Description

JOB SUMMARY

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.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Note: The list below is intended only to illustrate the various types of work that may be performed.  The omission of specific statements does not exclude them from the position. 

Department Leadership & Representation 

Provides financial support, advice, and guidance to all City departments.
Represents the Finance Department in the absence of the Finance Director.
Assesses and monitors workload, administrative and support systems, and internal reporting relationships; identifies opportunities for improvement and implements changes.
Maintains confidentiality of work-related issues, client records, and City information.
Regular attendance is an essential requirement; performs related work as assigned or required. 
 

Budget Development & Financial Planning 

Assists the Finance Director in preparing and monitoring the annual City budget.
Supports development of the Capital Improvement Program.
Assesses annual revenue and expenditure projections for use in the budget.
Assists 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 

Oversees and coordinates 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.
Prepares State, Federal, and other agency reports, ensuring compliance with statutes and regulations.
Works with the State Auditor during the annual audit to ensure compliance.
Ensures the City’s accounting structure complies with Washington State BARS (Budgeting, Accounting & Reporting System).   
 

Accounting Operations & Internal Controls 

Directs 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.
Conducts internal audits in accordance with City ordinances/resolutions, State laws, and GAAP.
Directs 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 

Manages the investment and cash position of all City funds to ensure investment returns are maximized consistent with City investment policies. 
 

Utility Services Management 

Manages utility billing for a number of city utilities, including water, wastewater, stormwater, ambulance, and garbage. Oversees all aspects of utility billing, including meter reading, shut offs, utility billing, ambulance billing, work orders, and utility billing software processes.  
Conducts and oversees rate studies.
Manages and negotiates franchise agreements, including but not limited to the garbage franchise.
Ensures compliance with changing regulations such as state recycling and composting requirements. 
Prepares and presents reports, resolutions, ordinances, and other documents to the City Council and the public.

Requirements

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED BY THIS POSITION

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 design, and workflow optimization.
Familiarity with ERP systems (e.g., Tyler/MUNIS, Springbrook, or similar municipal platforms). 
 

Analytical & Technical Skills 

Skilled in complex financial analysis, forecasting, revenue modeling, and interpreting financial trends.
Strong ability to prepare and review financial statements, audit schedules, and large data sets.
Proficiency with advanced Excel functions, financial modeling tools, and reporting software.  
 

Leadership & Management Skills 

Ability to supervise and mentor staff; delegate work effectively.
Skill in project management, process improvement, and change management.
Skilled in cross departmental collaboration and providing financial guidance to non-finance staff. 
 

Communication Skills 

Ability to communicate complex financial matters clearly, both orally and in writing, to City leadership, elected officials, staff, and the public.
Skilled in preparing professional reports, financial summaries, and public facing material.
 

Regulatory & Audit Readiness 

Ability to ensure compliance with State BARS, GAAP, grant requirements, and internal control standards.
Ability to coordinate annual financial audits, respond to auditor inquiries, and implement corrective action plans. 
 

Strategic Financial Leadership 

Ability to assist in long-term financial planning, capital project forecasting, debt management, and policy development.
Ability to develop and recommend financial strategies that support City goals and regulatory requirements. 
 

Operational Oversight 

Ability to direct daily financial operations including accounting, payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable, procurement, utility billing, and treasury functions.
Ability to assess processes, identify inefficiencies, and lead improvements. 
 

Professional Attributes

Ability to maintain confidentiality and manage sensitive financial information with integrity.
Ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines, and manage competing priorities.
Ability to act as Finance Director in their absence and represent the City with professionalism.