As a member of the City’s Executive Management Team, the Finance Director leads, plans, and oversees all financial and treasury operations in compliance with federal, state, and local laws and policies. This role sets the vision and strategic direction for the Finance Department, managing activities including accounting, budget development and oversight, financial reporting, banking and investments, purchasing, auditing, treasury and debt management, and loss prevention. The Finance Director supervises department staff, evaluates performance, and ensures effective internal controls and adherence to ordinances and regulations.

This position advises the City leadership and elected officials, provides consistent high-level reporting, ensures compliance with all public finance regulations, and safeguards the City's assets. The Finance Director leads a collaborative, forward-thinking budget process aligned with organizational values, and coordinates city-wide strategic financial planning, analysis, and reporting.




Why City of Lake Stevens?

• Work-life balance - We are committed to ensure that our staff experience the reward of public service, while also sustaining a routine that suits each individual's lifestyle.
• Work where you live!

The City of Lake Stevens offers a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Retirement - through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems.
• Deferred Compensation - with city match.
• Excellent healthcare options - including medical, dental, vision insurance, city-paid life insurance and long-term disability, health savings accounts (HSA), and Health Reimbursement Accounts (HRA/VEBA).
• Paid leave - including paid sick leave, paid vacation, flexible holidays, paid holidays, and bereavement leave.

See our benefits page for a complete list of all the benefits available to the City of Lake Stevens employees.



Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Plans, organizes and directs city-wide financial administration. Coordinates and plans activities with all city departments in areas of financial management; suggests ideas to accomplish departmental and City objectives supporting the city’s strategic plan.
• Serves as a confidential employee including the responsibility to inform and advise the Mayor, City Administrator and City Council regarding financial matters.
• Leads and supervises employees in the Finance Department. Oversees, monitors and evaluates assigned staff’s on-going performance and provides direction to attain the goals and objectives; directs necessary adjustments, as required.
• Interviews, trains and hires employees; plans, assists, directs, and evaluates work in progress and upon completion; appraises performance; performs corrective action; recommends promotion and disciplinary actions; addresses complaints; resolves problems; approves/schedules sick leave and vacation time; and recommends terminations as appropriate.
• Directs and oversees city-wide financial planning efforts including but not limited to: the operating budget, capital improvement programs, individual budget for special purpose/non-operating funds, financial forecasting, financial reporting, city investments, monitoring bond rating, maintaining the city’s budgeting model, budget transparency, and preparing bank reconciliations.
• Responsible for the duties and authority of City Treasurer as provided in RCW 35A.42.010, as applicable to the city.
• Responsible for the duties and authority of auditing officer as provided in RCW 42.24.080, as applicable to the city. Coordinates and oversees annual state audit.
• Oversees accounting, purchasing, investments, mandated and discretionary reports accounts receivable, accounts payable, and payroll in accordance City policies, legal requirements, and generally accepted accounting practices.
• Prepares the Department’s annual budget; manages department expenditures in accordance with approved budget; assuring the efficient and economical use of City resources.
• Represents the City on a wide variety of committees and organizations in a wide variety of circumstances to further City and Departmental goals, while supporting the city’s strategic plan.
• Analyzes and recommends appropriate financing strategies and funding sources for city services, projects and initiatives consistent with legal and policy requirements and prudent use of city resources. Analyzes major initiatives proposed by city departments and recommends appropriate financial strategies to the City Administrator.
• Supports the City Administrator in detailed financial analysis related to project financing, long-range planning, and economic development.
• Supports the city’s technology initiatives including the use of various tools, platforms and AI technology to aid in daily work, provide additional transparency and financial modeling.
• Maintains regular, predictable and reliable attendance.

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT
The physical demands and work environment characteristics described below and in the full job description (here) are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disability to perform the essential functions.

Work is performed in a typical office environment subject to working outside of normal working hours to meet critical timelines or to provide support in department emergency response events. While performing the duties of this position, the incumbent is subject to multiple interruptions by telephones and walk-ins by employees, elected officials and citizens; may be exposed to individuals who are irate or hostile. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Equipment utilized includes standard office equipment and personal computer with associated software and peripherals.

Evening or variable hours to attend meetings is required.
Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited educational institution in finance, accounting, public administration, business administration or related field;
Experience: Minimum of seven (7) years’ experience in managing governmental finances, including five years’ experience as a supervisor;
Or: Any combination of education and experience, which provides the applicant with the desired skills, knowledge and ability required to perform the job, may be substituted for these qualifications. Examples of these skills can be found in the full job description (here).


How to Apply
Applications for this recruitment will be accepted electronically. Your relevant experience may be evaluated to determine salary. Therefore, it is very important that the “Work Experience” portion of the application be completed in as much detail as possible. In order to be considered for this opportunity, please include the following with your online application:

• An attached resume outlining (in reverse chronological order) your experience to date.
• A cover letter explaining your qualifications and why you believe you are a viable candidate for this position
• Contact details for a minimum three (3) individuals who can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job-related competencies. This information can be entered in the “References” section of the online application; does not require an additional attachment.

The City of Lake Stevens is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, sex, age, color, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, marital status, genetic information, veteran’s status, disability, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law. There are no limitations to who's a best fit to serve this community. If we contact you for an interview and you need specific accommodations, please let us know. Please contact Human Resources at (425) 622-9400, ten (10) days in advance to allow time for us to make proper arrangements. You're also welcome to mail your request to City of Lake Stevens Human Resources, P.O. Box 257, Lake Stevens, WA 98258; or email to HR@lakestevenswa.gov.

City of Lake Stevens Hiring Statement
The City of Lake Stevens is committed to building a team that reflects the strengths, perspectives, and lived experiences of our growing community. Research has shown that many applicants may hesitate to apply unless they feel they meet every listed qualification. In Lake Stevens, we are most interested in finding candidates who can contribute to our mission of delivering exceptional public service, even if their paths or experiences are nontraditional. If you believe you can bring dedication, transferable skills, and a willingness to learn, we encourage you to apply. The City will consider any equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, and experience that supports successful performance in the role. Your unique background may be exactly what helps us serve our community better.