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Finance Director

City of Lake Stevens, WA | Lake Stevens, WA

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Posted Date 4/09/2026
Description Salary : $178,968.12 - $226,451.76 Annually
Location : Lake Stevens, WA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 2026-00009
Department: Finance
Opening Date: 04/09/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
FLSA: Exempt
Bargaining Unit: NR

Recruitment is now open for a new position within the Finance Department!

Apply before our first review of applications on April 28, 2026. We will continue to review applications after this
date until the position is filled, but priority consideration will be given to candidates who apply prior to the first
review date.

As a member of the City's Executive Management Team, the Finance Director leads, plans, and oversees all financial and treasury operations in compliance with federal, state, and local laws and policies. This role sets the vision and strategic direction for the Finance Department, managing activities including accounting, budget development and oversight, financial reporting, banking and investments, purchasing, auditing, treasury and debt management, and loss prevention. The Finance Director supervises department staff, evaluates performance, and ensures effective internal controls and adherence to ordinances and regulations.

This position advises the City leadership and elected officials, provides consistent high-level reporting, ensures compliance with all public finance regulations, and safeguards the City's assets. The Finance Director leads a collaborative, forward-thinking budget process aligned with organizational values, and coordinates city-wide strategic financial planning, analysis, and reporting.
About the City of Lake Stevens:

Lake Stevens is a vibrant and growing community with a population of over 40,000 makes us the 4th largest city in the county.

Lake Stevens is generally a residential community with access to numerous commercial, retail and recreational opportunities. Of course, the crown jewel of the community is the lake itself, which boasts some of the greatest water recreational opportunities in the county. Lake Stevens is also uniquely situated, being close to the lake, ocean, and Cascade mountains, to take advantage of many outdoor activities. The Lake Stevens Schools are excellent and coupled with a city priority of parks and increased walkability, makes Lake Stevens an ideal place to raise a family.The City of Lake Stevens operates under the mayor-council system. The city's motto, "One Community Around the Lake", embodies our quality of life, top-ranked school district, and the City Council's commitment to providing excellent services and amenities for its residents.

Why City of Lake Stevens?
  • Work-life balance - We are committed to ensure that our staff experience the reward of public service, while also sustaining a routine that suits each individual's lifestyle.
  • Work where you live!
The City of Lake Stevens offers a comprehensive benefits package including:
  • Retirement - through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems.
  • Deferred Compensation - with city match.
  • Excellent healthcare options -including medical, dental, vision insurance, city-paid life insurance and long-term disability, health savings accounts (HSA), and Health Reimbursement Accounts (HRA/VEBA).
  • Paid leave -including paid sick leave, paid vacation, flexible holidays, paid holidays, and bereavement leave.
See our benefits page for a complete list of all the benefits available to the City of Lake Stevens employees.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:
  • Plans, organizes and directs city-wide financial administration. Coordinates and plans activities with all city departments in areas of financial management; suggests ideas to accomplish departmental and City objectives supporting the city's strategic plan.
  • Serves as a confidential employee including the responsibility to inform and advise the Mayor, City Administrator and City Council regarding financial matters.
  • Leads and supervises employees in the Finance Department. Oversees, monitors and evaluates assigned staff's on-going performance and provides direction to attain the goals and objectives; directs necessary adjustments, as required.
  • Interviews, trains and hires employees; plans, assists, directs, and evaluates work in progress and upon completion; appraises performance; performs corrective action; recommends promotion and disciplinary actions; addresses complaints; resolves problems; approves/schedules sick leave and vacation time; and recommends terminations as appropriate.
  • Directs and oversees city-wide financial planning efforts including but not limited to: the operating budget, capital improvement programs, individual budget for special purpose/non-operating funds, financial forecasting, financial reporting, city investments, monitoring bond rating, maintaining the city's budgeting model, budget transparency, and preparing bank reconciliations.
  • Responsible for the duties and authority of City Treasurer as provided in RCW 35A.42.010, as applicable to the city.
  • Responsible for the duties and authority of auditing officer as provided in RCW 42.24.080, as applicable to the city. Coordinates and oversees annual state audit.
  • Oversees accounting, purchasing, investments, mandated and discretionary reports accounts receivable, accounts payable, and payroll in accordance City policies, legal requirements, and generally accepted accounting practices.
  • Prepares the Department's annual budget; manages department expenditures in accordance with approved budget; assuring the efficient and economical use of City resources.
  • Represents the City on a wide variety of committees and organizations in a wide variety of circumstances to further City and Departmental goals, while supporting the city's strategic plan.
  • Analyzes and recommends appropriate financing strategies and funding sources for city services, projects and initiatives consistent with legal and policy requirements and prudent use of city resources. Analyzes major initiatives proposed by city departments and recommends appropriate financial strategies to the City Administrator.
  • Supports the City Administrator in detailed financial analysis related to project financing, long-range planning, and economic development.
  • Supports the city's technology initiatives including the use of various tools, platforms and AI technology to aid in daily work, provide additional transparency and financial modeling.
  • Maintains regular, predictable and reliable attendance.
The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT
The physical demands and work environment characteristics described below and in the full job description are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disability to perform the essential functions.

Work is performed in a typical office environment subject to working outside of normal working hours to meet critical timelines or to provide support in department emergency response events. While performing the duties of this position, the incumbent is subject to multiple interruptions by telephones and walk-ins by employees, elected officials and citizens; may be exposed to individuals who are irate or hostile. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Equipment utilized includes standard office equipment and personal computer with associated software and peripherals.

