Assistant Finance Director

Overview

Under the general direction of the Finance Director, the Assistant Finance Director supports the planning, management, and oversight of the City s financial operations. This role ensures compliance with Washington State laws, GASB standards, and municipal financial policies while assisting in the leadership of Finance Department staff and operations.

• Department Leadership & Representation:
  Provide financial support, advice, and guidance to all City departments. Represent the Finance Department in the absence of the Finance Director. Assess and monitor workload, administrative and support systems, and internal reporting relationships; identify opportunities for improvement and implement changes. Maintain confidentiality of work-related issues, client records, and City information. Regular attendance is an essential requirement; perform related work as assigned or required.
• Budget Development & Financial Planning:
  Assist in preparing and monitoring the annual City budget. Support development of the Capital Improvement Program. Assess annual revenue and expenditure projections for use in the budget. Assist in planning and directing financial analysis necessary for setting and implementing utility rates through the public and political process, including solid waste franchise management.
• Financial Reporting & Audit Coordination:
  Oversee and coordinate the City s financial reporting efforts, including preparation and production of the Annual Financial Statements and Federal Single Audit reports in accordance with State BARS requirements. Prepare State, Federal, and other agency reports, ensuring compliance with statutes and regulations. Work with the State Auditor during the annual audit to ensure compliance. Ensure the City s accounting structure complies with Washington State BARS (Budgeting, Accounting & Reporting System).
• Accounting Operations & Internal Controls:
  Direct the City s accounting and reporting operations, including maintenance of accounting systems, establishment and monitoring of internal financial controls, and preparation of required financial reports. Conduct internal audits in accordance with City ordinances/resolutions, State laws, and GAAP. Direct the development and maintenance of cash receipting and disbursement systems, including utility billing, accounts receivable, centralized cashiering, accounts payable, purchasing, payroll, debt service, and other related systems.
• Cash Management & Investments:
  Manage the investment and cash position of all City funds to ensure investment returns are maximized consistent with City investment policies.
• Utility Services Management:
  Manage utility billing for City utilities (water, wastewater, stormwater, ambulance, garbage). Oversee all aspects of utility billing, including meter reading, shut offs, ambulance billing, work orders, and utility billing software processes. Conduct and oversee rate studies. Manage and negotiate franchise agreements, including garbage franchise. Ensure compliance with changing regulations such as state recycling and composting requirements. Prepare and present reports, resolutions, ordinances, and other documents to the City Council and the public.

• Governmental Accounting & Compliance:
  Extensive knowledge of Washington State BARS; understanding of GAAP, GASB, and public sector financial reporting standards; knowledge of State Auditor’s Office processes, Single Audit requirements, and audit preparation; working knowledge of RCW and WAC governing municipal finance, procurement, contracting, and public disclosure; understanding of Federal and State grant compliance (Uniform Guidance).
• Budgeting & Financial Planning:
  Knowledge of municipal budgeting processes, including operating budgets, capital improvement planning, and long-range financial forecasting; understanding of utility rate setting, cost of service analysis, and fee studies typical in Washington cities.
• Financial Operations & Systems:
  Knowledge of treasury and cash management, municipal investments, and Washington’s investment statutes; strong understanding of internal controls, accounting system…