FINANCE DIRECTORDocuSign Envelope ID: D1D2722F-9644-4E9E-8AAB-CF18D8D9522C
WHATCOM COUNTY JOB DESCRIPTION
POSITION:
Finance Director
RANGE:
16
DEPARTMENT:
Administrative Services — Finance
FLSA:
E
REPORTS TO:
Deputy Executive
EEO:
1
SUMMARY
Directs the administration of organization -wide financial management activities and policies to
accomplish the mission, goals and vision of the Administrative Services Department, the Finance
Division and the County. Independently accountable for the efficient and effective performance of
the Finance Division and the preparation of timely and professional service advice, analyses and
reports as a basis for planning, funding and implementation of policy. Responsible for planning,
organizing, directing, coordinating and evaluating the efforts of staff. Coordinates with County
officials, other departments, divisions, outside agencies and the public to assure the smooth and
timely flow of management information and activities. Ensures County -wide compliance with
laws, contracts, regulations and policies related to financial management. Oversees the
management of programs and staff in a manner that ensures fulfillment of the Department's and
County's missions. Ensures expenditures remain within approved budget. Leads with exceptional
personal character. Values and cultivates productive relationships with staff, other departments
and individuals outside county government in a manner that represents the Department with
individual respect, personal commitment, high -functioning teams, and meaningful organizational
growth. Represents Whatcom County by maintaining a professional approach and demeanor in
all activities.
Depending upon assignment, the incumbent may perform some or all of the following duties,
which are a representative sample of the level of work appropriate to this position.
ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES
Provides strategic planning and leadership to manage organization -wide financial and purchasing
functions including but not limited to: general ledger, preparation of annual financial report,
preparation of biennial and mid -biennium budget, payroll, accounts payable, warrant processing,
interfund transfers, grant accounting, and purchasing activities.
Oversees the preparation of the County budget. Provides analysis of budget requests and cost
estimates, evaluates the merit of proposals and provides written recommendations and information
justifying recommendations. Assists the County Executive in other areas of budget and financial
management, program development and internal communications. Ensures accountability for the
use of public resources. Conducts financial analysis to identify trends, forecast revenue and
expenditure, and make recommendations for budget adjustments, as needed. Monitors changes in
economic conditions and assesses potential impact on County's financial stability.
Prepares comprehensive financial reports for internal and external stakeholders, including
financial statements, budget variance analyses, and cash flow projections. Implements internal
controls to safeguard County assets and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. Monitors
and maintains expenditures within approved budget. Implements cost-effective measures and uses
resources and technology to effectively increase productivity. Negotiates and reviews County
service contracts to assure consistency and conformance with legal requirements, policy and
program direction, and appropriate process. Negotiates contracts for services between the
DocuSign Envelope ID: D1D2722F-9644-4E9E-8AAB-CF18D8D9522C
department and outside entities or consultants. Secures, monitors and assures compliance with
grants and contracts.
Oversees and coordinates County efforts related to annual State financial audit. Responds
promptly to audit findings and provides specific action plan to correct an audit finding.
Attends and participates in Council and Committee meetings, makes oral presentations, and
answers budget related questions. Coordinates follow up activities as required by Council actions.
Collaborates with County Executive to develop long-term financial strategies and plans. Provide
financial analysis and recommendations to support decision -making on capital projects, economic
development initiatives, and other strategic priorities. Develops and implements strategic short
and long-range plans, programs, goals and objectives. Facilitates and coordinates cooperative
planning in conjunction with other departments and entities. Reviews and updates planning
recommendations. Directs activities with available personnel and in compliance with guidelines,
procedures and regulations. Promotes teamwork within the County. Identifies trends and
problems hindering progress and develops and implements recommendations for problem
resolution. Recommends solutions for the most complex organizational issues.
Manages effective administration of the Finance Division including team development and
performance, financial management, efficient use of resources, legal compliance and timely
execution of duties.
Selects new employees. Determines training needs to meet changing system or program demands.
Establishes performance standards. Assigns, supervises and evaluates work consistent with
assigned job description. Conducts and/or reviews performance evaluations to guide the
development of employees, provide a record of performance and ensure consistent evaluations.
Invests in the well-being and professional growth of employees. Builds and enables high -
functioning, results -oriented teams. Interprets and applies collective bargaining agreements and
personnel policies. Reviews, revises and authorizes consistent employment actions. Initiates,
documents and implements disciplinary actions. Resolves and documents grievances, works in
conjunction with Human Resources concerning grievances and on other sensitive personnel
matters.
On an on -going basis, researches, reviews, interprets and prepares data to analyze and makes
recommendations about which programs and/or major project proposals should be initiated,
modified or dropped. Sets policy, assesses and assures compliance, and interprets and applies
regulations equitably. Assures appropriate policies, procedures and tasks are created and updated.
Ensures enforcement of ordinances, state and federal rules and regulations, policies and
procedures. Makes administrative decisions.
Insures operation of the finance function in a manner that preserves public trust in county
government.
Responds to or supervises the resolution of the most sensitive or complex inquiries, complaints,
emergencies or requests for information from other departments and the public in a courteous
manner. Emphasizes public accountability and a positive public service approach with staff.
Identifies and addresses customer needs. Displays exemplary personal character and maintains
composure under stressful situations.
Represents the County as spokesperson at public meetings.
DocuSign Envelope ID: D1D2722F-9644-4E9E-8AAB-CF18D8D9522C
ADDITIONAL JOB DUTIES
Performs work on special projects that maybe outside normal area of assignment, as directed.
