Description
The Budget Manager is a critical leadership role within the City of Issaquah’s Finance Department and will lead the budget process, coordinate preparation of the biennial budget and provide ongoing analysis to support the City’s financial goals. This position reports directly to the Finance Director and works closely with senior leadership, department heads, and other municipal staff to ensure efficient allocation of resources, financial planning, and compliance with governmental budgetary standards. This position should also have a strong understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principes, GASB and have the skills and ability to support accounting functions such as month end reconciliations, capital asset accounting, grant accounting, preparation of schedules and other statistical data needed to support annual financial reporting.
BENEFITS
In addition to a competitive salary, the City offers the following:
- Excellent low- and high-deductible medical plan options, free for you and low cost to add your whole family.
- Employer HSA contributions (with high-deductible medical plan): $3350 individual/$6650 family.
- 100% employer paid dental and vision.
- Generous vacation and sick time, plus 40 hours of management leave yearly and 14 paid holidays.
- Participation in the Public Employee’s Retirement System (PERS) with employer contribution.
- $200/month match into a 457b deferred compensation account.
- And more!
EQUITY STATEMENT
The City of Issaquah strives to be a diverse workforce that is representative of the community we serve. We value a variety of perspectives and life experiences and encourage people of all backgrounds to apply. Applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, national origin, marital status, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other protected status under federal, state and local laws. We believe diversity and inclusion among our teammates is critical to the success of our City operations.
- Lead the preparation, review, and implementation of the city’s biennial budget.
- Coordinate and facilitate budget-related meetings with the Finance Director, City Council, and other stakeholders, ensuring transparency and clear communication of budget decisions
- Prepare detailed budget reports, summaries, and presentations for the Finance Director, City Council, and other stakeholders.
- Provide strategic recommendations based on thorough analysis of revenue projections, expenditures, cost-allocations, and cost-effectiveness of city programs and services.
- Develop long-term financial forecasts, helping to inform capital improvement planning and other major city initiatives. Perform regular monitoring and reconciliation of capital project fund.
- Prepares forecasting models, monitors economic trends and makes recommendations regarding financial impacts.
- Provide ongoing analysis to senior leadership on financial performance, operational efficiency (utilities rate study, jail studies, etc.), and cost-saving opportunities.
- Act as the primary point of contact for budget-related matters across all departments and provide guidance on budget preparation, expenditure control, and financial analysis.
- Lead the preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual budget variance reports to provide insights into the city’s financial status, highlighting financial trends, issues and risks. Work with departments to make adjustments as needed.
- Ensure that all budget processes comply with municipal financial policies, state and federal regulations, and Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) requirements.
- Assist in the preparation of financial statements, annual comprehensive financial reports (ACFR), which may include grant accounting and preparation of the Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards (SEFA), capital asset accounting and compiling statistical data.
- Serve in a cross-coverage capacity to support multiple accounting functions ensuring continuity and effective operation of the finance department.
- Work closely with auditors and other regulatory agencies to ensure smooth audits and address any budget-related inquiries or issues.
- Monitors legislation and assures compliance with finance and budget related laws and communicates financial impacts of legislative changes.
- Lead budget training sessions for department heads and staff to ensure they have the tools and knowledge to effectively manage their budgets.
- Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Public Administration, Economics, or a related field. Professional certifications (such as CPA or CGFM) are a plus.
- At least 5-7 years of experience in budgeting, financial management, or municipal finance managing large-scale budgets and financial planning processes.
- Strong knowledge of governmental budgeting practices, financial reporting, and municipal finance regulations, including GASB and BARS.
- Proficiency in budgeting and financial management software (e.g., Excel, ERP systems, municipal finance software). Tyler Munis is a plus.
- Experience in financial analysis, forecasting, and strategic planning.
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex financial data and make actionable recommendations.
- Excellent leadership and team management skills, with the ability to lead cross-functional teams and work collaboratively across departments.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present complex financial information to non-financial stakeholders, including elected officials and the public.
- High level of organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Work Environment:
This is a hybrid role that allows for both in-office and remote work flexibility, with an expectation to be on-site as needed for meetings and collaboration. Standard office hours are Monday through Friday, with occasional evening or weekend work required during budget season or financial reporting deadlines.
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