Finance Director

Finance Director – Apply at A Hiring Company

The City of Shelton is located just 25 minutes northwest of Olympia, WA, on the shores of Oakland Bay. As the Mason County seat, Shelton is a full‑service city providing a wide range of municipal services for a growing community of more than 10,000 residents. Shelton is proud of its unique character, small‑town feel, and the opportunity to serve a community rich in history, culture, and natural beauty.

This position is open until filled. The first round of reviews will occur on January 12, 2026.

• Plan, direct and supervise all activities of the Finance Department, and ensure compliance with GASB and BARS.
• Perform duties as the City Treasurer.
• Maintain and enforce City and departmental rules, regulations and programs.
• Monitor and evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; recommend, within departmental policy, appropriate service and staffing levels.
• Assume management responsibility for all compliance reporting including grants, payroll taxes, sales, lease and excise tax.
• Oversee the City’s fiscal functions including accounts payable, accounts receivable, business licenses, payroll, utility billing, and other functions of the Finance Department. Manage debt, investments, bank accounts, and audits.
• Manage and coordinate the activities of the Finance Department to provide excellent customer service and adhere to policy direction. Serve as chief financial advisor to the City. Assign work activities to Finance Department staff; review and evaluate work product, methods, and procedures; meet with staff to identify and resolve problems.
• Monitor revenues and expenditures to ensure sound fiscal control to properly safeguard City assets; provide ongoing financial reporting and forecasts to the City Manager and City Council.
• Establish and maintain internal control procedures to ensure that appropriate standards and procedures are maintained. Complete the City’s annual report in accordance with the Washington State Auditor’s BARS manual.
• Assure the efficient use of departmental resources; prepare and justify the department’s annual budget and amendments. Take a leadership role in the development and execution of departmental goals, organize and execute departmental affairs and projects, propose and secure grants and loans when opportunities arise, and assist in the preparation of the City’s capital facility plans.
• Under the direction of the City Manager, prepare the preliminary annual city budget and make changes as directed. Publish the adopted annual budget and prepare the annual financial report.
• Assist in the development of City policies and advocate support for the same. Negotiate policy disputes. Execute policy and administrative laws, rules, and directives.
• Maintain affiliations with professional organizations related to the administration of municipal finance organizations.
• Work with the State Auditor’s representatives and internal staff to help prepare an accurate state audit.
• With professional integrity, establish and maintain appropriate and effective communication and work relationships with the City Manager, City Council, other City departments, as well as the general public, local, state, and federal agencies.

A Bachelor's degree in public administration, business administration, finance, accounting, or a related field is required, along with five (5) years or more of public sector financial management related experience, including supervision; any equivalent combination of experience, education, and training that would provide the level of knowledge and ability required for the position.

The successful candidate must possess, or have the ability to obtain, a Certified Public Financial Officer (CPFO) certification within two years of appointment. A master’s degree or CPA credential and experience working with elected officials and advanced governmental accounting, budgeting, and fiscal management is preferred.

The work environment conditions described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Most work is typically performed in an office environment with occasional work performed in an outdoor environment.

Compensation details: 118301.4-158768.4 Yearly Salary

The salary range listed reflects the 2026 pay schedule.