Understands organization-wide initiatives, department priorities, regional issues, and how they influence financial needs. Brings strong municipal-finance judgment, asks thoughtful questions, identifies risks and opportunities, and provides candid, objective advice to the CFO and other leaders.
A Financial Operations Leader
Has the technical credibility to work through accounting and reporting issues with professional staff while maintaining an executive perspective. Understands how finance business processes, data, controls, reporting, and technology fit together and can lead cross-functional ERP, budgeting-system, or comparable modernization efforts.
A Collaborative Leader and Problem Solver
Comfortably says “no” when necessary, but never reflexively. Help solve problems rather than protect the status quo, maintains an objective perspective, and balances strategic thinking with the operational detail necessary to execute well. Influences without ego or territoriality and navigates relationships with elected officials, department heads, employees, technical professionals, vendors, and diverse stakeholders.
Provides steady guidance, candid feedback, and solution-oriented support.
Emotionally Intelligent and Resilient
Responds to questions, scrutiny, ambiguity, and change with humility, composure, curiosity, and sound judgment. Helps teams navigate transition while maintaining trust and service continuity.
Recognizes trends early, plans for near- and long-term organizational growth, and connects financial strategy, systems, data, and business processes. Frames choices impartially and strengthens the City’s readiness for growth, economic uncertainty, and evolving service needs.
Committed to Developing People
Invests in managers and emerging leaders through coaching, feedback, succession planning, and professional development. Builds a collaborative culture in which people understand both their own responsibilities and how their work contributes to the department and City as a whole.
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At least 8 years of overall experience in governmental financial administration or accounting administration, of which four years should include complex governmental multi-fund revenue and expenditure management.
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Supervisory experience overseeing accounting or budget managers and staff.
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Experience leading annual financial statement preparation preferred.
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Bachelor’s degree required, master’s degree and /or CPA preferred.
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Advanced Excel skills related to budgeting, forecasting and reporting
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Advanced knowledge of government budgeting and accounting principles (GAAP, GASB)
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Principles of supervision and mentoring people
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Understanding of municipal debt management, taxation, and treasury management.
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Pertinent federal, state and local laws that are relevant to Washington municipal finance.
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Principles of process improvement.
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Advanced understanding of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems
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Intermediate skills in Microsoft Word, Outlook, PowerPoint.
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Use of personal computers and basic software
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Ability to build strong, high functioning teams and manage third party vendors and/or consultants.
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Ability to manage or oversee financial systems upgrades and improvements
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Ability to see the big picture, think strategically, foresee issues, make connections, improve processes and act in the best interest of the City.
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Succinct, professional report writing
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Utilize effective conflict resolution techniques.
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Public speaking and presentations
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Data visualization and analysis
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Lead others in times of change
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Develop direct reports for through mentorship, collaborations and continuous learning opportunities
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Work in a manner consistent with the City of Vancouver’s Values: Empowered, Innovative, Compassion, Inclusive and Collaborative
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Ability to write clearly and cohesively, presenting issues and potential solutions.
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Build and foster positive and productive relationships with partners across departments.
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Responsiveness, organization, strong communication skills and excellent follow-through.
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Project and maintain a positive image with those contacted in the course of work
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Develop and maintain collaborative and respectful working relationships with team members and others
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Consistently provide quality service
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Maintain regular and dependable attendance
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Demonstrate a commitment to valuing differences among people and to being inclusive
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Show the utmost respect for others, and act as a team player
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Promote safety as a guiding principle and regular practice in accomplishing work by focusing on safe practices and complying with safety and health policies and procedures.
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Recognize unsafe conditions which may be hazardous to an employee or to the public.
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Work in safe and responsible manner; not putting self or others at risk. Comply with applicable policies and procedures including but not limited to using personal protective equipment, observing warning signs, learning about potential hazards, and reporting all unsafe conditions.
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Ensure a safe workplace in compliance with applicable policies, procedures and regulations; ensure supervised employees review the City Core Accident Prevention Plan, relevant safety policies and procedures, and training on illness and injury response and specific job-related safety concerns. Report and appropriately escalate all safety issues and all injuries.
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Project and maintain a positive image with those contacted in the course of work
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Develop and maintains collaborative and respectful working relationships with team members and others
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Consistently provide quality service
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Maintain regular and dependable attendance