirements of a post job offer physical examination.

Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Other Requirements

• Maintains a personal appearance appropriate for job position and image of Northern Water.

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by this employee.

Northern Water provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, genetics, veteran status or other legally protected characteristics. Northern Water complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. Northern Water also prohibits any form of workplace harassment in accordance with these laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $126,542.00 - $160,654.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Shift:

• 8 hour shift

Work Location: In person

Salary : $126,542 - $160,654