Evening or variable hours to attend meetings is required.
Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree from an accredited educational institution in finance, accounting, public administration, business administration or related field;
Experience: Minimum of seven (7) years' experience in managing governmental finances, including five years' experience as a supervisor;
Or: Any combination of education and experience, which provides the applicant with the desired skills, knowledge and ability required to perform the job, may be substituted for these qualifications. Examples of these skills can be found in the full job description .
Supplemental Information
How to Apply
Applications for this recruitment will be accepted electronically. Your relevant experience may be evaluated to determine salary. Therefore, it is very important that the "Work Experience" portion of the application be completed in as much detail as possible. In order to be considered for this opportunity, please include the following with your online application:

  • An attached resume outlining (in reverse chronological order) your experience to date.
  • A cover letter explaining your qualifications and why you believe you are a viable candidate for this position
  • Contact details for a minimum three (3) individuals who can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job-related competencies. This information can be entered in the "References" section of the online application; does not require an additional attachment.
The City of Lake Stevens is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, sex, age, color, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, marital status, genetic information, veteran's status, disability, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law. There are no limitations to who's a best fit to serve this community. If we contact you for an interview and you need specific accommodations, please let us know. Please contact Human Resources at (425) 622-9400, ten (10) days in advance to allow time for us to make proper arrangements. You're also welcome to mail your request to City of Lake Stevens Human Resources, P.O. Box 257, Lake Stevens, WA 98258; or email to

City of Lake Stevens Hiring Statement
The City of Lake Stevens is committed to building a team that reflects the strengths, perspectives, and lived experiences of our growing community. Research has shown that many applicants may hesitate to apply unless they feel they meet every listed qualification. In Lake Stevens, we are most interested in finding candidates who can contribute to our mission of delivering exceptional public service, even if their paths or experiences are nontraditional. If you believe you can bring dedication, transferable skills, and a willingness to learn, we encourage you to apply. The City will consider any equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, and experience that supports successful performance in the role. Your unique background may be exactly what helps us serve our community better.
Please visit the Benefits section of our webpage here:
01

Are you over the age of 18?
  • Yes
  • No
02

Which of the following best describes your highest level of education?
  • High School Diploma or G.E.D.
  • Associate's Degree
  • Bachelor's Degree
  • Master's Degree
  • Doctorate
03

Please identify the focus of your degree. Please do not state "see resume". If you do not have a degree, type N/A.
04

Please list any job-related certifications and/or licenses you currently posses (if you do not hold any, please type N/A):
05

Which of the following best describes your level of supervisory experience dealing with issues such as hiring, coaching, mentoring, training, corrective, and disciplinary actions?
  • I have less than one (1) year of supervisory experience
  • I have one (1) to three (3) years of supervisory experience
  • I have three (3) or more years of supervisory experience
  • I have four (4) or more years of supervisory experience
  • I have five (5) or more years of supervisory experience
06

Which one of the following best describes your highest level of Microsoft Word skills? (NOTE: To qualify for the Intermediate level, you must also be able to perform the functions at the Basic level. To qualify for the Advanced level, you must also be able to perform the functions at Basic and Intermediate levels. To qualify for the Expert level, you must also be able to perform the functions at the Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced levels.)
  • I do not have enough skills to meet the definition of the Basic level below
  • BASIC: Create, save, preview and print a basic document; edit selected text; change font appearance; highlight text; format paragraphs with tabs, borders, shading and styles; page setup, use auto correct
  • INTERMEDIATE: Insert graphic objects and visual effects to a document; add tables to a document or convert tables to text; add watermarks, borders, headers and footers; use the word look up (thesaurus, dictionary); customize tables and charts; modify pictures in document; create customized graphic elements; use templates
  • ADVANCED: Insert content using quick parts; control text flow; perform mail merge function; uses macros for tasks; insert cover pages and table of contents; track changes and comments; insert bookmarks, footnotes and endnotes; add hyperlinks; cross-references and citations; link documents to excel worksheets; send document to PowerPoint; merge documents; redaction function; hide text; add digital signature, restrict access and use passwords; create, protect and automate forms
  • EXPERT: Able to use and train others in all Word functions listed above
07

How much experience do you have working in government finance?
  • I have no experience
  • I have less than one (1) year experience
  • I have one (1) to three (3) years of experience
  • I have three (3) to five (5) years of experience
  • I have more than five (5) years of experience
08

Which of the following best describes your experience with internal controls, debt management, procurement, and municipal budget preparation?
  • I have no experience
  • I have less than one (1) year of experience
  • I have one (1) to three (3) years of experience
  • I have three (3) to five (5) years of experience
  • I have more than five (5) years of experience
09

Which one of the following best describes your experience with principles and practices of the Washington State Auditor's Office proscribed Budget Accounting Reporting System (BARS)?
  • I have no experience
  • I have less than one (1) year of experience
  • I have one (1) to three (3) years of experience
  • I have three (3) to five (5) years of experience
  • I have more than five (5) years of experience
10

Which one of the following best describes your experience in Cash Basis accounting?
  • I have no experience
  • I have less than one (1) year of experience
  • I have one (1) to three (3) years of experience
  • I have three (3) to five (5) years of experience
  • I have more than five (5) years of experience
11

Which one of the following best describes your experience in GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) accounting?
  • I have no experience
  • I have less than one (1) year of experience
  • I have one (1) to three (3) years of experience
  • I have three (3) to five (5) years of experience
  • I have more than five (5) years of experience
12

Which one of the following best describes your experience with managing and administering state/federal grants?
  • I have no experience
  • I have less than one (1) year of experience
  • I have one (1) to three (3) years of experience
  • I have three (3) to five (5) years of experience
  • I have more than five (5) years of experience
Required Question
Salary178,968.12 - 226,451.76 Annual
Listing Type
Jobs
Categories
Finance | Management
Position Type
Full Time
Salary Min
178968.12
Salary Max
226451.76
Salary Type
/yr.

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