ASSISTANT FINANCE DIRECTOR

Job Description

OPEN UNTIL FILLED WITH FIRST REVIEW ON JULY 14, 2026

JOB SUMMARY

Under the general direction of the Finance Director, the Assistant Finance Director supports the planning, management, and oversight of the City's financial operations. This role ensures compliance with Washington State laws, GASB standards, and municipal financial policies while assisting in the leadership of Finance Department staff and operations.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Note: The list below is intended only to illustrate the various types of work that may be performed.  The omission of specific statements does not exclude them from the position. 

Department Leadership & Representation 

• Provides financial support, advice, and guidance to all City departments.
• Represents the Finance Department in the absence of the Finance Director.
• Assesses and monitors workload, administrative and support systems, and internal reporting relationships; identifies opportunities for improvement and implements changes.
• Maintains confidentiality of work-related issues, client records, and City information.
• Regular attendance is an essential requirement; performs related work as assigned or required. 

Budget Development & Financial Planning 

• Assists the Finance Director in preparing and monitoring the annual City budget.
• Supports development of the Capital Improvement Program.
• Assesses annual revenue and expenditure projections for use in the budget.
• Assists in planning and directing financial analysis necessary for setting and implementing utility rates through the public and political process, including solid waste franchise management.  

Financial Reporting & Audit Coordination 

• Oversees and coordinates the City’s financial reporting efforts, including preparation and production of the Annual Financial Statements and Federal Single Audit reports in accordance with State BARS requirements.
• Prepares State, Federal, and other agency reports, ensuring compliance with statutes and regulations.
• Works with the State Auditor during the annual audit to ensure compliance.
• Ensures the City’s accounting structure complies with Washington State BARS (Budgeting, Accounting & Reporting System).   

Accounting Operations & Internal Controls 

• Directs the City’s accounting and reporting operations, including maintenance of accounting systems, establishment and monitoring of internal financial controls, and preparation of required financial reports.
• Conducts internal audits in accordance with City ordinances/resolutions, State laws, and GAAP.
• Directs the development and maintenance of cash receipting and disbursement systems, including utility billing, accounts receivable, centralized cashiering, accounts payable, purchasing, payroll, debt service, and other related systems. 

Cash Management & Investments 

• Manages the investment and cash position of all City funds to ensure investment returns are maximized consistent with City investment policies. 

Utility Services Management 

• Manages utility billing for a number of city utilities, including water, wastewater, stormwater, ambulance, and garbage. Oversees all aspects of utility billing, including meter reading, shut offs, utility billing, ambulance billing, work orders, and utility billing software processes.  
• Conducts and oversees rate studies.
• Manages and negotiates franchise agreements, including but not limited to the garbage franchise.
• Ensures compliance with changing regulations such as state recycling and composting requirements. 

• Prepares and presents reports, resolutions, ordinances, and other documents to the City Council and the public.

   

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED BY THIS POSITION

Governmental Accounting & Compliance

• Extensive knowledge of Washington State BARS.
• Understanding of GAAP, GASB, and public sector financial reporting standards.
• Knowledge of State Auditor’s Office processes, Single Audit requirements, and audit preparation.
• Working knowledge of RCW and WAC governing municipal finance, procurement, contracting, and public disclosure.
• Understanding of Federal and State grant compliance (Uniform Guidance).

Budgeting & Financial Planning 

• Knowledge of municipal budgeting processes, including operating budgets, capital improvement planning, and long-range financial forecasting.
• Understanding of utility rate setting, cost of service analysis, and fee studies typical in Washington cities. 

Financial Operations & Systems

• Knowledge of treasury and cash management, municipal investments, and Washington’s investment statutes.
• Strong understanding of internal controls, accounting system design, and workflow optimization.
• Familiarity with ERP systems (e.g., Tyler/MUNIS, Springbrook, or similar municipal platforms). 

Analytical & Technical Skills 

• Skilled in complex financial analysis, forecasting, revenue modeling, and interpreting financial trends.
• Strong ability to prepare and review financial statements, audit schedules, and large data sets.
• Proficiency with advanced Excel functions, financial modeling tools, and reporting software.  

Leadership & Management Skills 

• Ability to supervise and mentor staff; delegate work effectively.
• Skill in project management, process improvement, and change management.
• Skilled in cross departmental collaboration and providing financial guidance to non-finance staff. 

Communication Skills 

• Ability to communicate complex financial matters clearly, both orally and in writing, to City leadership, elected officials, staff, and the public.
• Skilled in preparing professional reports, financial summaries, and public facing material.

Regulatory & Audit Readiness 

• Ability to ensure compliance with State BARS, GAAP, grant requirements, and internal control standards.
• Ability to coordinate annual financial audits, respond to auditor inquiries, and implement corrective action plans. 

Strategic Financial Leadership 

• Ability to assist in long-term financial planning, capital project forecasting, debt management, and policy development.
• Ability to develop and recommend financial strategies that support City goals and regulatory requirements. 

