Overview

Finance Director is a director-level position with numerous critical responsibilities and duties. The Finance Director needs to possess both a strong technical background (e.g., competency in Springbrook software and BARS accounting) and heightened interpersonal skills. The Finance Director serves as an advisor to City leadership and is a critical team member who serves alongside other Finance Department staff members (e.g., Payroll and Accounts Payable Specialist, and Utilities Billing Specialist). The City Administrator is currently serving as the primary supervisor of the subordinate Finance Department staff members, but, depending on circumstances, some or all supervisory responsibilities may be reassigned to the Finance Director in the future.

The Finance Director should have expertise/experience with regard to the financing of capital projects (whether via loan, grant and/or direct City funds), preparing and managing complex budgets and public sector investments, calculating necessary utility rate increases (to keep pace with inflation and to enable necessary capital projects), drafting and submitting required reports, responding to audits (state, federal, union, etc.), processing and approving payroll and accounts payable (in conjunction with the Payroll and Accounts Payable Specialist), and processing utility invoices and resolving payment disputes (in conjunction with the Utilities Billing Specialist).

The Finance Director needs to help deliver and provide quality customer service, competency, professionalism, honesty, creative thinking and problem solving, and needs to help promote and foster enjoyable work experience. Communication skills are important, as the Finance Director often needs to explain complex or confusing issues to City leadership and the public.

For the fiscal year of 2026, the City’s operating budget is/was approximately $18.5 million dollars.

Finance Director Job Description (PDF)

Required Qualifications

A degree in finance is strongly desired but not necessarily required. Overall accounting experience will be considered.

Seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in finance, accounting, or business administration in the public or private sector, is strongly desired but not necessarily required.
Must possess, or have the ability to possess within one month of hire date, a Washington State Driver’s License.
Must be bondable.
Must have immediate competency level in Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel and Outlook), as well as Springbrook Express Software (or its equivalent).

Preferred/Desired Qualifications

Prior experience as a Finance Director, Treasurer, Clerk-Treasurer, or the equivalent.

A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license granted by Washington state, or any state in the US which has reciprocity with Washington; OR a Certified Financial Examiner (CFE) certificate in the insurance discipline as granted by the Society of Financial Examiners.
Understanding of operational characteristics, services, and activities of a municipal treasury program.
Knowledge of modern and complex principles and practices and their application to a wide variety of treasury-related transactions and problems in a municipal government.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Work and act as a team player in all interactions with other City employees.
Consistently provide a high level of customer service and quality service.

Hours and Duties

The Finance Director is a full-time position, requiring at least 40 hours per calendar week and sometimes more. It is a salaried exempt position, so overtime cannot be earned and will not be paid.

The Finance Director shall perform any and all duties reasonably assigned by the Mayor or City Administrator. This may include “covering” for one or more other employees during their absence or when those positions are vacant.

Application Information

Applications for current openings can be submitted in person or by mail to: Selah City Hall, 115 West Naches Ave, Selah, WA 98942; or emailed to Michelle Damron.

Application (PDF)

City of Selah

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Finance Director