Director of Finance & Business Operations Division

Summary

King County is one of the nation’s fastest growing regions, and we are building innovative, people centered systems that support mobility, equity, and climate resilience throughout the Pacific Northwest. The Finance & Business Operations Division (FBOD) plays a critical enterprise role by providing equitable and exceptional value to customers for finance/accounting, procurement, treasury, and small business services. We are seeking an experienced, visionary, and highly collaborative Director to lead this complex, high impact division.

The Director will champion operational and financial excellence; advance equity and social justice (ESJ); cultivate a high performing, engaged workforce; and ensure that King County’s financial and business operations support exceptional service delivery across the enterprise.

This is a strategic, people centered role for a leader who excels at navigating complexity, shaping organizational culture, and driving results that improve how government works.

FBOD primarily delivers internal services to County departments/agencies with some direct services provided to businesses, special districts, and taxpayers. FBOD includes about 200 employees organized into lines of business supporting the following functions: (1) financial reporting, central accounting, accounts receivable, and grants compliance; (2) central procurement, accounts payables, and capital project contract compliance; (3) treasury operations, including cash management and the billing and collection of property taxes;

(4) debt management and investments, including the issuance of bonds and management of the King County Investment Pool; and (5) administration of the contracting opportunities program, along with oversight of the apprenticeship and priority hire programs. Our vision —“Count on Us”— reflects our commitment to employee and customer success, equity, resource stewardship, and operational excellence.

We are looking for a strategic, innovative leader who can guide a multifaceted organization through continuous improvement, cultural change, and enterprise modernization.

• Guide enterprise financial and operational strategy aligned with the King County’s major policy goals including an emphasis on delivering “better government” with enhanced transparency, efficiency, and accountability.
• Oversee enterprise financial stewardship, including annual financial reports, internal controls, Executive policies, audits and responses to audits. and compliance with laws/regulations.
• Promote consistency and equity in countywide financial and administrative practices across departments/divisions.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to department and county leadership on financial, operational, and policy issues.
• Oversee complex, multiagency initiatives, ensuring alignment, strong governance, and successful delivery.

• Lead division-wide visioning, strategic planning, and long-term organizational direction.
• Direct internal service functions such as Finance, Human Resources, Continuous Improvement, ESJ, and business operations.
• Build a culture of learning, accountability, continuous improvement (“LEAN”), and equitable outcomes.
• Oversee division-level budget development, financial monitoring, internal controls, forecasting, and resource allocations.
• Ensure modern, transparent, customer focused operations, systems and performance measures that support effective decisions.
• Lead development of division policies, operational strategies, best practices, and enterprise standards.
• Navigate complexity and change, ensuring the organization adapts, innovates, and maintains high performance.

• Coach and empower a diverse leadership team, fostering collaboration and shared accountability.
• Strengthen workforce engagement using data, feedback, and continuous improvement practices.
• Model King County values through emotional intelligence, integrity, courage, and clear communication.
• Build an equitable, trusting, and psychologically safe environment…