Assistant Finance Director

About the Department

About Longview: Longview, Washington is located in Southwest Washington along the scenic Columbia River Basin 50 miles north of Portland, Oregon and 145 miles south of Seattle. Longview is a comfortable and affordable community with close proximity to larger city amenities as well as abundant outdoor recreational activities in the Cascade Mountains, Pacific beaches, and numerous rivers and lakes.

Position Information: The Assistant Finance Director is a senior leadership position responsible for assisting in the strategic direction, administration, and oversight of the City’s financial operations. Under the general direction of the Finance Director, this position plans, organizes, and manages complex financial functions including budgeting, accounting, financial reporting, treasury, debt management, procurement support, and regulatory compliance.

This role serves as a key advisor to the Finance Director, City Manager, and executive leadership team on financial strategy, fiscal sustainability, and organizational performance. The Assistant Finance Director exercises a high degree of independent judgment and may act as the Finance Director in their absence.

The position plays a critical role in maintaining the City’s financial integrity while advancing long-term financial planning, capital investment strategies, and service delivery objectives across both governmental and enterprise operations.

Position Duties

Executive Leadership & Department Administration:

• Assists in directing, managing, and coordinating the activities and operations of the Finance Department, which may include accounting, budget, treasury, utility billing, procurement, and payroll functions 
• Provides leadership and oversight to assigned divisions, including supervision, performance management, and professional development of staff 
• Develops and implements departmental goals, objectives, policies, and performance measures aligned with City priorities 
• Serves as Acting Finance Director when assigned, ensuring continuity of operations and leadership 
• Participates as a member of the City’s executive leadership team and contributes to organizational decision-making 

Budget Development & Long-Range Financial Planning:

• Leads or coordinates development of the City’s biennial/annual operating budget and capital budget, ensuring alignment with policy direction and financial constraints 
• Develops and maintains multi-year financial forecasts, revenue projections, and expenditure models across all funds 
• Provides strategic analysis and recommendations related to fiscal policy, revenue diversification, and expenditure management 
• Supports development and monitoring of the Capital Improvement Program (CIP), including funding strategies and prioritization 
• Advises departments on budget preparation, monitoring, and financial management practices 

Accounting, Financial Reporting & Compliance:

• Oversees or directs general ledger operations, financial reporting, and accounting activities for all City funds 
• Ensures accurate and timely preparation of financial statements in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) requirements 
• Coordinates and participates in preparation of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) 
• Ensures compliance with applicable federal, state, and local financial reporting requirements 
• Maintains and strengthens internal controls and financial policies to safeguard public assets 

Audit, Internal Controls & Risk Management:

• Coordinates the annual external audit process and serves as primary liaison with independent auditors 
• Oversees implementation of audit findings and recommendations 
• Evaluates and enhances internal control systems, financial procedures, and risk mitigation practices 
• Ensures compliance with grant requirements, debt covenants, and regulatory standards 
• Monitors organizational risk exposure related to financial operations 

Treasury, Investments & Debt Management

• Oversees cash management, liquidity planning, and banking relationships 
• Assists in development and administration of the City’s investment portfolio in accordance with state law and City policy 
• Supports issuance and administration of municipal debt, including bonds, loans, and other financing mechanisms 
• Coordinates with financial advisors, bond counsel, and rating agencies 
• Monitors debt compliance, arbitrage requirements, and continuing disclosure obligations 

Enterprise Funds, Utilities & Cost of Service:

• Provides oversight and financial analysis for enterprise operations (e.g., water, sewer, stormwater, transit, or other utilities) 
• Assists in development of rate models, cost-of-service analyses, and financial plans to ensure long-term sustainability 
• Supports policy development related to utility rates, fees, and financial structures 
• Monitors enterprise fund performance, including reserves, capital funding, and debt coverage 

Grants, Revenue Management & Compliance:

• Oversees financial administration of grants, including tracking, reporting, and compliance with funding requirements 
• Ensures accurate revenue recognition, billing, and collection processes 
• Monitors intergovernmental revenues, taxes, fees, and service charges 
• Supports development of financial strategies to maximize external funding opportunities 

Policy Development & Strategic Initiatives:

• Develops and implements financial policies, procedures, and best practices 
• Conducts complex financial analysis to support strategic initiatives, labor negotiations, and policy decisions 
• Prepares and presents reports, agenda items, and recommendations to the City Manager and City Council 
• Participates in cross-departmental initiatives, including organizational performance, technology implementation, and process improvement efforts

Other:

• Performs other duties of a similar nature or level.

• Occasional travel for training, conferences, or interagency coordination.

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, public administration, or related field AND 5-7 years of management experience in Finance or Accounting OR a combination of education, training and experience which would provide the required skills, knowledge, and ability to perform the job as determined by the department.  
• Minimum of three (3) years of supervisory experience
• Valid Driver’s License

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Public Administration (MPA), Business Administration (MBA), Finance, or related field 
• Professional certifications such as: 
  1. Certified Public Accountant (CPA) 
  2. Certified Government Finance Officer (CGFO) 
• Experience with: 
  1. Municipal budgeting and capital planning 
  2. Enterprise fund and utility finance 
  3. Debt issuance and financial advisory coordination 
  4. ERP or financial system implementation and modernization

Other Qualifications

Required Knowledge and Skills:

• Governmental accounting principles (GAAP, GASB) 
• Public sector budgeting, financial forecasting, and capital planning 
• Enterprise fund operations and utility finance 
• Debt issuance, investment practices, and treasury management 
• Federal, state, and local financial regulations and reporting requirements 
• Internal control frameworks and audit processes 
• Analyze complex financial data and develop actionable recommendations 
• Communicate technical financial information clearly to diverse audiences 
• Lead and develop high-performing teams 
• Exercise sound judgment and independent decision-making 
• Manage multiple priorities in a dynamic, deadline-driven environment 
• Build collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders 
• Interpret and apply applicable Federal, State, and/or Local laws, rules, regulations, codes, and/or statutes.
• Prepare complex financial statements, reports, and analyses.
• Ability to conduct complex research, prepare related reports, and presenting findings to staff, Council members and the public.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisor, the public, etc. sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.