Finance Director

Northshore Utility District, WA; Kenmore (WA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full benefits: medical, dental, vision

WA State Pension System

4% deferred compensation match

HRA/VEBA contributions

9/80 schedule

Job summary

Northshore Utility District in Kenmore, WA is seeking a Finance Director to lead the Finance Department and ensure accurate financial reporting and budgeting.

The role requires extensive accounting leadership, GAAP/GASB knowledge, and municipal utility experience. The position reports to the General Manager and participates in district planning with the Management Team.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Ten years of progressive experience in the management of a finance or accounting group.
• Five years of progressive supervisory experience.
• Certified Public Accounting (CPA) licensed preferred not required.
• Municipal utility experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Directs all activities of the Finance Department including billing, payments, deposits, reconciliations, investments, cash management, general ledger postings and internal controls.
• Prepares reports to the Board of Commissioners including budgets, quarterly income statements, rate studies, financial planning and annual financial report.
• Develops annual budget proposal and monitors progress of approved budgets.
• Acts as authorized signer on revolving accounts and coordinates audits with WA State Auditor’s Office.
• Works with General Manager and Management Team on district operations and policies.

Skills

Financial leadership

GAAP / GASB

Financial reporting

Budgeting

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in accounting

CPA preferred

Municipal utility experience preferred

Job description

Northshore Utility District in Kenmore, Washington is seeking a Finance Director.

Schedule: 9/80 Work Schedule or Standard Monday - Friday

At NUD, we prioritize work-life balance and long-term career stability. Our employees enjoy a flexible 9/80 work schedule, giving you every other Friday off, and a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision premiums for employees and families
• Participation in the Washington State Pension System
• 4% employer match on your deferred compensation
• $2,000/$4,000 employer funded HRA/VEBA annually (based on medical plan selection)
• AND MORE

This position is open until it is filled, the first review of applicants begins on October 20, 2026.

This position directs all activities of the Finance Department and is responsible to ensure the proper calculation of utility bills, processing and posting of payments, deposits, reconciliations, investments, cash management, general ledger postings, internal controls, and other financial reporting tasks. The position prepares reports to the Board of Commissioners regarding financial matters; including, but not limited to annual budget proposals, quarterly income statements, utility rate studies, financial planning, check issuance, annual financial report, and other analysis as directed by the Board of Commissioners or General Manager. This position develops an annual budget proposal and monitors the progress of approved budgets. Serves as the authorized signer on all revolving checking accounts, internal auditing officer and is the point of contact for the various audit teams. Provides effective supervision of direct reports and other Department members with clear direction, effective training, and timely performance evaluation. Supports and coordinates with other Directors and departments as needed. Participates in the overall planning and management of the District as a member of the Management Team.

REPORTING DIRECTLY TO:General Manager and supervises the Financial Analyst, Accountant, Customer Service Technician Lead, and Customer Service Technicians.

• Supervises, trains, motivates, and evaluates assigned personnel; provides or coordinates staff training; completes annual evaluations and works with employees to correct deficiencies and oversees the same of the other subordinates assigned to the Finance Department.
• Oversees and manages District financial operations; including but not limited to proper calculation of utility bills, processing and posting of payments, deposits, reconciliations, payroll, investments, cash management, general ledger postings, internal controls, and other financial reporting tasks.
• Responsible for planning and implementation of projects or initiatives; setting priorities, establishing department work plans, and providing support in decision making to help organize, coordinate and manage the day‑day activities of department staff.
• Responsible for maintaining a positive customer service experience and assisting the administrative team with any escalated customer service issues.
• Prepares, reconciles, and coordinates with District staff and the State Auditor’s Officer the District’s Annual Financial Report.
• Coordinates and acts as the primary point of contact for the annual financial and accountability audits conducted by the Washington State Auditor’s Office.
• Works with the General Manager in the development of the District’s annual budget including management of the budget calendar and monitoring of budget progress.
• Coordinates and assists other Directors in developing departmental budgets, such as the forecasting of funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies.
• Provides procurement review; assists departments on proper procurement procedures and ensures bid requirements are followed; monitors use of petty cash, credit cards, per diem policies, and state bid coordination.
• Responsible for accumulating necessary information and data for presentation of the annual Rate Resolution proposal to the Board of Commissioners.
• Writes and/or reviews resolutions and reports for Board of Commissioner meetings as required or directed by the General Manager.
• Attends monthly Board meetings and communicates all aspects of District finances to the General Manager and Board of Commissioners for the protection and proper accounting of District assets and resources.
• Works directly with the General Manager as a member of the Management Team in developing, reviewing, and guiding District operations and policies.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Understanding of Federal and State laws and regulations governing the operations of water and sewer districts (RCW 57 and other applicable statutes).
• Full understanding of GAAP, GASB, Washington State BARS accounting system and other accounting standards as they apply to a water and sewer district.
• Understanding of auditing and budgeting theories.
• Proficient in the preparation of financial statements, various financial analyses and grant/loan applications.
• Working knowledge of employment laws and personnel procedures.
• Ability to reliably travel to meetings, post office and bank per week by a method that allows timely arrival. If driving a company vehicle, a valid driver’s license may be necessary since no alternative method of transportation is available that reasonably matches time and cost.
• Proficient in training, motivating, and leading employees.
• Proficient in modern management techniques.
• Proficient in planning, organizing, and scheduling work assignments.
• Communication (oral, written, and interpersonal) skills as applied to interaction with co-workers, supervisor, the general public, etc.

Experience/Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, or an equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the requisite knowledge, skills and abilities required to successfully perform the duties of this position.
• Ten years of progressive experience in the management of a finance or accounting group.
• Five years of progressive supervisory experience.
• Certified Public Accounting (CPA) licensed preferred not required.
• Municipal utility experience preferred.

Licensing Requirements:

• Ability to travel to meetings, post office and the bank is needed by a means that ensures timely arrival. If the duties of the position require operating a motor vehicle where no reasonable alternative transportation method exists, possession of a valid Washington State driver’s license (and acceptable driving record) will be required.

WORKING CONDITIONS:Most work is performed in a standard office environment, with occasional travel required for meetings or mail and bank runs. This position may require flexibility in working hours in response to emergencies or urgent deadlines. This position involves tasks requiring fingering, grasping, talking, hearing, seeing and repetitive motions. Occasional lifting or exerting up to 25 pounds of force may be necessary to move objects. Specific vision abilities required for this position include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.