City of Chelan Finance Director

Full-time - Senior

Chelan, WA

Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations

About the position

The Finance Director for the City of Chelan provides strategic leadership and comprehensive oversight of the City's financial operations, including budget development, financial reporting, and management of public funds. This role is responsible for ensuring fiscal responsibility and regulatory compliance across all city departments, including unique financial management needs for the Lake Chelan Airport and Lake Chelan Sewer District. The Finance Director will support the city's vision and goals by implementing sound financial practices, providing accurate financial insights, and maintaining transparency with stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and administer the city's annual budget in collaboration with department staff and the Mayor, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and fiscal sustainability.
• Develop and implement long-term financial strategies to support the City's sustainability and growth, including multi-year forecasting, capital planning, and identifying funding sources for future projects and infrastructure needs.
• Leverage ClearGov to facilitate the annual budgeting process by gathering data, reviewing requests, and presenting a transparent and accurate proposed budget to the City Council in adherence to MRSC guidelines.
• Manage cash flow, debt service, and investment portfolios for city funds, ensuring proper allocation and risk mitigation.
• Provide financial responsibility and guidance for special funds and entities, including Lake Chelan Airport and Lake Chelan Sewer District.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws and regulations, including the Washington State Auditor's Office guidelines, MRSC best practices, and IRS regulations.
• Oversee and coordinate the preparation for the City's annual audit with the Washington State Auditor's Office, ensuring timely submission of all required documentation, addressing audit findings, and implementing recommendations to maintain financial integrity and compliance with Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) requirements.
• Oversee and manage restricted use funds, ensuring compliance and responsible fund usage according to relevant legislation.
• Prepare, review, and present monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports for the City Administrator, City Council, and other stakeholders.
• Ensure timely completion and submission of financial reports, complying with all state and federal requirements.
• Develop and present financial reports and analysis for the Transportation Benefit District (TBD), ensuring transparency, fiscal accountability, and alignment with district funding priorities.
• Develop and provide financial analysis and reporting for the Tax Increment Finance District (TIF) assessing their impact on city finances and infrastructure.
• Supervise, mentor, and evaluate Finance Department staff, fostering a collaborative, professional, and results-driven team.
• Oversee staff assignments, professional development, and training to ensure high standards of financial accuracy and service.
• Oversee the City's utility billing operations, ensuring accurate and timely billing for all utility accounts, including water, sewer, and other services.
• Implement and maintain procedures for billing, payment processing, and customer service to ensure efficient and effective service delivery.
• Resolve complex billing issues and handle escalated customer inquiries with professionalism and clarity, fostering positive public relations.
• Collaborate with IT and Finance teams to update and optimize billing software and processes for improved accuracy, tracking, and reporting.
• Provide oversight and management of the Accounts Payable (AP) process to ensure timely, accurate, and compliant payment of obligations, while maintaining internal controls and minimizing errors.
• Oversee Payroll operations, ensuring accurate processing, compliance with federal and state labor laws, and timely payment of wages, benefits, and deductions.
• Serve as a key advisor to the Mayor, City Administrator and City Council, providing financial insights, policy recommendations, and strategic guidance.
• Build and maintain relationships with state and federal agencies, community organizations, and professional networks.
• Maintain positive relationships with the public by providing courteous and responsive support, addressing concerns with professionalism, and upholding a strong image for the City of Chelan in all interactions.
• Represent the City with integrity in meetings, community events, and public communications, ensuring transparency and building trust through reliable IT services and clear, respectful communication.
• Collaborate with Historic Downtown Chelan Association and Chamber of Commerce on reimbursements for approved expenses.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in finance, Accounting, Public Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in municipal finance, with at least three (3) years in a supervisory role.
• Demonstrated experience in budgeting, public sector accounting, and fiscal policy.

Nice-to-haves

• Master's degree in finance, Business Administration, or a CPA license.

Benefits

• Paid Vacation
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Sick Leave
• 5% DCP Retirement Contribution
• Medical, Vision and Dental Benefits
• Life Insurance Policy