Performs duties to back-up other department management staff, as assigned.
Performs other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
Requires a Bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, economics, business administration or a
related field, AND six years progressively responsible related experience in a senior financial
management position, INCLUDING three years of supervisory/management experience.
Demonstrated knowledge and experience of advance accounting and financial statement
preparation.
Advanced proficiency in financial software and Microsoft Office Suite required.
Experience in the management of large multi -fund or governmental accounting systems including
budgeting, accounting, purchasing, and financial reporting preferred.
Experience in enterprise resources planning (ERP) systems preferred.
Master's degree or Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Certification preferred.
At its sole discretion, Whatcom County may consider combinations of education, experience,
certifications, and training in lieu of specifically required qualifications contained herein.
Requires in-depth knowledge of
The field of assignment sufficient to perform thoroughly and accurately the full scope of
responsibility as illustrated by example in this job description including current developments
and trends in governmental accounting and financial management.
Organizational and community dynamics and principles and practices of leadership, management
and supervision.
Applicable local, state and federal laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures related to
governmental budgeting, finance, payroll, and purchasing.
Fiscal management including budget preparation, grant administration, service and
intergovernmental contract negotiation and administration, expenditure control and record
keeping, internal accounting controls, generally accepted accounting principles and complexities,
practices and procedures of modern governmental, cost and general ledger accounting.
Purchasing and stores functions including bid procedures, inventory control, specification
development, purchase orders, leases, contracts and related accounting procedures.
Computer operation and a variety of software including word processing, spreadsheet, database
and other applications specific to the area of assignment
DocuSign Envelope ID: D1D2722F-9644-4E9E-8AAB-CF18D8D9522C
Safety and security hazards, precautions, standards, policies and procedures pertinent to the area
of assignment.
Requires the ability to:
Apply strong analytical skills to effectively monitor and interpret financial and statistical data,
conduct variance analysis and make data -driven recommendations.
Apply strong leadership skills, including the ability to inspire and motivate a team, foster a culture
of innovation and excellence, and lead change initiatives.
Prepare and analyze a variety of financial statements and reports.
Strategically plan, prioritize, coordinate, organize, and evaluate staffing and services. Train,
direct, and coach staff. Administer and change plans, policies and work programs.
Use tact, discretion, respect, persuasion, diplomacy and courtesy to gain the cooperation of others
and establish and maintain effective teams and a professional relationship and rapport with public
officials, representatives of other entities, department heads, co-workers, employees and diverse
members of the public.
Apply sound judgment and problem -solving techniques to evaluate operations, to make reasoned,
timely and consistent decisions and to facilitate the effective resolution of problems, grievances
and complaints.
Listen attentively and communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with individuals and
groups in clear, concise language appropriate for the purpose and parties addressed, including
preparing and making public presentations which can be understood by non -technical listeners and
preparing and/or directing preparation of comprehensive written reports, materials and
correspondence.
Effectively promote the commitment of the County to provide outstanding public, intra- and inter-
departmental customer service.
Assure that absolute confidentiality is maintained as required and sensitive information is handled
appropriately.
Provide leadership and maintain a high level of personal and professional integrity and honesty.
Work effectively in a multi -task environment, effectively delegate responsibility and authority,
and respond to and reconcile competing interests. Take ownership of missteps.
Read, understand, interpret, analyze and provide direction to assure appropriate application of
policies, procedures, legal requirements and regulations.
Promote staff and team development and high performance by assuring regular, effective and
consistent feedback and evaluation.
Estimate and analyze costs and effectiveness of programs. Monitor and interpret fiscal and
statistical information.
Develop ways to identify, improve and promote efficient systems and processes.
DocuSign Envelope ID: D1D2722F-9644-4E9E-8AAB-CF18DSD9522C
Maintain current knowledge for assigned areas and adapt to new technologies, keeping personal
and team technical skills up-to-date and using technology to increase productivity.
Work independently and cooperatively as a member of a team.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Background check must meet County criteria.
Must pass job -related tests.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Works in an office or meeting room setting. Sits or stands for long periods of time. May occasionally lift
and carry items weighing up to 25 pounds. Attends meetings or performs duties outside of normal office
hours. Moves throughout the County's facilities. Periodically drives motor vehicle to perform duties at
other sites or travel out of the County. Possibility of exposure to hostile and offensive language from the
public. Uses appropriate safety equipment and follows established safety policies, practices and
procedures.
The statements contained herein reflect, as of the date signed, general details as necessary to describe the principal functions of this job, the level of knowledge
and skill typically required and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform
other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas, to cover absences or relief,, to equalize peak work periods or otherwise to balance the
workload.
Whatcom County provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion,
national origin, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, military service, genetics, and any other legally protected class. Whatcom County also
complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment.
Employee Status: This is an FLSA exempt position an as such is paid on a salaried basis and is
not entitled to overtime. The position is also subject to an "employee at will" doctrine.
ScG.eH-_bMS(kr
Signature
5/30/2024
Date
Administrative
JDE Job Entry
Use
JDE Special R mts
Job Code: F240 Reason for Change:
Security: Level 2
Medical Privacy: Y
Job Group: SUPV New position
W/C Code: 1501
Driving: Periodically
CDL: N
Physical Capacity: N
Physical: N
Group: 7000
BBP: N
Cash Handling: Y
Polygraph: N
Psychological: N
Finance Director.JOB.MK 5/14/24