Chief Financial Officer (Finance Director)

About the role

The Chief Financial Officer and Finance Director serves as the primary accounting professional, responsible for all financial activities, including reporting, planning, accounting and treasury practices, ensuring alignment with applicable regulations and the PUD’s mission and objectives.

Responsibilities

• Manages and directs the overall functions and operations of the Accounting Department.
• Directs the planning, development, implementation and documentation of department operations, ensuring compliance with PUD policies and other regulatory requirements.
• Manages and directs the operation of the Purchasing and Inventory Departments.
• Develops and administers financial strategies and policies in support of the PUD’s strategic plan and financial position, ensuring adherence to all applicable laws and regulatory requirements; including budgeting, rate and resource planning, short and long-term financial planning, financial reporting, investment management, bond issuance, procurement practices, accounts payable/receivable, payroll administration, auditing, and risk management.
• Ensures the PUD’s financial strategies and practices align with best practices and comply with all regulatory requirements, internal controls, and ethical standards pertaining to public sector financial management.
• Directs the annual budgeting process, including rate development and cost of service assessments. Presents proposed budget and rates to the Board of Commissioners. Monitors the budget and long-term financial plan and makes recommendations for adjustments as needed.
• Oversees and administers appropriate internal controls, audit measures, and financial policies and practices to safeguard the PUD’s assets and maintain financial integrity and ensure compliance.
• Oversees and administers preparation and participation in external financial and accountability audits, including consulting with auditors regarding their findings, reporting results to the General Manager and Board of Commissioners, and facilitating any necessary actions or strategies.
• Oversees and presents financial statements, governmental reports, and other statistical analyses as required.
• Oversees and manages financial risk activities by identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks related to budgeting, investments, compliance, and internal controls, while directing strategies to safeguard assets and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Prepares and provides accurate financial reports to the General Manager, Board of Commissioners, and others as needed.
• Performs and oversees financial planning work including long-range financial forecasting.
• Maintains accounting controls through process evaluation, testing and employing a continuous improvement philosophy.
• Maintains positive external financial relationships with the PUD’s bankers, insurance brokers, bond-rating agencies, and regulators.
• Attends and participates in Board of Commissioner’s meetings and provides support to General Manager in meeting preparation and reporting.
• Ensures statutory oversight of compliance in contracting, bid requirements, purchasing procedures, processing of vendor payments and public meetings.
• Ensures compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements in the execution of duties.
• Conducts topical presentations for training, information, and decision making for small or large groups.
• Develops financial statistics and economic analysis reports.
• Maintains all monies securely invested to the full extent possible and as mandated by Washington State Law and District Resolutions.
• Analyzes need for financing; develops and implements appropriate financing options.
• Assists with the development and administration of debt and bond issues and ensure compliance with bond covenants and applicable laws and PUD Bond Resolutions.
• Provides oversight and guidance on payroll and consults with Human Resources on payroll-related matters as needed.
• Represents the PUD at trade association meetings and related committees while projecting a positive image for the PUD.
• Performs special projects aligned with the PUD’s strategic plan.
• May serve as acting General Manager in the absence of the General Manager, may be called upon to assume duties of that position to effectively continue business of the PUD.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration or closely related field required.
• Minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible accounting experience required.
• At least five (5) years of leadership experience managing and supervising accounting staff and leading the accounting function of an organization preferred.
• Experience in accounting for an electric utility and experience with NISC financial systems is highly desired.
• An advanced degree and/or professional certification, e.g., CPA (Certified Public Accountant), CIA (Certified Internal Auditor), CMA (Certified Management Accountant) preferred.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.