Finance Director

The City of Cle Elum is seeking an innovative and collaborative Finance Director to provide strategic leadership over the City’s financial operations, ensure long-term fiscal sustainability, and cultivate a culture of excellence, accountability, and customer service.

The Ideal Candidate

We are seeking a collaborative and strategic financial leader who is passionate about public service and committed to ensuring the long-term fiscal health of a growing community. The ideal candidate is an experienced municipal finance professional who combines technical expertise with sound judgment, exceptional integrity, and a collaborative leadership style.

As a key member of the City’s leadership team, the Finance Director will work closely with the Mayor, City Administrator, City Council, and department directors to develop responsible financial strategies,

oversee budgeting and accounting operations, manage grants and investments, and provide clear, accurate financial information that supports informed decision-making.

The successful candidate will bring a proactive, solutions-oriented approach, balancing day-to-day operational excellence with long-term financial planning and continuous improvement. They will be comfortable translating complex financial information into practical recommendations, building strong working relationships across the organization, and fostering a culture of accountability, transparency, and exceptional customer service.

We are looking for someone with demonstrated experience in local government finance, budget development, financial reporting, grant administration, and audit coordination. Strong leadership, analytical thinking, communication skills, and a commitment to continuous learning and professional excellence are essential to succeeding in this role.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in accounting, finance, business administration, or other closely related field.
• At least 5 or more years of progressively responsible experience in local government finance.
• Certified Public Finance Administrator Certification preferred.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Maintain and operate the general accounting system(s) for the City.
• Ensures all departments operate within approved budget parameters by implementing effective cost-control measures and monitoring revenues and expenditures to maintain sound fiscal management.
• Perform all municipal functions and duties relating to the preparation, audit, presenting and disbursement of claims, demands and payroll obligations of the City.
• Administers and manages all City Grants, ensuring compliance with grant requirements, monitoring expenditures, and completing all required reporting throughout the grant lifecycle.
• Assist the City Mayor and Administrator in the preparation and administration of the annual budget.
• Assist in developing City fiscal policy; recommend and approve City-wide financial policies.
• Prepare and present to the City Council monthly, quarterly, and annual statements and reports of the financial condition of the City, and other required financial reports as needed.
• Establish policies for and monitor all investment activities for the City’s investments.
• Oversee internal and external City audits.
• Prepare a comprehensive annual financial report in accordance with standards of the State Auditor’s Office.
• Oversee finance system replacement and/or enhancements and maintains an investment program for the city.
• Present issues and recommendations on major issues requiring policy direction to appropriate bodies and to the City Council.
• Keep informed of new trends, developments, laws, and regulations impacting the activities of the City.

In this role, there may be other tasks and duties as assigned by the Mayor or City Administrator, and the job functions are a representative sample but do not imply a complete listing of responsibilities.

Necessary Knowledge and Abilities

• Knowledge of a variety of office equipment, including computers, copiers, and phone systems.
• Understanding of principles, practices, and methods of municipal government and organizations.
• Strong understanding of BARS – governmental Baseline Accounting and Reporting System.
• Mathematical, language, and reasoning skills; ability to analyze and solve problems.
• Project a professional image and communicate effectively both in-person and in writing.
• A high degree of independent judgment, initiative, confidentiality, and discretion.

The Community

Located on the west side of Kittitas County and approximately 80 miles east of Seattle along I-90, Cle Elum is home to around 2,300 residents. The community is known for its mining and logging history and provides a family atmosphere with access to year-round outdoor activities like skiing, snowmobiling, hiking, fishing, camping and more. Cle Elum is known as the Heart of the Cascades and offers a strong culture of community.

Residents of Cle Elum experience all four seasons, with lush green springs, comfortably warm summers, colorful autumns, and snowy winters. Cle Elum is close to popular destinations like Snoqualmie Pass, the Pacific Crest Trail, and other locations prime for winter sports and summer hiking expeditions.

Schools

The Cle Elum School District provides quality education to K-12 students, serving over 950 students at their elementary, middle and high schools. Close by is Central Washington University, home of the Wildcats, where over 135 undergraduate majors and 32 master's degree programs can be obtained.

City Government

The City of Cle Elum operates under a Mayor-Council form of government with seven councilmembers. Each Councilmember is elected at-large for four-year terms on a staggered basis. The Finance Director is appointed by the Mayor, and approved by the council, and provides strategic leadership over the City’s financial operations. The City employs approximately 30 regular full-time employees, 5 part-time, seasonal and temporary staff, and partners closely with neighboring municipalities.

Compensation and Benefits

• Wage Range: $114,281 - $138,909
• Incentive Pay: Longevity
• Benefits: Paid Medical, Dental, and Vision Benefits (Employee Family), PERS Retirement System & $275 VEBA per Month, Vacation / Sick Time / 12 Paid Holidays / 1 Personal Day