Deputy Finance Director

Salary Range 12,554.00 - 18,831.00

Job Summary

Public finance is about more than numbers. It is about trust. Stewardship. Making thoughtful choices with public resources. Building systems that work. Developing people. And helping an organization make sound decisions today while preparing for what comes next. The City of Vancouver is seeking a Deputy Finance Director who is ready to take on that responsibility at an executive level. As the principal deputy to our Chief Financial Officer (CFO), you will help lead the City's Financial and Management Services Department and serve as a trusted strategic partner to the CFO, City leadership and departments across the organization. We are looking for an accomplished public finance professional who brings more than technical expertise. We need an executive who brings sound judgment, perspective and composure to complex situations; communicates with credibility; builds trust across organizational boundaries; and models the leadership expected throughout the organization. You will be a strategic thought partner to the CFO and other leaders on the financial issues shaping Vancouver's future. We are looking for someone who can evaluate competing considerations, anticipate downstream impacts and offer clear, objective advice—even when the advice is difficult. You will help leaders understand not only what the numbers say, but what the choices mean. This is an opportunity to help shape the financial future of a growing city—and to demonstrate what thoughtful, accountable and service- centered executive leadership looks like in public service.

Job Details

The Opportunity: The Financial and Management Services Department provides the financial foundation that supports the work of the City. Our responsibilities include budget, accounting and financial reporting, accounts payable, treasury, accounts receivable, internal audit, debt management, long‑run and strategic financial planning and financial systems. The department operates with approximately 46 positions and a $16.9 million budget. As Deputy Finance Director, you will work alongside the CFO to lead this broad portfolio while helping connect financial strategy to the larger needs of the organization and community. You will oversee day‑to‑day department operations, lead managers and supervisors, resolve issues that cross organizational boundaries and help translate complex financial information into choices leaders can act on. At times, you will serve as Acting CFO and represent the department with executive leadership, City Council and external partners. You will be expected to operate with the judgment, discretion, presence and organizational perspective that comes with representing the City's chief financial function. The successful candidate will receive professional and leadership development designed to prepare them to be competitive for the next Chief Financial Officer recruitment.

Essential Functions

Executive Leadership and Department Operations

Serve as the CFO’s principal deputy and provide leadership for day‑to‑day department operations, cross‑divisional coordination, and execution of department priorities.

Partner with the CFO to establish departmental priorities, performance expectations, organizational culture, and strategic initiatives.

Supervise, coach, and develop designated managers and supervisors; support succession planning and leadership development across the department.

Resolve cross‑functional operational issues, remove barriers to effective service delivery, and lead continuous improvement efforts.

Serve as Acting CFO as delegated and represent the department with executive leadership, City Council, and external partners when needed.

Financial Operations and Compliance

Provide executive leadership for governmental accounting and financial reporting, including complex accounting issues, year‑end close, ACFR preparation, audit coordination, and implementation of GAAP and GASB standards; provide executive oversight for treasury, cash and investment management, internal controls, and related financial administration.

Ensure timely and accurate preparation of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) and other mandated financial reports.

Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local requirements, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), and Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) standards.

Promote a strong internal‑control environment and coordinate resolution of audit findings, accounting issues, and operational risks.

Strategic Financial Leadership

Advise the CFO on fiscal issues, emerging trends, organizational impacts, and financial risks and opportunities.

Support development of financial policy, long‑range forecasts, multi‑year planning, revenue strategies, reserve analysis, and long‑term sustainability strategies.

Support the development of the City’s biennial operating and capital budget, providing operational and process oversight and support.

Assist with the development of the City’s debt strategy, bond issuance, credit‑rating strategy and financial risk management.

Participate in major capital financing, cost‑recovery, fee and enterprise financial‑policy initiatives as assigned.

Financial Systems and Enterprise Process Improvement

Provide executive leadership for financial systems strategy, governance, modernization, and continuous improvement.

Lead or co‑lead enterprise‑wide Enterprise Resource Planning software (ERP), upgrades and financial system initiatives in partnership with Information Technology, Finance divisions, operating departments, vendors, and executive sponsors.

Promote process redesign, automation, data quality, integration, reporting capability and effective use of technology across financial functions.

