BUDGET & FISCAL MANAGER

The Commissioner's Office for Thurston County is seeking a highly qualified and motivated candidate for the position of Budget and Fiscal Manager. The Budget and Fiscal Manager works collaboratively with County Offices and Departments to develop the County's budget and associated policies, processes, and procedures.  The Budget and Fiscal Manager plays a central role in the County's determination of its mission, functions, and service levels and the connection to the budget. They direct the County's budget team and guide budget development and implementation across the county.  This is an "at will" position reporting to the County Manager and serves at their pleasure.

Essential functions may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Develops budget policies and procedures, the annual budget, budget reports, and budget amendments.  Makes recommendations to the County Manager on budget matters.  Has oversight of the budget development system.  Sets the budget cycle and calendar, aligned with state laws, in consultation with the Board of County Commissioners and County Auditor.
• Aligns budget with strategic short- and long-range goals and objectives.
• Monitors the implementation and administration of adopted budgets and county-wide grant activities.
• In collaboration with elected officials and appointed directors, assesses internal and external trends and issues, revenue sources, expenditure requirements, service demands and other relevant matters and facilitates development of long-term fiscal strategies. This position is responsible for regular fiscal updates including detailed economic and revenue projections.
• Regularly researches and provides reports regarding county fiscal issues.
• Develops and creates user friendly and understandable reports, including countywide multi-year financial plans.  Works with offices and departments in the development of specific financial plans.
• Provides training and presentations on the budget process and content to internal and external audiences.
• Supervises the work of assigned staff and develops work performance measurements and standards.  Conducts performance evaluations and makes recommendations regarding personnel issues, such as hiring, disciplinary actions, and terminations.  Works with Human Resources to address employee relations issues and concerns.
• Is able to function effectively within a local political environment.

To view the full job classification, click here: Budget and Fiscal Manager 

Our County is home to a unique blend of industries, including state government, health care, retail, military, education, construction, farming, fishing, and logging. You'll enjoy great employee benefits, including a retirement plan, pre-tax savings accounts, comprehensive health care and dental/vision care for you and your family, as well as generous leave programs. 

WHAT WE OFFER OUR EMPLOYEES:

• Work-Life Balance: We are committed to ensure that our staff experience the reward of public service, while also sustaining a routine that suits each individuals’ lifestyle.
• Plan For Your Future: As a member of our team, you will enjoy great employee benefits, including a retirement plan, pre-tax savings accounts, as well as comprehensive health care and dental/vision care for you and your family. Please visit Thurston County Employee Benefit Plans for more information.
• Paid Leave: Full-time regular employees earn paid vacation in addition to paid holidays.
• Robust Training Program: Employees are encouraged to attend County paid training to help them further their career, learn new skill sets, and stay on top of emerging trends in our industry. We also encourage our staff to participate in professional organizations and attend conferences.
• Flexible Work Schedules: Some of the options that employees may take advantage of include alternative or compressed schedules and/or remote working.
• Deferred Compensation: The County offers 3 voluntary deferred compensation plans for employees who would like to set aside additional deferred tax dollars into a retirement savings plan.
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA): Employees can take advantage of Section 125 flexible spending accounts for out-of-pocket health care and daycare expenses with pre-tax dollars.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness: This is a federal program which allows full-time public service employees who have made qualifying payments for certain loans, to get their student loans repaid. Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

Why you’ll love it here: 

Thurston County is located between Seattle and Portland in Western Washington’s South Puget Sound Region. Perched in between the mountains and the ocean, the area boasts the perfect blend of year-round outdoor activities including boating, hiking, skiing, and more. The region is also home to the state capitol city of Olympia, known for its many restaurants, microbreweries, coffee shops, farmer’s markets, kids’ activities, history, and art events. Discover more about life in Thurston County at Experienceolympia.com.

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Bachelor's degree in economics, finance, public administration, accounting, or a related field.
• Four (4) years of increasingly responsible experience in government finance, accounting, auditing, analysis, design, and planning of local government finance, budgets, budget management, and support processes, with at least two (2) years as a full-charge governmental budget manager. 
• One (1) year of experience in staff supervision, motivation, and team building. 
• Must have comprehensive working knowledge of current local government budgeting practices and regional economic issues.  Knowledge of Federal, State, County, and local laws, ordinances, codes, and regulations applicable to budgeting; in-depth understanding of the interfaces of budgeting and financial accounting/reporting; and the ability to interpret complex financial data and develop complex strategic plans. 
• Advanced computer skills, particularly as they relate to budget and financial systems. 
• Current Washington State Driver's License of have requested and obtained an appropriate accommodation. 
• Must have demonstrated experience within local or state government's political environment and sensitivities and have the ability to function effectively within that environment.

DESIRED SKILLS: 

While not required, the ideal candidate will possess the following to perform the functions of this position efficiently and successfully:

• Experience preparing budges and managing expenses and revenues. Experience preparing multi-year revenue forecasts for complex funds.
• Comprehensive working knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Practices, Financial Accounting Standards Board pronouncements, Generally Accepted Auditing Standards, and other pronouncements of nationally recognized accounting and auditing organizations.
• Ability to effectively communicate budget related issues and processes to diverse groups throughout the organization.
• Ability to research, analyze, evaluate and construct recommendations and plans for new budget service delivery methods, budget procedures, and budget techniques.
• Ability to track, identify and review legislation that may impact the county budget and other financial influences.

OTHER RELATED RECRUITMENT INFORMATION:

Questions about this recruitment? Please email [email protected]