Finance Director

Wscpa Spokane Chapter; Lynnwood (WA); On-site; USD 165,000 - 222,000; Full time

Job summary

Alderwood Water & Wastewater District seeks a Finance Director to serve as CFO and Treasurer, providing strategic financial leadership to sustain the district's water and wastewater services for the community.

The candidate will lead the finance team, oversee budgeting, accounting, treasury, debt management, audits, and financial reporting, and advise the General Manager and Board on policies and capital financing.

Qualifications

• Municipal or utility finance leadership experience preferred.
• Strong knowledge of budgeting, accounting, debt and investments.
• Excellent communication with officials and the public.

Responsibilities

• Plan, direct, and oversee all financial operations (budgeting, accounting, treasury, auditing, reporting).
• Lead debt financing, investments, cash flow, and internal controls.
• Advise the General Manager and Board on financial policy, rate strategies, and financial condition.
• Represent the District to boards, committees, lenders, auditors, and external partners.
• Develop long-range financial plans to support capital programs and service demands.

Job description

Reporting directly to the General Manager, the Finance Director serves as the District’s Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer and is a key member of the executive leadership team. The Finance Director provides strategic financial leadership for one of Washington’s premier utility districts, ensuring the long-term financial sustainability of the organization while supporting the District’s mission of delivering safe, reliable, and cost-effective water and wastewater services.

The Finance Director leads a talented management team that includes the Finance Manager, Finance Management Analyst, Financial Analyst, Information Technology Manager, Administrative Services Coordinator, and Program Manager for Records and Enterprise Content Management.

This position is responsible for planning, directing, and overseeing all financial operations of the District, including budgeting, financial planning, accounting, utility billing, treasury and investment management, debt administration, financial reporting, cash flow management, internal controls, enterprise financial systems, and coordination of the District’s annual audit. The Finance Director serves as the District Treasurer, oversees bond financing and debt service, manages financial risk, and develops long-range financial strategies that support the District’s significant capital improvement program and future service demands.

The Finance Director regularly advises the General Manager and Board of Commissioners on financial policies, fiscal trends, rate strategies, capital financing, and the overall financial condition of the District. This position also represents the District through presentations to the Board, public meetings, financial institutions, auditors, and other external partners.

The Ideal Candidate

Alderwood Water & Wastewater District seeks a collaborative, forward-thinking finance executive who combines exceptional technical expertise with strong leadership and communication skills. The successful candidate will be a strategic business partner who understands the critical role finance plays in supporting organizational decision-making and delivering outstanding public service.

The ideal candidate is an experienced municipal or utility finance professional with demonstrated success managing complex financial operations, developing long-range financial plans, overseeing debt financing and investments, and leading high-performing teams. They will possess excellent judgment, political awareness, and the ability to communicate complex financial concepts clearly to elected officials, executive leadership, employees, and the public.

The successful Finance Director will be a relationship builder who values collaboration across departments, embraces innovation and technology, and is committed to continuous improvement, accountability, and transparent financial management.

Total Compensation

The salary range for the Finance Director is $165,381 – $221,624 annually, depending on qualifications and experience.

Alderwood Water & Wastewater District offers an outstanding executive benefits package designed to support employees and their families. Benefits include comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, participation in the Washington State Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS), generous paid vacation and sick leave, holidays, deferred compensation opportunities, and other competitive benefits.