Sheriff's Office Budget and Finance Manager

Cowlitz County, WA; Kelso (WA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The Cowlitz County Sheriff's Office is seeking a Budget and Finance Manager to lead budgeting, financial reporting, and grant administration. This role supervises professional and administrative staff and develops long-range financial plans for the department.

Key duties include managing the budget process, procurement oversight, and collaboration with county leaders and partner agencies. A bachelor’s degree in business or finance and 5+ years of financial leadership are required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business administration and/or finance.
• Five years of relevant experience planning, directing, and managing multiple financial functions and/or programs.
• Valid driver's license and ability to pass background checks.

Responsibilities

• Office management, budget management, grant management, and business accounts management.
• Presentations to Sheriff, Administrators, Board of County Commissioners, partners, and the public.
• Develop and implement fiscal policies, procedures, and controls.
• Manage budgets, forecasts, and financial statements.
• Oversee procurement, grants, and contracting with compliance to laws and mandates.
• Collaborate with stakeholders and outside agencies.

Skills

Staff management

Presentations

Budget planning

Financial reporting

Grants management

Contracts management

Education

Bachelor's degree in business administration or finance

Job description

Develop and implement budget and finance programs within the Cowlitz County Sheriff's Office. Supervises, plans, and coordinates the activities and operations of professional and administrative staff responsible for providing a variety of accounting and financial programs and services. Coordinates assigned activities with other departments, outside agencies and the general public. Provide highly responsible and complex staff assistance to the Undersheriff.

The Budget and Finance Manger works under the direction of the Undersheriff with responsibility for independent initiative and judgement. The position exercises direct supervision over a professional clerical staff. This positions requires thorough knowledge of the assigned discipline, procedures, policies and related laws and regulations.

Open through Thursday, October 15th, 2026.

Areas of Responsibility: Office Management, Budget Management, Grant Management, Business Accounts Management.

• Staff Management: Direct and approve through subordinate supervisor(s) the planning, prioritizing, assigning, supervising, training, and review of the work of a diverse workforce; recruitment, performance management, and professional development for unit staff.
• Presentations: Responsible for creating and delivering oral and written presentations to the Sheriff, Administrators , the Board of County Commissioners, partner agencies and the public.
• Process Planning and Improvement: Develop and implement program and strategic planning; application of methodologies of process improvement; implement and assist in the development of fiscal and budget policies, procedures, and business practices and controls.
• Budget Process Management: Develop, administer, assist, and monitor budgets; develop justifications for budgetary recommendations and/or adjustments; develop long-term sustainable financial and operating plans; coordinate the finalization of budgets to ensure timely submission of the Office budget.
• Ongoing Financial Management: Manage ongoing fiscal administration by highlighting risks and opportunities; forecasting expenditures, revenues, staffing and resources; develop spending controls; monitor, coordinate, and make adjustments to fiscal systems; prepare or supervise the preparation of a variety of detailed periodic and annual expenditure, revenue, budget, and other management reports; design and prepare annual financial statements.
• Procurement, Grants, and Contracting: Identify, obtain, and manage funding from grants and community partners; participate in the interpretation, negotiation, management, and enforcement of contracts and agreements; ensure procurement practices are in accordance within all established legal mandates.
• Manage Internal Services Agreements: Manage and development of service-level agreements with service providers; knowledge and experience developing and applying cost allocation methodologies.
• Collaboration with Stakeholders and Partners: Provide expert guidance to other departments, the general public, and/or outside agencies; represent the Sheriff's Office to the public, elected officials, other agencies, governments, and organizations including making presentations and participating in meetings; act as representative on committees, inter-agency task forces, and special projects; respond and resolve confidential and sensitive inquiries.

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in business administration and/or finance or a related field. (Master's degree preferred)
• Five years of relevant experience planning, directing, and managing multiple financial functions and/or programs is required.
• Or, any combination of experience and education that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities.
• Must possess a valid driver's license by the time of appointment.
• Must pass a thorough background investigation which includes, but is not limited to a review of applicant's criminal, civil, driving, military, educational, employment history and credit check.

• May require work hours in excess of 8 hours per day or 5 days per week.
• Able to maintain control, leadership and managerial capacities during emergencies and stressful situations.
• May require travel for training, meetings, or conferences, as well as to commute to other departments and government agencies.
• Observe, abide, and set example, of all County and department policies, goals, and objectives.
• Able to work well and complete duties under stress, deadlines, and while attending to multiple duties simultaneously.
• Tolerate prolonged computer related exposure. Ability to sit at a workstation for long periods of time.
• Able to handle job stress and interact effectively with others in the workplace.