Finance Director

Chehalis, WA (pop. 7,645) seeks an up-and-coming finance professional for its next Finance Director. The ideal person will be committed to providing quality financial services to the City of Chehalis’ departments and the public. The current Finance Director is retiring after a successful career. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced professional looking to make a difference in an active and growing community.

Chehalis is a full-service, stand-alone city with a Council-Manager form of government, a full-time staff of 100, and a combined budget of $$32.3 million. The City enjoys an unallocated 13% general fund balance and a bond rating of A+ from S&P.

Located along Western Washington’s I-5 corridor, Chehalis is midway between Seattle and Portland. Only an hour from the Pacific Ocean to the west and close to mountain sports, golf, and fishing, the area offers unparalleled scenic locations and outdoor opportunities -- including views of Boistfort Peak and three nearby volcanic mountains (Mt. St. Helens, Mt. Adams, Mt. Rainier).

Chehalis is a generous and friendly community with an historic, small-town vibe, and a relaxed, rural lifestyle. Chehalis residents enjoy easy access to cultural activities, fairs, concerts, and a wide assortment of annual events. Chehalis is a community where neighbors know they can rely on one another.

The Chehalis School District serves 2,600 students with comprehensive and challenging academic and extra-curricular programs. Housing is affordable with options ranging from new construction to renovated historic homes. Acreage is readily available with scenic timber and farmlands giving way to views of snowcapped mountains. Chehalis is a place people like to come back to. The successful candidate will enjoy a high quality of life and an enhanced family/work balance.

Chehalis Finance Department

Under the direct supervision of the City Manager and exercising supervisory responsibilities over the three (3) finance department personnel, the Director is the highest departmental authority on all matters of policy, operations, and personnel actions.

The Finance Director provides leadership and direction in the development of long-range plans, goals, and objectives; gathers and prepares data for studies, reports, and recommendations; and coordinates division activities with other city departments and federal, state, county, and local agencies. The Finance Department’s services include budgeting, accounting, and financial reporting. The Finance Manager is responsible for the preparation of the annual financial statements and coordinates the annual audits with the State Auditor's Office. In addition, the Finance Department processes payroll, accounts payable, and tracks miscellaneous accounts receivable and grants for all departments. The Finance Department manages the city's cash and investment portfolio, along with the city's debt servicing and ensures adequate debt capacity.

The next Finance Director needs to be a doer, be consultative, and take responsibility for planning and supporting staff while overseeing and mentoring team outcomes. The ideal person will excel at translating technical finance information while employing strategic thinking and assisting other departments and policymakers.

Candidate Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business or public administration, finance, accounting, economics, or a related field
• Five (5) to eight (8) or more years of progressively responsible experience in public financial management, financial reporting, budgeting, or any equivalent combination of education, experience, and training
• Two (2) to four (4) four years of administrative and supervisory experience
• Demonstration of ongoing professional training (classes, seminars, conferences, etc.)
• Fund accounting, budget preparation, and administration experience
• Strong ethical standards

Preferences

• Registration, or eligibility for registration, as a Certified Public Accountant

Compensation & Benefits

• $102,960 to $125,184 starting salary, with increases to $111,358 to 135,395 by 2025 (DOQ/E), plus relocation assistance and a comprehensive benefits package. Apply with a cover letter, resume, and three professional references.

Candidates should apply at www.GovHRjobs.com no later than November 30, 2023. The position will remain open until filled. Call Ryan Cotton, Vice President, GovHR USA. Tel: 847-380-3240, ext. 114 for questions. Position starts in January. The City of Chehalis is an Equal Opportunity Employer and participates in E-Verify.