MCSO Finance Specialist 1

Posted Date: 8/11/2026

About the Role

Join the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) and become part of a dynamic team where your commitment to justice and community safety can make a real difference. We are seeking individuals who are dedicated to serving the community, passionate about helping others, and inspired by a strong sense of purpose. MCSO is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce and investing in professional development opportunities throughout your career.

We are currently seeking to hire one Finance Specialist 1 to perform a full range of operational/fiscal functions for MCSO. Functions include, but are not limited to, accounts payable, accounts receivable, auditing, purchasing, general ledger, cash balances, the Adult-In-Custody (AIC) Accounting System, and providing support and backup for our Travel Coordinator. This role is ideal for a detail-driven professional skilled at navigating competing deadlines, motivated to anticipate and solve problems, and thriving in a collaborative work environment.

Apply as soon as possible! We anticipate keeping this recruitment open for two (2) weeks but may close early if 150 applications are received.

Responsibilities

• Daily processing of cash and check transactions for AIC trust accounts and bail; prepare and log bank deposits.
• Monitor and support the AIC account phone line, assisting AICs and their families with account-related inquiries.
• Post journal entries for AIC deposits; prepare accounts receivable items and transmit deposits to the bank.
• Review and prepare detailed financial reports using Workday and other software to track and analyze program revenue expenses.
• Interpret and apply laws, rules, regulations, and fiscal policies and procedures to assigned work functions, programs, and/or grants; monitor and recommend adjustments to fiscal systems.
• Maintain front office supply inventory; complete filing, archiving, and tracking of deposits, invoices, and clearing items.
• Schedule, reserve, coordinate, and communicate travel arrangements and training registrations with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Process travel per diem advances, registrations, and trip documentation to ensure timely and compliant processing.
• Prepare direct pay and ad hoc payments for travel and training, including registration and payment for virtual and in-person events.
• Provide daily support and backup coverage for the Travel Coordinator.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Competencies

• Attention to Detail: Consistently produce accurate work, catch errors early, and maintain high standards in financial and travel documentation.
• Time Management & Prioritization: Manage multiple deadlines effectively, organize tasks strategically, and adapt quickly when priorities shift.
• Proactive Problem Solving: Anticipate challenges, take initiative to resolve issues, and prevent disruptions to travel, training, or fiscal processes.
• Customer Service: Provide responsive, respectful, and solution-focused support to internal and external customers.
• Communication: Communicate clearly and professionally in writing and verbally, tailoring your approach to the needs of diverse audiences.
• Technology Use: Utilize electronic systems effectively for processing, tracking, and reporting financial and travel information.
• Teamwork: Collaborate with colleagues, share information, and contribute to a positive and productive work environment.

Requirements

We will consider any combination of relevant work experience, volunteering, education, and transferable skills as qualifying unless an item or section is labeled required. Please be clear and specific about how your background is relevant.

• Equivalent to an Associate’s degree from an accredited college or university. Additional qualifying experience can substitute on a year-for-year basis to satisfy this requirement.
• Minimum of one (1) year of accounting experience in one or more of the following areas is required: cash handling, accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger, or account reconciliations.
• Must pass a criminal records check and background screening.

Preferred Qualifications

You do not need to have the following preferred qualifications/transferable skills to qualify. However, we may consider some or all of the following when identifying the most qualified candidates. Please clearly explain on your application how you meet any of the following preferred qualifications/transferable skills.

• Experience using Accounting Software and Systems.
• Excellent interpersonal communication and customer service skills.
• Experience working for a government agency.
• Transferable skills: Skills gained through education, work experience (including the military), or life experience that are relevant for this position. Be sure to describe any transferable skills on your application and clearly explain how they apply to this position.

Supplemental Questions

In lieu of a cover letter, please answer the three questions below (please limit your answers to a maximum of three (3) pages, with a minimum font size of 12-point). Your responses will be used as a screening tool; the quality and strength of your answers will determine if you move forward in the process. Refer to your relevant experience (paid or unpaid) and training. Answers to supplemental questions must be uploaded in the online application when prompted to attach required documents. Please upload your attachment as a PDF.

• Question 1: This role requires coordinating complex program logistics while ensuring strict adherence to financial policies. Describe a time when you had to manage both logistical details (like scheduling, meetings, deadlines, competing priorities, etc.) and financial or procedural rules for the same task. How did you ensure both the logistical needs and the financial requirements were met?
• Question 2: Imagine a staff member submits a request for accounting information that doesn't comply with County policy. Describe, in detail, the steps you would take to handle this situation. How would you communicate with the staff member to resolve the issue while maintaining a positive, professional relationship?
• Question 3: The job description emphasizes the need to 'anticipate and solve problems before they arise.' Provide a specific example of a time you identified a potential issue in a financial or administrative process. What steps did you take to proactively address it, and what was the outcome?

Work Environment

• Work onsite at the Multnomah Building, 501 SE Hawthorne Blvd., Suite 350, Portland, OR 97214.
• Work schedule is Monday-Friday, with flexible work hours.
• This position is primarily in-person with ad-hoc telework after a training period has been completed (telework is infrequent/occasional on a case-by-case basis).
• All employees must reside in Oregon or Washington due to payroll & taxes, workers compensation insurance, and liability issues.

Benefits

• Holiday Leave: Eligible to receive 13 paid holidays per fiscal year, including 10 county-observed holidays and 3 floating holidays.
• Paid Sick Leave: Accrue paid sick leave at the rate of .05 hours for each County-paid hour (approximately 104 hours per year for a full-time/40 hours per week employee).
• Vacation Leave: Start accruing paid vacation leave at 4.67 hours per pay period (approximately 112 hours per year for a full-time employee).
• Paid Increases: Eligible for an annual step increase each year on your progression date until reaching the top of the range, as well as annual COLA increases when approved by the Board of County Commissioners.
• Deferred Compensation: Automatically enrolled in the County’s Deferred Compensation program at 1% of pre-tax wages unless you choose to opt out.
• Health and Dental: Comprehensive health and dental packages with most full-time employees paying only 5-10% of the monthly cost, depending on plan selection.
• Retirement: County contributes 12% to the State's retirement system (PERS/OPSRP) with no financial contributions from the employee.
• Transportation: Free TriMet pass.

For the full list of benefits, please visit our new employee benefits page.

Pay

This is an hourly, overtime-eligible position represented by the AFSCME Local 88 union. The pay range is intended to provide general guidance; specific pay will be determined based on experience and qualifications.