Finance Director

The Finance Department provides an array of services such as budgeting, accounting, financial reporting, investment of city funds, financial policy development, payroll administration, debt management, risk management, and purchasing. The Department also has a key responsibility in generating the Proposed and Final city budget, and in preparing the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) for the City. Other financial related reports are issued for management decision-making and for external reporting purposes.

The Department also provides support in developing and implementing effective systems and processes to assure the timely delivery of high-quality municipal services. Examples include the community satisfaction survey, strategic planning, and performance management. The Department is committed to providing timely and accurate financial information and professional services to our customers.

SUMMARY OF DUTIES:

This position is responsible for supervision and maintenance of the City’s financial functions at a professional level. This includes accounts payable, accounts receivable, biennial budgeting, capital assets, financial forecasting, investments, payroll and utility billing (water, sewer and storm water). The position advises the City Manager and department directors on financial issues and provides quarterly financial reports to the City Council.

The position supervises a staff of eight employees, including a Finance Manager, two coordinators, and five Finance Technicians.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class. Employees are required to be in attendance and prepared to begin work at their assigned work location on the specified days and hours. Factors such as regular attendance at the job are not routinely listed in job descriptions but are an essential function. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Prepare City-wide financial statements to ensure compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and CAFR requirements.
• Provide financial information required by the State Auditor’s office as outlined in the state mandated Budgeting, Accounting and Reporting System (BARS).
• Assure accounting records are in balance with actual cash, investments, accounts receivable, deposits, etc. Adjust journal entries as needed.
• Analyze computer-generated reports for project accounting, payroll, utility billing, general ledger, etc., to assure proper controls and systems operations.
• Make recommendations on system improvements and updates.
• Prepare system queries as needed.
• Train Finance Department staff to proficiently use hardware and software systems.
• Perform or supervise grant accounting and prepare reimbursement billings to other agencies.
• Control and supervise outside billings for City services.
• Reconcile delinquent accounts.
• Complete surveys to other agencies and organizations as required.
• Assure all the work necessary to prepare the biennial budget is performed. Work includes development of the Budget Schedule, preparation of Budget instructions, preparation of insurance cost allocations, labor costs, overhead cost allocations, equipment rentals, budget summaries/preparation of non-department budget, coordination of all budget requests for the City Manager, etc.
• Complete special projects as needed, such as revenue studies, cost studies, etc.
• Assist other departments in accounting matters, such as rate studies, grants, contract administration of accounting procedures, etc.
• Serve as a member of senior management, participating in strategic planning efforts and addressing city-wide policy and management issues.
• Supervise Finance Department staff, responsible for hiring, training, providing performance feedback, promptly addressing performance issues, and administering progressive disciplinary action, when indicated.
• Manage Finance Department staff workload planning, scheduling and work procedures.
• Assist, as needed, in confidential labor negotiation computations, evaluation of proposal cost impacts, etc.
• Present issues and recommendations on major issues requiring policy direction to appropriate advisory groups and the City Council.
• Stay informed of new trends, developments, laws, and regulations impacting the activities of the Finance Department.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The duties, essential functions and qualifications contained in this job description reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions, the level of knowledge, and scope of the responsibility typically required of the job. It should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned including work in other functional areas to cover absences, to equalize peak work periods, or to otherwise balance the workload.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in accounting, finance or related field; CPA is preferred.
• Seven years of increasingly responsible experience in the municipal accounting field and at least three years of experience supervising a team. Demonstrated experience in municipal accrual accounting and reporting is preferred.
• Continuing professional and general education study are required to enable the incumbent to stay abreast of emerging issues impacting the position.

ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must pass a thorough pre-employment background investigation.
• Must have a valid Washington State driver's license (or be able to attain at time of appointment) and a driving record acceptable to the City's insurance carrier.
• Verification of identity and United States work authorization must be completed as required by the Immigration Reform and Control Act.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of municipal accounting and auditing including enterprise funds. Considerable knowledge of Generally Accepted Auditing Standards (GAAS) and GAAP.
• Knowledge of financial system design and analysis, statistical methods, and general economics.
• Knowledge of the principles of supervision and management, including participative management.
• Ability to apply sound judgment to administrative and fiscal practices.
• Ability to write clear, comprehensive explanatory texts to accompany financial reports.
• Ability to manage complex spreadsheets and datasets.
• Ability to prepare accounting/financial data projections.
• Ability to present ideas effectively to a variety of stakeholders, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, other city employees and department leaders, City Councilmembers, and the public.
• Ability to act as a staff advisor to the City Council and the City Manager.
• Ability to appropriately navigate the City's political environment with appropriate sensitivity and professionalism.
• Skill in effective, clear and persuasive oral and written communications about the City's finances to individuals and groups.
• Skill in fostering a work environment that is respectful and inclusive.
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office Suite applications, and in financial software such as Munis and payroll systems.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Duties are primarily performed in an office environment. Prolonged sitting is often required for office work.
• Night meetings and travel for meetings and conferences are associated requirements for this position.
• Effective hearing and speaking are required to exchange information and deliver presentations.
• Ability to communicate verbally and in writing, in person and via telephone.
• Ability to set up equipment for program and facility use, including ability to lift and move equipment up to 50 lbs. to set up for public meetings.
• The environment is sometimes stressful, working independently under tight deadlines, with distractions and interruptions, and requires the ability to shift priorities rapidly.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

To apply for this position, please submit an online City of Mountlake Terrace job application, resume, and a cover letter describing how your experience aligns with the stated duties and qualifications via www.cityofmlt.com/Jobs.aspx or HRCity@mltwa.gov by 4:00 PM (Pacific Time) Friday, August 2, 2024. Please note, incomplete submissions may not be considered. The City reserves the right to review applications prior to this date and may select a finalist for the position at any time; therefore, you are encouraged to submit your application as soon as possible.

The City of Mountlake Terrace is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to diversity and equity and creating an inclusive workforce and community.

This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the City and the employee and is subject to change by the City as the needs of the City and the requirements of the job change.