Finance Director

Pasco, Washington, is a rapidly growing city with over 80,000 residents, experiencing significant population and income growth since 2016. Known for its natural beauty and outstanding public facilities, Pasco offers a stable economy, low crime rates, comprehensive public transportation, top-notch medical facilities, and award-winning educational services. The city's strategic location and access to major highways, the Port of Pasco, and the Tri-Cities Airport make it a hub for business and travel. Pasco has earned national recognition for its excellence and is ideal for families and businesses, offering safety, innovation, and a dynamic community.

SUMMARY OF POSITION

Serve as the City’s Finance Director, responsible for overseeing the City's financial health, strategic planning, and treasury functions as mandated by R.C.W. and the City of Pasco Municipal Code. This role provides high-level financial leadership, ensuring transparency, fiscal sustainability, and compliance with all regulatory requirements.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Additional job functions may vary due to department or City needs/requirements. Assignments may include but are not limited to:

Strategic Financial Leadership 

• Develop and implement long-term financial strategies aligned with the City’s operational goals and capital improvement plans. 
• Provide expertise in budget formulation, ensuring financial planning supports the City's priorities. 
• Present financial reports and analysis to the City Council, City Manager, and other stakeholders to support data-driven decision-making. 
• Engage with external auditors, regulatory agencies, and the public to ensure financial transparency and compliance. 
• Advise the City Manager and leadership team on fiscal matters, policy development, and financial trends impacting the City.

Financial Oversight & Compliance

•  Ensure accounting processes comply with Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) standards and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). 
• Coordinate and direct the annual budget process, ensuring adherence to Washington State Budgeting, Accounting, and Reporting System (BARS). 
• Monitor revenues and expenditures to maintain sound fiscal control and budget compliance. 
• Oversee the City’s accounting and financial reporting functions, including compliance with grant requirements and audit processes. 
• Manage debt issuance and treasury functions, working with Bond Counsel to ensure compliance with debt covenants.

Technology & Financial Systems

• Implement and oversee financial technology solutions, including Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems and automation tools to improve efficiency and accuracy.
• Leverage data analytics for financial forecasting and reporting. 
• Ensure proper integration and utilization of financial software and systems to support City operations

Leadership & Team Management 

• Supervise, motivate, and provide strategic direction to Finance Department staff. 
• Model and foster the City's core values, establishing a high-performing and collaborative work culture.
• Evaluate staff performance and provide professional development opportunities to enhance team capabilities.
• Committed to transparency, accuracy, and public accountability in financial reporting.
• Operational & Support Responsibilities
• Oversee utility billing, accounts payable, and accounts receivable.
• Develop and implement internal controls, policies, and procedures to safeguard City assets.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local financial regulations.
• Direct resolution of complex financial guidance to all City departments. 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

The minimum amount of knowledge, skill, and ability necessary to competently perform the essential functions of the position.

Knowledge of:

• Governmental Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and Washington State Budgeting, Accounting, and Reporting System (BARS).
• The theory and application of governmental accounting and financial management.
• Cash management, investment strategies, and best practices in municipal finance.
• Utility billing, accounts payable, and accounts receivable functions.
• Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, financial software, and cloud-based financial management tools.
• Business intelligence tools and financial analytics software (e.g., Power BI, Tableau, or GIS for financial planning).
• Statistical financial forecasting, risk assessment, and economic trend analysis.
• Cybersecurity best practices in financial systems and risk management protocols.
• Legal requirements, regulations, and laws applicable to municipal finance, federal and state grants, and bond issuance, management, and reporting.
• Fiscal management, including internal controls, budget preparation, expenditure management, and recordkeeping.
• Sustainability funding mechanisms, including climate-conscious financial planning and grant acquisition for environmental initiatives.

Ability to:

• Direct, plan, organize, coordinate, and evaluate the work of subordinates effectively.
• Research and implement new Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) statements and Washington State Budget Accounting and Reporting System (BARS) guidance as applicable to the City of Pasco.
• Apply current auditing and proper accounting methods and procedures while maintaining appropriate accounting records.
• Utilize data-driven insights and predictive modeling for strategic financial planning.
• Implement and oversee financial automation tools to improve efficiency and reporting accuracy.
• Prepare and analyze financial reports and statements and present findings to leadership and stakeholders in a clear and concise manner.
• Develop departmental objectives and conduct strategic financial planning.
• Analyze and evaluate operations and implement improved procedures or corrective actions as necessary.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships within the organization and with elected officials, external auditors, regulatory agencies, and the general public.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with individuals and groups regarding complex or sensitive financial matters.
• Provide sound financial advice to City leadership and departments.
• Organize and prioritize a variety of projects and multiple tasks in an effective and timely manner.
• Work independently with little or no direction, set priorities, and meet critical deadlines.
• Foster a culture of fiscal responsibility, transparency, and ethical stewardship of public funds.
• Adapt to emerging technologies, financial tools, and industry best practices to enhance financial operations and reporting.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

Any equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the applicant with the knowledge, skills and abilities required to perform the job.

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, Finance, Public Administration, or a related field.
• Seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in financial management including five (5) years of experience in a senior management position. 
• A record of effective work with elected officials and significant experience in higher level accounting, budgeting and fiscal management preferred.

Preferred Industry Background

• While municipal experience is preferred, candidates may also come from: 
• State or Federal Government Finance 
• Special Districts & Public Utilities 
• Higher Education Finance 
• Healthcare or Large Nonprofit Financial Leadership 
• Corporate Finance with public sector crossover

LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS, AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

Certain licenses and certificates, if required, may be acquired on the job as agreed upon by the City and employee. Subject to change based on operational needs.

• Valid Washington State driver license. 
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Public Finance Officer (CPFO) highly preferred. 

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Work is primarily performed in an office environment while stationed at a desk using a computer. Duties also require travel to meetings.