Operational Oversight 

• Ability to direct daily financial operations including accounting, payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable, procurement, utility billing, and treasury functions.
• Ability to assess processes, identify inefficiencies, and lead improvements. 

Professional Attributes

• Ability to maintain confidentiality and manage sensitive financial information with integrity.
• Ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines, and manage competing priorities.
• Ability to act as Finance Director in their absence and represent the City with professionalism.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

The Assistant Finance Director works under the general direction of the Finance Director. The supervisor assigns work in terms of broad goals, objectives, and functional priorities. The employee is expected to plan, organize, and carry out work independently, resolving most issues in accordance with established policies, procedures, professional standards, and State BARS requirements. The Finance Director reviews work for accuracy, compliance, sound judgment, and overall effectiveness in meeting departmental and City-wide financial objectives. 

GUIDELINES

• General Accounting Standards Board (GASB) pronouncements  
• Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)
• Washington State Auditor (SAO) reporting and budgeting guidelines
• Washington State BARS (Budgeting, Accounting and Reporting System)
• Federal and State laws and statutes
• City code, and city and departmental policies and procedures. 

These guidelines require judgment, selection, and interpretation in application.  

This position assists in developing division guidelines.

COMPLEXITY/SCOPE OF WORK

The work performed by the Assistant Finance Director is highly complex, analytical, and broad in scope, requiring the consistent application of advanced professional judgment, technical expertise, and independent decision-making. The position operates within a diverse regulatory environment that includes Washington State BARS requirements, State Auditor's Office standards, GASB pronouncements, GAAP principles, federal and state statutes, and local municipal codes. 

The work involves: 

• Managing multiple major financial functions concurrently, including accounting operations, budget development, financial reporting, cash and investment management, internal control systems, treasury functions, utility billing and solid waste franchise management, audit preparation, and compliance activities.  
• Interpreting and applying complex regulatory frameworks, including State BARS, SAO audit standards, federal and state financial regulations, and City administrative policies, often in situations where guidance requires professional interpretation.
• Designing, evaluating, and improving financial systems, procedures, and internal controls, including oversight of accounting workflows, reconciliations, and financial reporting structures, management of accounting operations, internal controls, annual report preparation, and financial forecasting.
• Conducting high level analysis and developing financial strategies that affect citywide fiscal stability, long-range planning, and policy decisions. Work products influence executive leadership, elected officials, external auditors, and the public.
• Resolving non-routine, sensitive, and technically complex financial issues where established procedures may not exist, requiring creative problem-solving and sound judgment.
• Coordinating work across all City departments, serving as a financial advisor and resource to management, program leaders, and operational divisions.
• Acting on behalf of the Finance Director when needed, representing the department and making decisions with significant fiscal and operational impact. 

This role requires a high level of independence, discretion, technical proficiency, and strategic insight.

 CONTACTS

• Contacts are typically with co-workers, other city staff, elected and appointed officials, bankers, representatives of state agencies, auditors, vendors, and members of the general public.
• Contacts are typically to exchange information, motivate personnel, negotiate matters, resolve problems, and justify or settle matters. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is typically performed in a standard office setting and requires: 

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a computer workstation while preparing financial reports, conducting analysis, and performing data entry.  
• Frequent keyboarding and computer use requiring hand eye coordination, fine motor skills, and repetitive motion.  
• Occasional standing, walking, and reaching for files, documents, or office equipment.  
• Occasional lifting or carrying of materials, typically less than 20 pounds, such as binders, financial records, or small office equipment.  
• Ability to attend meetings, both onsite and off site, which may require periodic travel.  

The work environment includes:

• Indoor office environment with typical lighting, heating, and ventilation.
• Extensive computer and telephone use, often with frequent interruptions due to staff inquiries, financial deadlines, or time-sensitive issues.
• Fast-paced, deadline driven workflow, especially during budget development, audit preparation, and financial reporting cycles.
• Regular interaction with department staff, City leadership, auditors, and the public, requiring professional communication and discretion.
• Low exposure to environmental hazards, as work is primarily office based. 

SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY

This position has direct supervision over department personnel. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Public Administration, Economics, or a closely related field.  Master’s degree in a related field is preferred but not required.
• Five (5) or more years of increasingly responsible governmental accounting or municipal finance experience, including:  accounting operations, financial reporting, budgeting, audit preparation, and treasury/cash management.
• Two (2) or more years of supervisory or lead experience in a finance or accounting setting.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Washington State BARS (Budgeting, Accounting & Reporting System), GAAP and GASB standards, Municipal budgeting practices, and Internal controls and audit compliance.
• Preferred credentials:  CPA (Certified Public Accountant), CPFO (Certified Public Finance Officer), or CGFM (Certified Government Financial Manager)
• Ability to be bonded.
• All applicants must be able to successfully pass a background check process, which includes reference checks, criminal history checks or other. 

The statements contained herein reflect general details necessary to describe principal functions of this job, the level of knowledge and skills typically required, and the scope of responsibility; and such statements should not be considered all-inclusive.  Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas, to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods, or to balance workloads. 

