Cowlitz County
Overview
The Finance Director performs complex financial analyses and projections and assists officials, directors and senior managers in strategic financial planning and decision making related to county finance. This position assists the Board of Commissioners in providing organizational leadership and strategic financial direction to County departments and programs throughout the county. The Finance Director develops guidelines for improvements in the budget development, planning and control processes and analyzes the fiscal impact of policy decisions and changes. The following departments report to the Finance Director: Risk Management and Budget. In addition to providing oversight to those departments this position assists with the planning, organization, development, and management of the County budget; supporting the presentation of a fiscally sound operating budget for the County and ensuring that the budget is balanced, monitored, controlled and modified in accordance with state law and county policies. The Finance Director provides planning to analyze revenue projections and operating costs and recommends adjustments as necessary to ensure that the financial health of the County is maintained. The Finance Director represents the County in finance-related dealings with other public and private entities including the negotiation and administration of grants, contracts, and interlocal service agreements. This position is a member of the Internal Services working group, liaison on Finance Committee and Capital and Tenant Improvement and Preservation committee. This position represents the County\'s viewpoints, plans and objectives when meeting, conferring with and making presentations to local, state and federal governmental agencies, civic and professional groups and the media on behalf of the BOCC as authorized and directed. First review of applicants will be on October 23rd, 2025. Responsibilities
Advises the Board of Commissioners on changes in organization, staffing, work processing and management systems to increase effectiveness and efficiency and reduce administrative costs. Works with Information Technology Department and other parties involved in developing county automated financial systems specific to Budget. Assist in development and management of the County Budget and financial reporting to the Board of Commissioners to monitor the budget to actual details. Oversee and assist in development of county wide risk management and reduction practices. Anticipates trends in the local and nation-wide economic environment; provides accurate financial analysis and effective direction and management of County assets based on emerging and changing information. Advises the BOCC in the fiscal aspects of Board policies, goals and administrative procedures. Assists in the County issuance of short and long term debt, coordinating through the Treasurer office and Finance Committee. Provides the BOCC with information obtained at meetings. Assists and supports the BOCC in promoting, establishing, and maintaining effective relationships with elected officials, other boards, governmental agencies, community organizations and citizens. Advises on the fiscal impacts of the County\'s capital improvement plan Oversee the outgoing Mail services function for the county. Directs special projects as assigned. Performs other related duties. Qualifications
Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science Degree in Public or Business Administration or related field. A combination of education and experience, which would provide the desired skills, knowledge and abilities to perform the job, may be substituted for degree. Five years of experience in budgeting, fiscal management, program management, or related fields, that include: developing and implementing organizational policies, procedures, systems and operations related to a broad range of financial services. Experience in supervisory responsibilities with knowledge of modern supervisory principles and practices. Comprehensive knowledge of federal and state laws regarding governmental accounting procedures and knowledge of general accounting principles. Possess and maintain a valid driver’s license. Knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles and practices (GAAP) and (GASB) standards. Understand data processing and information systems for financial and record keeping systems. Skilled in modern management and supervisory practices, theory and techniques. Skilled at team-building, public relations, and customer service. Capable of implementing and managing effective internal fiscal and accounting controls. Able to apply multi-tasking, organizational and time-management skills to daily activities. Able to prioritize efficiently; demonstrate flexibility with shifting priorities and ability to work under pressure and tight deadlines. Able to work effectively in a demanding and political environment. Able to establish and maintain effective working relationships with Department Heads and Managers, Elected Officials, administrative staff, vendors, contractors, and other parties of interest, including the media and citizen groups. Able to research, analyze and prepare recommendations and plans on a broad range of financial matters, Risk Management and other managerial issues. Able to develop short and long term planning and evaluate outcome of established goals. Able to effectively present information and recommendations in oral and written form at a professional level. Able to evaluate outcome of set goals, arrive at conclusions, develop and implement needed course of action. Able to perform the essential job functions independently as well as work in a team environment. Ability to exercise judgment and discretion with sensitive or confidential matters. Effectively operate a personal computer and its applications such as work processing, databases, and spreadsheet software. Ability to handle job stress and interact effectively with others in the workplace. Analyze situations quickly and objectively and determine a proper course of action; use appropriate independent judgment to make decisions of a fiscal, technical management and/or administrative nature in support of Department/County goals and objectives.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