Lead change management, stakeholder engagement, governance, testing, training, and adoption activities necessary for successful system implementations.

Organizational Partnership, Training and Communication

Build strong working relationships across City departments and promote a responsive, solutions‑oriented partnership model.

Translate complex financial and systems issues into clear recommendations for executive leaders, elected officials, employees and other stakeholders.

Promote financial literacy, sound decision‑making and shared accountability for the City’s financial health.

Serve as a financial liaison to auditors, financial institutions, municipal advisors, credit rating agencies, regional partners and other external stakeholders as assigned by the CFO.

Emulates and demonstrates the City of Vancouver Values of collaborative, inclusive, innovative, compassionate and empowered to their team, colleagues, other leaders and the community.

Qualifications

The Ideal Candidate

A Strategic Partner Understands organization‑wide initiatives, department priorities, regional issues, and how they influence financial needs. Brings strong municipal‑finance judgment, asks thoughtful questions, identifies risks and opportunities, and provides candid, objective advice to the CFO and other leaders.

A Financial Operations Leader Has the technical credibility to work through accounting and reporting issues with professional staff while maintaining an executive perspective. Understands how finance business processes, data, controls, reporting and technology fit together and can lead cross‑functional ERP, budgeting‑system, or comparable modernization efforts.

A Collaborative Leader and Problem Solver Comfortably says “no” when necessary, but never reflexively. Help solve problems rather than protect the status quo, maintains an objective perspective and balances strategic thinking with the operational detail necessary to execute well. Influences without ego or territoriality and navigates relationships with elected officials, department heads, employees, technical professionals, vendors and diverse stakeholders. Provides steady guidance, candid feedback and solution‑oriented support.

Emotionally Intelligent and Resilient Responds to questions, scrutiny, ambiguity and change with humility, composure, curiosity and sound judgment. Helps teams navigate transition while maintaining trust and service continuity.

A Future‑Focused Thinker Recognizes trends early, plans for near‑and long‑term organizational growth, and connects financial strategy, systems, data and business processes. Frames choices impartially and strengthens the City’s readiness for growth, economic uncertainty, and evolving service needs.

Committed to Developing People Invests in managers and emerging leaders through coaching, feedback, succession planning and professional development.

Builds a collaborative culture in which people understand both their own responsibilities and how their work contributes to the department and City as a whole.

Qualifications: Experience and Education

At least 8 years of overall experience in governmental financial administration or accounting administration, of which four years should include complex governmental multi‑fund revenue and expenditure management. Supervisory experience overseeing accounting or budget managers and staff. Experience leading annual financial statement preparation preferred. Bachelor’s degree required, master’s degree and /or CPA preferred.

Computer Skills

Advanced Excel skills related to budgeting, forecasting and reporting Knowledge Advanced knowledge of government budgeting and accounting principles (GAAP, GASB) Principles of supervision and mentoring people Understanding of municipal debt management, taxation, and treasury management Pertinent federal, state and local laws that are relevant to Washington municipal finance Principles of process improvement Advanced skills in Excel Advanced understanding of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems Intermediate skills in Microsoft Word Outlook PowerPoint Use of personal computers and basic software

Skills & Abilities

Ability to build strong, high functioning teams and manage third party vendors and/or consultants. Ability to manage or oversee financial systems upgrades and improvements. Ability to see the big picture, think strategically, foresee issues, make connections, improve processes and act in the best interest of the City. Succinct, professional report writing Utilize effective conflict resolution techniques. Public speaking and presentations Data visualization and analysis Lead others in times of change Develop direct reports for through mentorship, collaborations and continuous learning opportunities Work in a manner consistent with the City of Vancouver’s Values: Empowered, Innovative, Compassion, Inclusive and Collaborative Ability to write clearly and cohesively, presenting issues and potential solutions. Build and foster positive and productive relationships with partners across departments. Responsiveness, organization, strong communication skills and excellent follow-through. Project and maintain a positive image with those contacted in the course of work Develop and maintain collaborative and respectful working relationships with team members and others Consistently provide quality service Maintain regular and dependable attendance Demonstrate a commitment to valuing differences among people and to being inclusive Show the utmost respect for others, and act as a team player Promote safety as a guiding principle and regular practice in accomplishing work by focusing on safe practices and complying with safety and health policies and procedures. Recognize unsafe conditions which may be hazardous to an employee or to the public. Work in safe and responsible manner; not putting self or others at risk. Comply with applicable policies and procedures including but not limited to using personal protective equipment, observing warning signs, learning about potential hazards, and reporting all unsafe conditions. Ensure a safe workplace in compliance with applicable policies, procedures and regulations; ensure supervised employees review the City Core Accident Prevention Plan, relevant safety policies and procedures, and training on illness and injury response and specific job‑related safety concerns. Report and appropriately elevate all safety issues and all injuries. Project and maintain a positive image with those contacted in the course of work Develop and maintains collaborative and respectful working relationships with team members and others Consistently provide quality service Maintain regular and dependable attendance

