Finance Director

Whatcom County seeks an experienced and proven Finance Director to provide strategic planning and leadership to organization-wide financial, purchasing and payroll functions.   The Director will develop and manage the County's biennial budget, including forecasting revenue and expenditures.

 They will collaborate with the County Executive to implement long-term financial strategies to optimize financial resources.  They will supervise and develop staff, prepare comprehensive financial reports, and make presentations at County Council and other public meetings.  They will oversee the annual State financial audit process.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES

Provides strategic planning and leadership to manage organization-wide financial and purchasing functions including but not limited to: general ledger, preparation of annual financial report, preparation of biennial and mid-biennium budget, payroll, accounts payable, warrant processing, interfund transfers, grant accounting, and purchasing activities.

Oversees the preparation of the County budget.   Provides analysis of budget requests and cost estimates, evaluates the merit of proposals and provides written recommendations and information justifying recommendations.

 Assists the County Executive in other areas of budget and financial management, program development and internal communications.  Ensures accountability for the use of public resources.   Conducts financial analysis to identify trends, forecast revenue and expenditure, and make recommendations for budget adjustments, as needed.  Monitors changes in economic conditions and assesses potential impact on County's financial stability.

Prepares comprehensive financial reports for internal and external stakeholders, including financial statements, budget variance analyses, and cash flow projections.  Implements internal controls to safeguard County assets and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.

Monitors and maintains expenditures within approved budget.  Implements cost-effective measures and uses resources and technology to effectively increase productivity.  Negotiates and reviews County service contracts to assure consistency and conformance with legal requirements, policy and program direction, and appropriate process.

  Negotiates contracts for services between the department and outside entities or consultants.  Secures, monitors and assures compliance with grants and contracts.

Oversees and coordinates County efforts related to annual State financial audit.  Responds promptly to audit findings and provides specific action plan to correct an audit finding.

Attends and participates in Council and Committee meetings, makes oral presentations, and answers budget related questions.   Coordinates follow up activities as required by Council actions.

Collaborates with County Executive to develop long-term financial strategies and plans.  Provide financial analysis and recommendations to support decision-making on capital projects, economic development initiatives, and other strategic priorities.

 Develops and implements strategic short and long-range plans, programs, goals and objectives.  Facilitates and coordinates cooperative planning in conjunction with other departments and entities.  Reviews and updates planning recommendations.

 Directs activities with available personnel and in compliance with guidelines, procedures and regulations.  Promotes teamwork within the County.  Identifies trends and problems hindering progress and develops and implements recommendations for problem resolution. Recommends solutions for the most complex organizational issues.

Manages effective administration of the Finance Division including  team development and performance, financial management, efficient use of resources, legal compliance and timely execution of duties.

Selects new employees.  Determines training needs to meet changing system or program demands.

Establishes performance standards. Assigns, supervises and evaluates work consistent with assigned job description. Conducts and/or reviews performance evaluations to guide the development of employees, provide a record of performance and ensure consistent evaluations.

 Invests in the well-being and professional growth of employees.   Builds and enables high-functioning, results-oriented teams.  Interprets and applies collective bargaining agreements and personnel policies.

   Reviews, revises and authorizes consistent employment actions.  Initiates, documents and implements disciplinary actions.  Resolves and documents grievances, works in conjunction with Human Resources concerning grievances and on other sensitive personnel matters.

On an on-going basis, researches, reviews, interprets and prepares data to analyze and makes recommendations about which programs and/or major project proposals should be initiated, modified or dropped.   Sets policy, assesses and assures compliance, and interprets and applies regulations equitably.

 Assures appropriate policies, procedures and tasks are created and updated.  Ensures enforcement of ordinances, state and federal rules and regulations, policies and procedures.  Makes administrative decisions.

Insures operation of the finance function in a manner that preserves public trust in county government.

Responds to or supervises the resolution of the most sensitive or complex inquiries, complaints, emergencies or requests for information from other departments and the public in a courteous manner.   Emphasizes public accountability and a positive public service approach with staff.

 Identifies and addresses customer needs. Displays exemplary personal character and maintains composure under stressful situations.

Represents the County as spokesperson at public meetings.

For more information please see:

Finance Director Job Description

Finance Director Recruitment Brochure

Finance Division Website

2024 Salary:

Unrepresented Salary Range 16:  $10,233 - $14,859 per month

Hiring rate depends on qualifications.  This position receives annual pay increases to the next step in the associated salary range (apx. 3.8%) subject to satisfactory performance, in addition to any approved Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA). Bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, economics, business administration or a related field

6 years progressively responsible related experience in a senior financial management position

3 years of supervisory/management experience.

Master's degree or Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Certification preferred.

Demonstrated knowledge and experience of advance accounting and financial statement preparation.

Advanced proficiency in financial software and Microsoft Office Suite required.

Experience in the management of large multi-fund or governmental accounting systems including budgeting, accounting, purchasing, and financial reporting preferred.

Experience in enterprise resources planning (ERP) systems preferred.

At its sole discretion, Whatcom County may consider combinations of education, experience, certifications, and training in lieu of specifically required qualifications contained herein.

Save The Date!

• July 18, 2024:   First round of interviews (virtual)
• July 31, 2024:  On-site interview (finalists only)

Distinguish yourself in public service and make a commitment to our future.

Whatcom County, WA is truly special and a great place to call home!