Public Works Finance Administrator

Job Description

Job Summary

The position allocated to this class performs leadership, management, and professional work as the head of the County’s Financial Division. The Public Works Finance Administrator is responsible for the planning, organizing, and directing of all activities related to the County’s Public Works department.  Key positions reporting to this position include the Utility Billing Manager, Accountants, and department payroll personnel.

Management responsibilities include planning, organizing accounting and financial activities of the Public Works department.  Work may include regional districts/agencies served by the respective department.  Develops and implements process for fiscal accounting policies and procedure related to internal controls.  developing major divisional policies and procedures and performing long-range planning and programming of public facilities.  The position requires considerable exercise of independent judgment, discretion and initiative and a high degree of contact with city, county, state and federal agencies; engineering and construction firms; private individuals; developers; attorneys; and elected officials.  Work is performed under the guidance and supervision of the County’s Public Works Director who reviews the work through regular contact, conferences, reports and overall evaluation of results achieved.  In addition, the Environmental Services Administrator makes presentations to the Board of County Commissioners regarding the activities of the division and proposed official actions to be taken by the Board.

Examples of Duties
Provides strong leadership for the Division, emphasizing adherence to core values and embracing the principles of continuous improvement and fostering employee development.
Develops, implements and ensures compliance with comprehensive accounting and financial policies, controls and procedures for use internally.
Manages and supports a variety of accounting and financial reporting systems, including accounts receivable, cash management, investment, debt, etc., that impact the financial performance and reporting for the County and the regional districts/agencies, where applicable.
Assists in the hiring of staff; trains staff, assigns work, and evaluates the performance of staff.  Administers or recommends appropriate corrective and/or disciplinary action.
Analyzes, designs, and manages new and modified computer applications.  Works with the Information Systems Department to develop and maintain automated accounting systems.
Analyzes, designs, develops and maintains financial statements.
Supervises staff in the preparation of financial statements.
Research legislative actions and RCW’s as they relate to and impact the financial responsibilities of the assigned department.
Advises elected official/department head and other agency officials on fiscal issues.
Assists other departments and regional districts/agencies in the design, development and implementation of financial and accounting systems.
Ensures effective communication of accounting and financial policies and procedures to staff in the assigned department, other County departments and regional districts/agencies.
Reviews and works with the Grant Manager on FEMA and CARES rules and reporting.
Works with County and regional officials to ensure financial policies and procedures are implemented and adhered to.
Directs and provides leadership for the preparation of annual budgets and for financing of programs.
Monitors and provides leadership on employee development and personnel matters for the division to ensure consistent application of County policies and procedures.
Under the guidance of the Public Works Director, coordinates the divisions efforts with other County departments, and city, state and federal agencies.
Interfaces as appropriate with the Board of Commissioners and other boards, City Councils, agencies, regulatory agencies, and the general public.
Performs other related duties, as required.

Minimum Requirements
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in finance, business administration, accounting, economics, or closely related field
Five (5) years of administrative accounting experience which involved the application of advanced accounting principles and theories to an accounting operation in a governmental agency, banking, CPA firm or related area.
Proven experience with administration and development of automated financial or accounting applications and systems.
Graduate degree in business, accounting, finance or information systems is preferred.
Certified Public Accountant preferred.
NOTE: This position must successfully pass appropriate background check and is required to be bondable.