The City of Vancouver is committed to advancing equity and creating a welcoming and inclusive workplace. We recognize that progress depends on more than just verbal commitment; it depends on making meaningful organizational change. We developed and continue to develop strategies to enhance employee‑centered programs, eliminate recruitment and advancement barriers, elevate employee understanding of equity and inclusion and cultural competency and build a welcoming place to call work. We hope you’ll consider joining us on the journey!

The City of Vancouver believes every employee plays a role in maintaining a safe workplace. The City of Vancouver promotes safety as a guiding principle and practice and accomplishes work by creating safe work environments, complying with safety and health policies and procedures and consistently seeking improvements that support operational excellence.

At the City of Vancouver, we value and foster a workplace comprised of people with a range of different backgrounds, experiences and cultures. We recognize that a diverse and inclusive team is key to innovation, effectiveness and a positive culture. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. The City of Vancouver is dedicated to maintaining a work environment that extends equal opportunity to all individuals, regardless of their race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, marital status, veteran status, disability sexual orientation or gender identity. Employment decisions will be made to further the principle of equal employment opportunity and to comply with state, federal and local laws. We affirm through this policy statement our continuing commitment to the principles of equity and nondiscrimination.

Under Washington law, qualified veterans may be eligible for Veterans’ preference when applying for City of Vancouver positions. Honorably discharged Veterans, their surviving spouses or spouses of honorably discharged Veterans with a permanent and total service‑connected disability who would like to be considered for a Veterans’ preference for this job should provide the qualifying documents as instructed during the application process.

Accommodations will be considered for applicants or candidates with a qualifying disability that prevents them from participating in this process. Accommodations will be made where the City can reasonably provide them without imposing an undue hardship on the business or compromising the integrity of the recruitment process. An applicant with any disability who believes that they need an accommodation should contact Human Resources: call View phone number on click.appcast.io or email View email address on click.appcast.io

Job Posting End Date September 30, 2026

The City of Vancouver looks for people who are passionate about service and want to be part of the City’s ambition to become a more exceptional community. We value employees who are adaptable, innovative, collaborative and hold themselves to the highest standard of integrity and excellence in the spirit of public service. Our greatest assets are more than 950 people who make the City of Vancouver work every day. Whether architects or engineers, lawyers or accountants, police officers or firefighters, journeymen or apprentices, our employees work every day to make Vancouver a more safe, welcoming, vibrant and prosperous city. The services we provide touch every resident and business in the city. If you are looking for a challenging career where you can make a difference every day, the City may be the place for you. City departments span a wide range of specialties, from public works, parks, administration and human resources to communications, public safety, information technology, finance, economic development and law. The size and scope of our organization means that the opportunities we offer are as diverse as the people that work here. Beyond the City’s competitive salaries, our benefits and work environment support and encourage a healthy balanced lifestyle and ongoing development and learning opportunities. Working at the City is not just a “government” job. A career at the City can be a rewarding way to contribute to your community and earn a living. Our organization is made up of dynamic employees who enjoy the many opportunities and benefits offered by challenging and rewarding work.

Contact Human Resources Inside The City Application Help In conjunction with the Americans with Disabilities Act, disability will be considered only in context of an applicant's ability to perform essential functions of the job and to determine reasonable accommodation. The physical demands described in job announcements are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job or to perform your job. Announcement information can be made available in an alternative format by calling 711 (Relay Operator for the Deaf).