What are the responsibilities and job description for the Financial Services Manager - Health & Community Services position at Whatcom County?
Whatcom County Health & Community Services is recruiting for the position of Financial Services Manager. This key member of the management team is responsible for providing leadership and operational direction for staff in the area of accounting and financial reporting. This position also provides strategic financial planning and forecasting for the department, which provides a very broad and varied array of services, has many complex funding streams, and employs over 160 people.
The Financial Services Manager position is relied upon by a diverse group of Managers, Directors and Elected Officials for providing high-level financial information. The successful candidate must be able to work in a fast-paced environment and effectively prioritize. Key duties include:
ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES
Performs tasks related to coordinating and overseeing the daily departmental financial and accounting activities in the Health and Community Services Department to ensure that legal fiduciary responsibilities are met and that generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) are adhered to. Leads a team of professionals with clarity, good communication, and exemplification of department values.
Provides effective management and oversight of financial functions and operations such as the general ledger, accounts payable, payroll, warrant processing, interfund transfers, budget development and preparation, and grant accounting and compliance. Supervises the monitoring, tracking and reporting of capital and non-capital projects, programs and grants. Works with the management team and staff throughout the organization to develop, implement, and enforce financial policies. Effectively translates complex financial processes and multifaceted budgetary needs for comprehension by non-accounting staff.
Plans, organizes and develops the Health and Community Services Department budget. Provides timely and accurate financial reporting, budget transfers, budget supplemental requests, and budget analysis to all Health and Community Services Department divisions. Identifies problems or discrepancies and supports Division managers in providing options, and developing and implementing resolutions. Monitors and maintains expenditures within approved budget for the department and each division. Implements cost effective measures and uses resources and technology effectively to increase productivity. Streamlines complex processes to improve workflows and turnaround times.
Provides timely and accurate financial forecasts on all revenue sources and expenditures, proactively tracking shifts in funding sources and financial circumstances in a highly complex fiscal environment.
Serves as primary contact regarding budget and financial matters with the county’s Finance Division, Executive’s office and County Council, presenting complex information in an accessible manner, and answering questions in public and formal settings. Maintains effective, professional, and warm relationships with all stakeholders and provides prompt and thorough responses to questions both inside and outside the department.
Supervisor: Health & Community Services Director
Work location: 509 Girard Street, Bellingham, WA.
Work Hours Monday – Friday, 40 hours per week. Hybrid schedule available.
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).
Applications will be reviewed as they are received. Please apply early for best consideration. Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance or a related field
5 years of progressively responsible financial management or professional accounting experience
3 years of supervisory experience.
Certified Public Accountant license preferred.
Master’s degree desired.
At its sole discretion, Whatcom County may consider combinations of education, experience, certifications, and training in lieu of specifically required qualifications contained herein.
The Financial Services Manager position is relied upon by a diverse group of Managers, Directors and Elected Officials for providing high-level financial information. The successful candidate must be able to work in a fast-paced environment and effectively prioritize. Key duties include:
- Providing leaders and staff with financial planning and forecasting information to anticipate a complex and changing funding environment.
- Overseeing financial operations in a multi-fund environment, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and general ledger accounting.
- Overseeing the preparation of a $50 million department budget and monitoring budget expenditures.
- Monitoring and assuring compliance with grants and contracts.
- Overseeing a team of 7 Accounting staff.
ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES
Performs tasks related to coordinating and overseeing the daily departmental financial and accounting activities in the Health and Community Services Department to ensure that legal fiduciary responsibilities are met and that generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) are adhered to. Leads a team of professionals with clarity, good communication, and exemplification of department values.
Provides effective management and oversight of financial functions and operations such as the general ledger, accounts payable, payroll, warrant processing, interfund transfers, budget development and preparation, and grant accounting and compliance. Supervises the monitoring, tracking and reporting of capital and non-capital projects, programs and grants. Works with the management team and staff throughout the organization to develop, implement, and enforce financial policies. Effectively translates complex financial processes and multifaceted budgetary needs for comprehension by non-accounting staff.
Plans, organizes and develops the Health and Community Services Department budget. Provides timely and accurate financial reporting, budget transfers, budget supplemental requests, and budget analysis to all Health and Community Services Department divisions. Identifies problems or discrepancies and supports Division managers in providing options, and developing and implementing resolutions. Monitors and maintains expenditures within approved budget for the department and each division. Implements cost effective measures and uses resources and technology effectively to increase productivity. Streamlines complex processes to improve workflows and turnaround times.
Provides timely and accurate financial forecasts on all revenue sources and expenditures, proactively tracking shifts in funding sources and financial circumstances in a highly complex fiscal environment.
Serves as primary contact regarding budget and financial matters with the county’s Finance Division, Executive’s office and County Council, presenting complex information in an accessible manner, and answering questions in public and formal settings. Maintains effective, professional, and warm relationships with all stakeholders and provides prompt and thorough responses to questions both inside and outside the department.
Supervisor: Health & Community Services Director
Work location: 509 Girard Street, Bellingham, WA.
Work Hours Monday – Friday, 40 hours per week. Hybrid schedule available.
For more information, please see the job description and supplemental job description.
Salary Range: Unrepresented - Range 11Full 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).
Applications will be reviewed as they are received. Please apply early for best consideration. Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance or a related field
5 years of progressively responsible financial management or professional accounting experience
3 years of supervisory experience.
Certified Public Accountant license preferred.
Master’s degree desired.
At its sole discretion, Whatcom County may consider combinations of education, experience, certifications, and training in lieu of specifically required qualifications contained herein.
Salary : $7,876 - $11,437
