Purpose of the Position:

The Finance Director for the City of Chelan provides strategic leadership and comprehensive oversight of the City's financial operations, including budget development, financial reporting, and management of public funds. This role is responsible for ensuring fiscal responsibility and regulatory compliance across all city departments, including unique financial management needs for the Lake Chelan Airport and Lake Chelan Sewer District. The Finance Director will support the city’s vision and goals by implementing sound financial practices, providing accurate financial insights, and maintaining transparency with stakeholders.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Financial Management and Strategy

Oversee, and administer the city’s annual budget in collaboration with department staff and the Mayor, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and fiscal sustainability.
Develop and implement long-term financial strategies to support the City’s sustainability and growth, including multi-year forecasting, capital planning, and identifying funding sources for future projects and infrastructure needs.
Leverage ClearGov to facilitate the annual budgeting process by gathering data, reviewing requests, and presenting a transparent and accurate proposed budget to the City Council in adherence to MRSC guidelines.
Manage cash flow, debt service, and investment portfolios for city funds, ensuring proper allocation and risk mitigation.
Provide financial responsibility and guidance for special funds and entities, including Lake Chelan Airport and Lake Chelan Sewer District.
Accounting and Compliance

Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws and regulations, including the Washington State Auditor’s Office guidelines, MRSC best practices, and IRS regulations.
Oversee and coordinate the preparation for the City’s annual audit with the Washington State Auditor’s Office, ensuring timely submission of all required documentation, addressing audit findings, and implementing recommendations to maintain financial integrity and compliance with Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) requirements?.
Oversee and manage restricted use funds, ensuring compliance and responsible fund usage according to relevant legislation.
Financial Reporting

Prepare, review, and present monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports for the City Administrator, City Council, and other stakeholders.
Ensure timely completion and submission of financial reports, complying with all state and federal requirements.
Develop and present financial reports and analysis for the Transportation Benefit District (TBD), ensuring transparency, fiscal accountability, and alignment with district funding priorities.
Develop and provide financial analysis and reporting for the Tax Increment Finance District (TIF) assessing their impact on city finances and infrastructure.
Supervision of Finance Department Staff

Supervise, mentor, and evaluate Finance Department staff, fostering a collaborative, professional, and results-driven team.
Oversee staff assignments, professional development, and training to ensure high standards of financial accuracy and service.
AP/Payroll/Utility Billing Management

Oversee the City’s utility billing operations, ensuring accurate and timely billing for all utility accounts, including water, sewer, and other services.
Implement and maintain procedures for billing, payment processing, and customer service to ensure efficient and effective service delivery.
Resolve complex billing issues and handle escalated customer inquiries with professionalism and clarity, fostering positive public relations.
Collaborate with IT and Finance teams to update and optimize billing software and processes for improved accuracy, tracking, and reporting.
Provide oversight and management of the Accounts Payable (AP) process to ensure timely, accurate, and compliant payment of obligations, while maintaining internal controls and minimizing errors.
Oversee Payroll operations, ensuring accurate processing, compliance with federal and state labor laws, and timely payment of wages, benefits, and deductions.
Stakeholder Engagement and Collaboration

Serve as a key advisor to the Mayor, City Administrator and City Council, providing financial insights, policy recommendations, and strategic guidance.
Build and maintain relationships with state and federal agencies, community organizations, and professional networks.
Maintain positive relationships with the public by providing courteous and responsive support, addressing concerns with professionalism, and upholding a strong image for the City of Chelan in all interactions.
Represent the City with integrity in meetings, community events, and public communications, ensuring transparency and building trust through reliable IT services and clear, respectful communication.
Collaborate with Historic Downtown Chelan Association and Chamber of Commerce on reimbursements for approved expenses.
Working Conditions & Schedule

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and talk or hear, use hand to finger, handle, or feel objects tools or controls and reach with hands and arms. The employee is required to walk and move about the office. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to focus. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Standard working hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with occasional evening or weekend hours required for city council meetings, budget hearings, or emergency financial issues. Primarily office-based, with periodic attendance at meetings in various city facilities or offsite locations.

Knowledge, Abilities & Skills:

Extensive knowledge of municipal finance, budgeting, accounting principles, and public administration.
In-depth understanding of Washington State law and regulatory guidelines, including MRSC standards and Tax Increment Financing (TIF), Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) requirements?, BARS numbers and state audit requirements.
Proficiency in state audit processes, public debt administration, and risk management.
Strong financial analysis, strategic planning, and organizational skills.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex financial information to diverse audiences.
High proficiency in financial software and advanced Microsoft Excel functions.
Demonstrated ability to manage and mentor staff effectively, fostering an inclusive and motivated work environment.
Ability to make data-driven decisions, solve complex financial challenges, and respond quickly to changing fiscal priorities.
Capable of balancing multiple projects with attention to detail and a high standard of accuracy.
Qualifications Required:

Bachelor’s degree in finance, Accounting, Public Administration, or a related field. Preferred: Master’s degree in finance, Business Administration, or a CPA license.
Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in municipal finance, with at least three (3) years in a supervisory role.
Demonstrated experience in budgeting, public sector accounting, and fiscal policy.

The statements contained herein reflect 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 needed, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods, or to otherwise balance the workload.

Salary Range: $126,288 - $153,504 Annually

Benefits for Full-Time Employees:

Paid Vacation
Paid Holidays
Paid Sick Leave
5% DCP Retirement Contribution
Medical, Vision and Dental Benefits
Life Insurance Policy