Finance Manager

Application Materials
Applicants are required to submit a combined cover letter and resume in one PDF document. Your cover letter must summarize your education and experience as it relates to the position.  Incomplete materials will not be considered. 

Job Title: Finance Manager
Location: NCW Libraries, Headquarters in Wenatchee, WA
FLSA Status: Exempt
Position Type: Full-Time
Wage:  JG Q  (Range $79,328- $106,611)
Bargaining Unit: Not represented 

Position Summary:
NCW Libraries is seeking a dedicated and experienced Finance Manager to oversee the financial management and accounting operations of the organization. The Finance Manager has a comprehensive range of financial planning and management responsibilities, monitoring budgets, developing staff, and plays a key role in ensuring the fiscal health and sustainability of the library system. The ideal candidate is passionate about providing excellent customer service, working collaboratively with others, and is excited about being a financial steward for NCW Libraries by providing strategic financial guidance to support its mission and goals .

The Finance Manager will work with the Interim Finance Director to manage the accounts payable, purchasing and overall finance functions for the District. The Finance Manager supervises Accounting Technicians that perform Accounts Payable/Accounts Receivable, cash receipting and purchasing and procurement functions. The position will enforce district-wide policies and practices in areas of responsibility, participate in district-wide fiscal planning, coordinate accounting activities with district staff and implement special projects. Within the Finance Department, the Finance Manager will develop and implement departmental procedures and work with the Interim Finance Director to plan the future direction of the department. The Finance Manager will serve as the primary support to the Interim Finance Director in district wide efforts such as contract management, preparation of the annual and monthly financial reports and associated audit efforts, implementing districtwide finance department goals and strategic initiatives as well as budget development and management.

NCW Libraries mission is to connect the people of North Central Washington to vital resources and opportunities that foster individual growth and strengthen communities.  We welcome applicants of all abilities.

The ideal candidate for the Finance Manager position is not only dedicated to our mission but also possesses a deep understanding of financial management principles and practices. They should demonstrate a commitment to ensuring the effective stewardship of our resources while fostering transparency and accountability. In addition to being adept at financial analysis and reporting, the ideal candidate should exhibit strong leadership skills, the ability to collaborate effectively with team members, and a strategic mindset to contribute to the long-term financial health and sustainability of NCW Libraries

Core Competencies:

At NCW Libraries, we believe that the foundation of our success lies in the unique abilities and skills each team member brings to the table. The core competencies outlined below represent the key attributes and behaviors that are essential for excelling in this role. We seek individuals who embody these qualities and are committed to fostering a dynamic, innovative, and collaborative work environment. If you possess these competencies, we encourage you to apply and join us in driving NCW Libraries forward.

• Ethical Practice: Consistently demonstrates integrity through behavior, character, and action. Reliably applies good judgment that reflects organizational values.
• Professionalism: Completes work to a set standard, both as an individual and part of a team. Exhibits competence and proficiency, and consistently demonstrates accountability. Serves as a positive representative of the library district both at work and in the community.
• Building Respectful Relationships: Promotes confidentiality and trust, fosters a positive culture, and exhibits respect with all verbal and nonverbal communication.
• Effective Communication & Collaboration: Provides concise, timely, and accurate information through appropriate channels, internally and externally. Welcomes and offers constructive feedback. Listens actively and works effectively with others to achieve organizational goals and objectives.
• Adaptability: Responds positively to organizational change and shows a willingness and flexibility to learn and develop. Able to assess and make decisions in the moment, even when lacking complete information. Remains calm during tense or challenging situations or periods of stress.
• Valuing Diversity & Promoting Inclusiveness: Values diverse perspectives, consistently exhibits inclusive behavior, and cultivates respect for all individuals, groups, and cultures. Approaches relationships and communication with staff and community with respect and recognizes opportunities for their own personal learning and growth.
• Library Advocacy & Intellectual Freedom: Promotes and supports the fundamental purpose of the public library, including mission, vision, and strategic directions of NCW Libraries. Understands and can articulate the library’s role in providing free and equal access to ideas, information, resources, and services, from all points of view, without restriction, to every individual.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

Collaborate closely with the Interim Finance Director to gain a comprehensive understanding and proficiency in all aspects of the Finance Department’s operations, including budgeting, preparing accurate and timely financial statements, purchasing guidelines, and District policies and procedures.

Prepare financial reports for Library Supervisors and Directors of other departments ensuring alignment with organizational goals and financial best practices.