The Finance Director performs complex financial analyses and projections and assists officials, directors and senior managers in strategic financial planning and decision making related to county finance. This position assists the Board of Commissioners in providing organizational leadership and strategic financial direction to County departments and programs throughout the county. The Finance Director develops guidelines for improvements in the budget development, planning and control processes and analyzes the fiscal impact of policy decisions and changes. The following departments report to the Finance Director: Risk Management and Budget. In addition to providing oversight to those departments this position assists with the planning, organization, development, and management of the County budget; supporting the presentation of a fiscally sound operating budget for the County and ensuring that the budget is balanced, monitored, controlled and modified in accordance with state law and county policies. The Finance Director provides planning to analyze revenue projections and operating costs and recommends adjustments as necessary to ensure that the financial health of the County is maintained. The Finance Director represents the County in finance-related dealings with other public and private entities including the negotiation and administration of grants, contracts, and interlocal service agreements. This position is a member of the Internal Services working group, liaison on Finance Committee and Capital and Tenant Improvement and Preservation committee. This position represents the County\'s viewpoints, plans and objectives when meeting, conferring with and making presentations to local, state and federal governmental agencies, civic and professional groups and the media on behalf of the BOCC as authorized and directed. First review of applicants will be on October 23rd, 2025. Responsibilities
Advises the Board of Commissioners on changes in organization, staffing, work processing and management systems to increase effectiveness and efficiency and reduce administrative costs. Works with Information Technology Department and other parties involved in developing county automated financial systems specific to Budget. Assist in development and management of the County Budget and financial reporting to the Board of Commissioners to monitor the budget to actual details. Oversee and assist in development of county wide risk management and reduction practices. Anticipates trends in the local and nation-wide economic environment; provides accurate financial analysis and effective direction and management of County assets based on emerging and changing information. Advises the BOCC in the fiscal aspects of Board policies, goals and administrative procedures. Assists in the County issuance of short and long term debt, coordinating through the Treasurer office and Finance Committee. Provides the BOCC with information obtained at meetings. Assists and supports the BOCC in promoting, establishing, and maintaining effective relationships with elected officials, other boards, governmental agencies, community organizations and citizens. Advises on the fiscal impacts of the County\'s capital improvement plan Oversee the outgoing Mail services function for the county. Directs special projects as assigned. Performs other related duties. Qualifications
Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science Degree in Public or Business Administration or related field. A combination of education and experience, which would provide the desired skills, knowledge and abilities to perform the job, may be substituted for degree. Five years of experience in budgeting, fiscal management, program management, or related fields, that include: developing and implementing organizational policies, procedures, systems and operations related to a broad range of financial services. Experience in supervisory responsibilities with knowledge of modern supervisory principles and practices. Comprehensive knowledge of federal and state laws regarding governmental accounting procedures and knowledge of general accounting principles. Possess and maintain a valid driver’s license. Knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles and practices (GAAP) and (GASB) standards. Understand data processing and information systems for financial and record keeping systems. Skilled in modern management and supervisory practices, theory and techniques. Skilled at team-building, public relations, and customer service. Capable of implementing and managing effective internal fiscal and accounting controls. Able to apply multi-tasking, organizational and time-management skills to daily activities. Able to prioritize efficiently; demonstrate flexibility with shifting priorities and ability to work under pressure and tight deadlines. Able to work effectively in a demanding and political environment. Able to establish and maintain effective working relationships with Department Heads and Managers, Elected Officials, administrative staff, vendors, contractors, and other parties of interest, including the media and citizen groups. Able to research, analyze and prepare recommendations and plans on a broad range of financial matters, Risk Management and other managerial issues. Able to develop short and long term planning and evaluate outcome of established goals. Able to effectively present information and recommendations in oral and written form at a professional level. Able to evaluate outcome of set goals, arrive at conclusions, develop and implement needed course of action. Able to perform the essential job functions independently as well as work in a team environment. Ability to exercise judgment and discretion with sensitive or confidential matters. Effectively operate a personal computer and its applications such as work processing, databases, and spreadsheet software. Ability to handle job stress and interact effectively with others in the workplace. Analyze situations quickly and objectively and determine a proper course of action; use appropriate independent judgment to make decisions of a fiscal, technical management and/or administrative nature in support of Department/County goals and objectives.
#J-18808-Ljbffr