Management reserves the sole right to add, modify or exclude any duties at any time with or without notice.  Nothing in this job description, nor by completion of any job requirements by the employee, is intended to create a contract of employment.At its sole discretion, the City of Moses Lake may consider combinations of education, experience, certifications, and training in lieu of specifically required qualifications contained herein. 

This is an FLSA-exempt position and, as such, is not entitled to overtime. The position is also subject to an "employee at will" doctrine.

Company Description

Moses Lake is a diverse, connected and supportive community of innovation and opportunity that values its namesake lake, small town vibe, growing arts and cultural scene, aerospace, manufacturing and agricultural heritage, and an abundance of sunshine and outdoor activities. 

Working for the City will afford you the opportunity to support the vision of Moses Lake, grow professionally, and work among diverse and dedicated staff with a goal to provide a service-oriented government that works with all interests in the community to implement our vision. 

Our location and climate allow our residents to enjoy a variety of interests surrounding the Moses Lake community. Moses Lake is centrally located between Seattle and Spokane on Highway I-90 between fields of agriculture, freshwater lakes, vineyards and popular recreational destinations. 

Moses Lake boosts active community parks and events, athletic venues and tournaments, a campground, and the popular Surf 'n Slide water park. The surrounding Columbia Basin area is filled with wine tours, a wildlife refuge, the Gorge Amphitheater, local fresh markets with direct-from-the-farm produce, and boutiques.

The City of Moses Lake is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Our objective is to provide equal opportunity in all terms, conditions, and privileges of employment for qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, or status as a covered veteran.

Benefits

The City of Moses Lake offers a comprehensive benefits package.  Employees (and their families) are eligible to enroll in medical, dental, and vision coverage.  In addition to basic life insurance coverage, AD&D, dependent life, additional life insurance, long-term disability, EAP and LifeFlight are also offered.  Retirement is through the Department of Retirement Systems - Public Employees Retirement System.  Optional deferred compensation is offered with a City match of up to 2% of the employee's base salary. Beginning January 1, 2024, the City began offering an optional Flexible Spending Account (FSA) for healthcare and dependent care. Employees of the City receive eleven (11) paid holidays plus one (1) floating holiday annually. Vacation accrual begins at 12 days annually and increases with years of service. Sick leave is accrued at the rate of eight (8) hours per month.

Highlights of Moses Lake

Moses Lake is centrally located between Seattle and Spokane on Highway 1-90 between fields of agriculture, freshwater lakes and popular recreational destinations. The area enjoys on average 300 sunny days a year and recreational opportunities abound with world-class fishing, hunting, biking, hiking, camping, golf, boating, ballooning and hydro races. Moses Lake is situated in central Washington State in an outdoor recreation mecca. Moses Lake is the lake that shares the City's name and many visitors come to enjoy water sports activities on Moses Lake. The lake has 120 miles of shoreline, covering 6,500 acres, and is one of the largest natural freshwater lakes in the state.

The Surf 'n Slide Water Park is also a top attraction for Moses Lake and it is considered the state's premier outdoor aquatic center. The water park is open from Memorial Day through Labor Day, and the main features are the 200-foot water slides, the lazy river, the surfing simulator, the beach and bay swimming area, and sand volleyball courts. 

Moses Lake is host to several festivals and other community events throughout the year, such as tournament league baseball, Moses Lake Rodeo Roundup, and the Moses Lake Spring Festival. Held over Memorial Day weekend, this festival kicks off the summer tourist season. Entertainment includes live music performances, a Kiddie Parade, a Grand Moonlight Parade, carnival-style rides and games, a car show and a basketball tournament. Moses Lake is also home to the Grant County Fairgrounds which hosts an annual fair, as well as other events throughout the year. 

Moses Lake’s history is rooted in its place in aviation history as the city grew up around the former Larson Airforce Base which is now the Grant County International Airport.  Moses Lake also has a backbone economic base in agriculture, and it is still known for its fresh tree fruit and a variety of crops associated with the food processing industry. 

Manufacturing and technology have become important to the local economy as several companies have moved to the area, including Aerotec, REC and Chemi-con, complementing the Boeing presence at the Port of Moses Lake/Grant County International Airport.

The Port of Moses Lake operates the Grant County International Airport, one of the largest airports in the western United States. The airport is now a world class heavy jet training and testing facility that has been used by the Boeing Company, the U.S. Military, and many air carriers from around the world. 

The Moses Lake School District has ten elementary schools, three middle schools, one high school, the Real World Academy (a “maker’s” high school) in development and a technical skills center, which together offer a high quality of teaching and many extra-curricular activities to its students. Moses Lake is also home to Big Bend Community College which provides higher education opportunities for the region and enrolls over 4,000 students a year. Recent investments in the BBCC campus and its programs make it one of the top community colleges in the state.

Moses Lake has a growing arts and culture scene fueled by Columbia Basin Allied Arts based at Big Bend Community College, the Moses Lake Museum and Arts Center, and designs on a revitalized downtown/creative district.