Finance Manager

Job Description

Finance Manager

Industry: Municipal Government | Public Sector Finance & Accounting

Location: Tri-Cities, WA

Employment Type: Full-Time

Relocation Assistance: May be available based on qualifications and individual circumstances

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced and collaborative Finance Manager to lead financial operations within a municipal government organization in the Tri-Cities area.

This leadership position oversees accounting operations, financial reporting, budgeting, debt administration, financial systems, and internal controls while supporting long-term financial planning and organizational objectives.

Reporting to the Finance Director, the Finance Manager will lead a team of accounting professionals, partner with departmental leadership, and play a critical role in ensuring financial transparency, regulatory compliance, and responsible stewardship of public resources.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

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• Financial Leadership & Team Management: Lead, mentor, and develop accounting and finance personnel, overseeing performance, training, workload distribution, and departmental operations.
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• Governmental Accounting & Reporting: Oversee financial reporting, general ledger activities, year-end close, and preparation of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR).
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• Budget Development & Administration: Support the preparation, implementation, and monitoring of operating and capital improvement budgets.
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• Financial Planning & Analysis: Develop financial models, forecasts, projections, and reports to support organizational planning and executive decision-making.
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• Audit & Regulatory Compliance: Coordinate financial audits and ensure compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), governmental accounting standards, and applicable regulations.
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• Grant & Capital Project Accounting: Oversee financial tracking, reporting, and compliance associated with grants and Capital Improvement Program (CIP) projects.
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• Debt Administration: Manage municipal debt compliance, reporting requirements, and financial analysis related to bonds and other financing activities.
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• Financial Systems & Internal Controls: Evaluate accounting systems, maintain financial records, strengthen internal controls, and recommend process improvements.
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• Cross-Department Collaboration: Partner with executive leadership, department directors, and operational teams to support financial objectives and resource allocation.
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• Executive Leadership Support: Assist the Finance Director with strategic initiatives, presentations, financial recommendations, and departmental priorities. Represent finance leadership when needed.
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Required Qualifications

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• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.
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• Minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in financial reporting, accounting, budgeting, or financial management.
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• At least three years of supervisory, team leadership, or project management experience.
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• Strong understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and financial reporting requirements.
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• Experience managing complex accounting operations, budgets, internal controls, and financial analysis.
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• Strong leadership, analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
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• Ability to interpret financial regulations, identify operational improvements, and communicate complex financial information to organizational leadership.
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• Ability to successfully complete required background screening.
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Preferred Qualifications

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• Previous financial leadership experience within municipal government, public administration, or another public sector organization.
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• Experience with governmental accounting standards and Washington State's Budgeting, Accounting and Reporting System (BARS).
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• Experience preparing or contributing to an Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR).
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• Familiarity with municipal operating budgets, capital improvement programs, grants, and governmental fund accounting.
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• Experience supporting public-sector audits, debt administration, and bond financing.
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• Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Public Finance Officer (CPFO), or related professional certification preferred.
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Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a strategic, hands-on finance leader who combines strong technical accounting expertise with the ability to lead teams, improve financial processes, and support organizational decision-making.

Candidates with backgrounds in municipal finance, governmental accounting, public utilities, public administration, or other complex, highly regulated financial environments are encouraged to apply.

This opportunity is particularly well suited for an experienced Accounting Manager, Assistant Finance Director, Finance Manager, Senior Controller, or public-sector financial leader ready to take the next step in their career.