Financial Reporting Manager

Whatcom County; Bellingham (WA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 131,000; Full time

Job summary

Whatcom County Administrative Services Finance Division is seeking an experienced Financial Reporting Manager to lead our financial reporting function, ensuring the ACFR and year-end statements are accurate and meaningful to the community we serve.

You’ll supervise a team, implement GASB standards, coordinate the external audit, and provide technical guidance to Finance Directors and departments on complex accounting matters.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or a related field required.
• At least five years of progressively responsible governmental accounting and financial reporting experience, including ACFR or equivalent.
• At least three years of supervisory or management experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead the County's financial reporting and ACFR preparation.
• Oversee year-end close and financial statement preparation.
• Guide the implementation of GASB standards.
• Coordinate external audit activities.
• Provide leadership to financial reporting staff.
• Strengthen internal controls and reporting practices across County operations.
• Advise departments and leadership on complex governmental accounting matters.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, accuracy, and compliance.

Skills

Government accounting

Financial reporting leadership

Internal controls

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or related field

CPA or CPFO preferred

Job description

Whatcom County Administrative Services Finance Division is seeking an experienced Financial Reporting Manager to lead our financial reporting function and help ensure our financial information is accurate, transparent, and meaningful to the community we serve.

In this role, you’ll oversee the preparation of the County’s Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR), year-end financial reporting, implementation of governmental accounting standards, and coordination of the external audit. You’ll also provide technical leadership to financial reporting staff and serve as a trusted resource to the Finance Director and County departments on complex accounting and reporting matters.

What You’ll Do

• Lead the County’s financial reporting and ACFR preparation.
• Oversee year-end close and financial statement preparation.
• Guide the implementation of governmental accounting standards.
• Coordinate external audit activities.
• Provide leadership, direction, and support to financial reporting staff.
• Strengthen internal controls, processes, and reporting practices across County operations.
• Advise departments and leadership on complex governmental accounting matters.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, accuracy, compliance, and accountability.

What We’re Looking For

We’re looking for a financial professional who brings strong governmental accounting expertise, sound judgment, and a collaborative spirit. You enjoy solving complex problems, supporting others, and finding practical ways to make financial processes stronger and more effective.

Supervisor: Finance Director

Hours of Work: Monday - Friday 8 AM - 5 PM

For more information please review the Job Description.

Salary: $8,093- $11,751 per month

This position is open until filled, with a first priority review date for applications received by October 12, 2026.

Hiring rate depends on qualifications. This position receives annualpay increases to the next step in the associated salary range (apx. 3.8%) subject to satisfactory performance, in addition to any negotiated Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA).

Bring your expertise. Strengthen public trust. Make an impact that matters.

Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or a related field and five (5) years of progressively responsible governmental accounting and financial reporting experience, including experience preparing or leading the preparation of an Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) or comparable governmental financial statements and at least three (3) years of supervisory or management experience.

Any equivalent combination of education, training and experience that clearly demonstrates the ability to perform the essential duties of the position may be considered. Experience may substitute for education and education may substitute for experience when appropriate. Substitution does not apply where a specific degree, license, or certification is required by law, regulation, or professional standards.

Preferred Qualifications:

• CPA or Certified Public Finance Officer (CPFO) designation.
• Experience working with the State Auditor's Office or other external governmental auditors.
• Experience implementing GASB standards.
• Experience working with an enterprise resource planning (ERP) financial system.