Finance Operations Manager

Whatcom County is recruiting for the position of Finance Operations Manager in the Finance division of the Administrative Services Department.  This member of our management team will assists in the administration of organization-wide financial functions including payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and other administrative support. Serves as a strategic partner and is responsible for planning, organizing, staffing, coordinating, and directing the efforts of staff and other work and community groups to accomplish the mission, goals, and vision of the Department and the County. Collaborates and manages projects involving key stakeholders to achieve cross-organizational goals, addressing areas of concern with proactive recommendations and resolutions.  

Key Areas of Responsibly Include:

Daily Finance operations, including payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable, warrant processing, and providing administrative support and guidance in the absence of the Finance Director.  Monitors for quality control and approves financial activity, as assigned.  

Directly supervises payroll, accounts payable, and accounts receivable teams, providing clear direction, performance feedback, and professional development opportunities. Balances strategic oversight with hands-on support to ensure operational excellence and timely resolution of complex financial issues.

Develops and recommends financial policies, procedures, and internal controls with an emphasis on process improvements.   

Responds to urgent financial system and operational issues with decisive action. 

Oversees ERP financial system security, including user access management and comprehensive security and integrity audits. Ensures data integrity through regular monitoring, verification processes, and the establishment of audit trails. Develops and maintains comprehensive system documentation and standard operating procedures to ensure consistency, knowledge transfer, and operational continuity.  Provides training and user support and troubleshoots issues.   Contributes to effective system utilization by ensuring users are informed about system capabilities, changes, or upgrades and new methods and procedures.    

Oversees and delivers training programs for payroll preparers to ensure accuracy, compliance, and efficiency in payroll processing.  Serve as a subject matter expert, offering guidance and support to payroll preparers and others on complex payroll issues and best practices. Update payroll training materials to ensure clarity and alignment with current laws and organizational policies.  

Supervisor: Finance Director

Salary Range: Unrepresented - Range 12

Full 2025 salary range is listed.  Hiring rate depends on qualifications.  This position receives annual pay increases to the next step in the associated salary range (apx. 3.8%) subject to satisfactory performance, in addition to any approved Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA).

First review of applications: Friday April 11th.  

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting or a related field
• 5 years progressively responsible professional financial experience
• Financial experience must include 3 years of supervisory experience
• Public sector experience preferred.
• Certified Public Accountant preferred.  

At its sole discretion, Whatcom County may consider combinations of education, experience, certifications, and training in lieu of specifically required qualifications contained herein.

Salary : $8,349 - $12,123