• Serves as the first reviewer to verify amounts, accurate budget coding, and proper documentation for accounts payable. Approves and processes accounts payable and/or payroll through to final posting and upload steps with the County and Bank before forwarding to the Interim Finance Director for final approval.
• Perform monthly bank reconciliations between the County Treasurer’s reports, bank accounts and the Library general ledger which will support a routine month end closing.
• Develops and produces specialized financial reports requiring high levels of sophistication and complexity.
• Works with the Interim Finance Director to understand and learn the functions of the Finance Department, including budgeting, state and federal filings and levy calculations.
• Ensure compliance with accounting standards and regulatory requirements.
• Develops and monitors the library district’s budget.

• Oversee budget and manage the District’s revenue and expenditures in a way that maintains transparency and accountability.

• Provide guidance and strategic partnering regarding fiscal management and planning.
• Ensures compliance with city, state, and federal legal requirements for financial and business operations, including oversight of state audits.

• Stay current on accounting regulations and best practices.
• Ensures appropriate internal accounting controls.
• Oversees and reviews the filing of quarterly and annual reports to include federal tax, employment security, DOR, state tax, 1099’s, and social security annual wages.
• Perform duties of Payroll and Accounting Technicians in their absence or as needed due to workload peaks.
• Understands and oversees  grants.
• Develops, manages, and directs the work and processes of the finance office personnel including the disposal of assets.

• Review and approve work efforts performed by accounting staff including but not limited to cash receipt entries, manual batches, updates or changes made within the accounting system and other journal entries performed.
• Prioritize, delegate work, and determine work schedules and assignments for direct reports.
• Train (including adequate cross-training), develop, motivate, evaluate, and manage the performance of the accounting staff.
• Participates in board, committee meetings and other leadership activities as required. Possess experience in presenting to and answering questions from a Board.
• Cultivates positive, mutually beneficial relationships with the executive leadership team, managers, direct reports, and staff at all levels of the organization.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Education & Experience:
Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance or related field of study.

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in accounting, budgeting and procurement experience including 1 year at senior, lead and/or supervisory level.
• Three years of experience in finance working for a government entity or municipal corporation in Washington State.
• Proficiency and experience in accounting software and Microsoft Excel required.
• Valid driver’s license in the State of WA required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• Financial Acumen & Decision Making:
• Use key financial indicators for informed decision-making.
• Gather, analyze data, and make timely decisions advancing goals.
• Knowledgeable about financial systems, budgeting, fiscal policy, and decision-making processes.
• Experience with change management, supporting employee involvement, negotiation, persuasion and mediation skills.
• Innovative, analytic, collaborative, self-directed, and committed to intellectual freedom.
• Honesty, Integrity, and Communication:
• Resourcefulness & Problem Solving:
• Acquire and deploy resources effectively for optimal outcomes.
• Problem-solving, define issues, identify root causes, evaluate options, and deliver solutions.

Organization & Work Direction:

• Demonstrate high level organizational skills, align work with priorities, and exercise sound project management.
• Effective work direction, provide clear guidance, monitor progress, and offer support.
• Lead effectively, inspire staff, promote teamwork, and exceptional interpersonal skills.

Additional Skills & Experience:

• Exceptional written and oral communication, including public presentations.
• Knowledge of public libraries and belief in their essential role within communities.
• A familiarity with BARS for local governments.
• The ideal candidate will have working knowledge of the principles and practices of financial and managerial accounting, and of computer software applications including word processing, spreadsheets, databases and payroll software.

Compensation and Benefits:

• The pay grade for this position spans from $79,328 to $106,611, divided into 11 steps. Employees demonstrating good performance can expect a 3% annual step increase on their anniversary date as adopted in the annual budget. Starting salary is dependent on education and experience, with initial placement typically below the midpoint. Those meeting the minimum requirements can expect a starting annual salary of $79,328. Washington State PERS retirement.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Employer Paid Dental, Vision and Life and LTD for the employee.
• Medical coverage available (most plans paid in full for the employee).
• 12 paid holidays throughout the year, plus 2 personal holidays of their choice.
• 8 hours of sick leave accrued per month for full-time employees.
• 8 hours per month vacation leave accrual for full-time employees; this increases over time based on years of employment.
• Other types of paid time off for a variety of situations, including jury duty and bereavement leave.
• Eligibility for additional voluntary life and ADD insurance, income protection plans, flexible spending accounts, deferred compensation, identity and fraud prevention, legal protection, pet insurance and BenefitHub Discounts. 

Work Environment & Physical Demands:

• Normally seated, standing, or walking at will.
• Normally physical activity including some bending, pushing, pulling and lifting and carrying, which may range up to 45 lbs. upon occasion.
• Keyboarding and working at a computer monitor for extended periods required.
• Phone usage, reading, speaking, and listening.

Equal Opportunity Employer:
NCW Libraries is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome applicants from all walks of life and are committed to supporting diverse talent. We ensure all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you need assistance or accommodation during the application process due to a disability, please contact us at HR@ncwlibraries.org.

Salary : $79,328