Assistant Finance Director

The City of Newport is seeking a qualified and dedicated individual to serve as Assistant Finance Director. This role offers a meaningful opportunity to contribute to the responsible stewardship of public resources and to support essential city services that directly impact the well-being of the community.

The Assistant Finance Director will play a key role in overseeing core financial operations while advancing the long-term fiscal sustainability of the City’s programs, services, and infrastructure. In addition to technical leadership, this position carries significant responsibility for mentoring and developing finance staff—fostering a collaborative, knowledgeable, and high-performing team. The successful candidate will demonstrate a genuine commitment to guiding others, sharing expertise, and building internal capacity across the department.

The ideal candidate will bring not only strong technical expertise, but also a deep commitment to public service, accountability, and transparency. This is an opportunity to make a lasting impact—both within the organization and in the broader community it serves.

YOUR ROLE IN THE COMMUNITY

WHAT YOU'LL DO:

In this role, you will supervise the day-to-day operations of the Finance Department—including payroll, accounts payable and receivable, the general ledger, and financial reporting—while also assisting with the development, monitoring, and analysis of both annual and supplemental budgets; assisting in the creation of financial policies, internal controls, and system improvements; and supporting, developing, cross-training, and stepping in for staff as needed, including serving as acting Finance Director in their absence.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Supervise finance staff (A/P, A/R, payroll, reporting, audits)
• Manage financial software (Caselle)
• Assist with budget preparation, monitoring, and reporting
• Approve journal entries, cash transfers, and deposits
• Oversee cash flow, debt payments, and P-card usage
• Coordinate audits and produce financial reports
• Improve policies, internal controls, and systems
• Provide backup for payroll and project accounting

WHY WORK WITH US?

At the City of Newport, we are committed to delivering services with integrity, compliance, and collaboration. You'll be part of a supportive team that believes in professional growth, transparency, and serving the public with excellence. This is more than just a job—it’s a chance to make a meaningful impact in your community.

Initial applications will be reviewed on Thursday, August 14, 2025, but the position will remain open until filled.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Experience

• Bachelor degree in accounting plus 1 year related financial leadership experience

OR

• Associate degree in accounting with at least 5 years progressive financial work experience

IDEAL QUALIFICATIONS

• CPA designation preferred
• Knowledge of GASB standards and experience with CAFR preparation is a plus
• Familiarity with Oregon Budget Law or ability to complete training within 6 months
• Experience leading and managing staff

Skills and Strengths:

• Strong leadership and team-building skills
• Expertise in governmental accounting, budget management, and internal controls
• Proficiency in financial software (Caselle experience a bonus)
• Excellent analytical, communication, and problem-solving abilities
• Ability to manage competing priorities and work effectively under pressure

Abilities:

• Create and interpret complex financial reports
• Supervise staff effectively
• Communicate clearly and work under pressure
• Maintain confidentiality

QUALIFICATIONS

MINIMUM/MANDATORY EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

Any equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the duties as described. A typical way to obtain the knowledge, skills, and abilities would be a Bachelor’s Degree in accounting, AND one (1) year related experience, OR an Associate’s Degree in accounting or a related field with five (5) years of progressive experience.

KNOWLEDGE: Knowledge of governmental accounting theory, principles, and practices. Knowledge of internal control procedures, management information systems, office automation, computerized financial applications, payroll, and accounts payable functions. Knowledge of budgetary, accounting and reporting systems (GAAFR, GAAP). Knowledge of federal and state laws, rules, and regulations relating to budget laws.

SKILLS: Skill in the use of personal computers, various related software programs, and standard office equipment. Strong time management, analytical, organization, and prioritization skills. Customer service orientation and skills. Effective team building skills, conflict resolution, and leadership. Exceptional interpersonal skills, and the ability to work well with managers, supervisors, employees, and the general public. Strong oral and written communications skills with a variety of audiences. competence in business English, spelling, and punctuation. Strong reasoning, analysis, and problem-solving skills, combined with excellent judgment and professionalism. Strong math skills.

ABILITIES: Ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with city management, employees, other entities, and the general public. Ability to prepare and analyze complex financial reports, and maintain efficient and effective financial systems and procedures. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with individuals and groups. Ability to communicate complex material in a simple, understandable manner. Ability to effectively supervise staff, and establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees. Ability to learn the budgetary, accounting, and reporting systems of GASB and CAFR. Ability to elicit information and cooperation from individuals and groups. Ability to thrive in an intense work environment with numerous interruptions and conflicting demands. Ability to honor the confidentiality required of this position. Ability to manage multiple demands and deadlines occurring simultaneously. Physical ability to perform the essential job functions.

WORKING CONDITIONS/WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work location is primarily indoors where work occurs under usual office working conditions.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Supervises the Finance department staff in the absence of the Finance Director including assigning and reviewing work, altering workloads, evaluating performance and conducting appraisals. Makes recommendations regarding interviewing, hiring, disciplining, and firing to comply with policies and procedures.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Work is performed under the general direction of the Finance Director.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The employee is frequently required to sit, stand, bend, kneel, stoop, communicate, reach, and manipulate objects. The position requires mobility, including the ability to frequently lift or move materials up to 5 pounds, and occasionally lift or move materials up to 25 pounds. Manual dexterity and coordination are required more than 50% of the work period to operate such equipment such computers, keyboards, telephones, and standard office equipment.

HOW TO APPLY

All applications for this position must be submitted via our online application system at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/cityofnewport

Only complete applications will be considered, and application review will continue until position is filled. Please do not fax, mail or e-mail any documentation. You will receive a confirmation email when your application has been successfully submitted.

The City of Newport is an EEO employer and veteran's preference provider. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under state, federal, or local law.

The City of Newport follows Oregon law regarding Veterans’ Preference in Public Employment. If you are requesting Veterans’ Preference, you must complete the Veteran’s Preference Form and attach a copy of your DD214 / DD215. If you are a disabled veteran, you must also include a copy of your Veteran's Administration benefit summary/award letter with your application.

All offers of employment are subject to successful completion of a background check, reference checking, and in the case of safety sensitive positions, drug and alcohol testing.