What are the responsibilities and job description for the Public Finance Associate position at Special Districts Association of Oregon?
Application Instructions:
Position closes for application 12 noon on August 12, 2026 - Applicants must provide a resume and completed application - an application can be sent to you by requesting one at hr@sdao.com or go to https://www.sdao.com/sdao-public-finance-associate for more information, full job description and an application - submit application packets to hr@sdao.com - incomplete application packets will not be considered.
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Help Local Governments Build Stronger Communities Through Strategic Financing
Are you a finance professional who enjoys solving complex problems, analyzing data, and helping public agencies achieve their goals? Do you want your work to have a direct impact on infrastructure, schools, utilities, public services, and community development projects?
We are seeking a Public Finance Associate to join our Advisory Services team.
As the Public Finance Associate, you will play an integral role in municipal debt financing projects, providing financial analysis, regulatory support, project coordination, and client service. From helping local governments secure funding for major capital projects to supporting annual disclosure requirements, your work will contribute to the successful delivery of essential public services.
What You'll Do
Support Public Financing Projects
- Assist with the planning, structuring, and execution of municipal debt financings.
- Support financing projects from initial data gathering through closing.
- Help develop financing schedules, term sheets, closing documents, and project timelines.
- Coordinate project activities and communications among clients, advisors, legal counsel, and financing partners.
Perform Financial Analysis
- Analyze financial data, budgets, debt structures, and repayment scenarios.
- Prepare reports, spreadsheets, and financing models using Excel and specialized public finance software.
- Assist with bond rating reviews, insurance evaluations, and financing option analyses.
- Verify financial information and ensure the accuracy of reports and supporting documentation.
Ensure Regulatory Compliance
- Prepare and maintain financing records and disclosure documents.
- Assist with annual continuing disclosure filings and regulatory reporting requirements.
- Support compliance with municipal advisory regulations, federal securities laws, and industry standards.
- Monitor documentation to ensure adherence to internal procedures and legal requirements.
Build Strong Client Relationships
- Work directly with local governments, school districts, special districts, and public agencies.
- Participate in client meetings, presentations, and public meetings.
- Prepare professional correspondence, requests for proposals (RFPs), and presentation materials.
- Collaborate with senior municipal advisors to develop recommendations and solutions for clients.
What Makes This Role Exciting?
This is more than a finance job. It's an opportunity to:
- Help communities fund critical infrastructure and essential public services.
- Gain hands-on experience in municipal finance and debt issuance.
- Work with a variety of public-sector organizations across the state.
- Develop expertise in bond financing, financial analysis, regulatory compliance, and public-sector budgeting.
- Enjoy a collaborative environment while maintaining significant autonomy and responsibility.
Education, Experience, and Certification/Licensure:
Required
- Bachelor’s degree in business administration, accounting, finance, public administration, or closely related field.
- Minimum of two years in public finance, municipal finance, accounting or related financial services; familiarity with bond markets and public sector funding.
- Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board (“MSRB”) - Passing the Series 50 Examination will be required as well has registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission and the MSRB.
- OR
- An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job will be considered
Desired
- Master’s degree in business administration, accounting, finance, public administration, or closely related field
- Experience working within the public sector in a position related to financial and debt management
- Experience with budgeting and accounting of governmental entities.
*Note: there is some flexibility as to where the successful candidate can work from but will need to be in a commutable distance to the Salem/Tigard Oregon area to be able to meet with members and work with the Director of Advisory Services