OPEN UNTIL FILLED WITH FIRST REVIEW ON JULY 14, 2026
JOB SUMMARY
The primary focus of this position is to proactively look for ways to enhance the City's fiscal health using financial and performance data to find efficiencies with City operations. Under the direction of the Finance Director, collects, coordinates, prepares, researches, and analyzes a variety of complex reports for federal, state and local agencies, and the City. Required to perform intermediate level professional analytical services in matters such as financial policies; position and bargaining unit costing; accounting system setup, integration, and functionality; revenue and expense trends; budget tracking and trends; City Budget, Long-term Capital Plan, and Capital Improvement Plan development and balancing; economic research; reporting; and various special projects, as assigned.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
This position performs a wide range of professional, analytical, and collaborative functions to support the financial, operational, and strategic effectiveness of City programs and services. Responsibilities include:
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Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with City officials, department leadership, staff, outside agencies, and the public while providing timely, courteous, and professional customer service.
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Conducting financial, operational, and performance analyses; preparing comprehensive reports; and developing data-driven recommendations that support City operations, policy evaluation, budgeting, and long-term planning.
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Researching non-grant revenue opportunities and assisting with development of implementation strategies.
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Developing, monitoring, and refining performance measures to evaluate program and service effectiveness.
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Reviewing program and initiative proposals and assessing operational and financial impacts on City resources.
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Preparing and delivering written and oral presentations to City staff, elected and appointed bodies, community groups, and partner agencies; serving as liaison to assigned committees or workgroups.
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Supporting the development, administration, and ongoing monitoring of the annual budget, budget updates, amendments, and variance analyses.
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Administering and reporting on Capital Improvement Program (CIP) grants, loans, and contracts; supporting long-term capital planning efforts.
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Conducting cost accounting, account reconciliations, and audit preparation, including assistance with external audit requests.
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Creating analytical models, tools, and forecasting methods to evaluate financial and non-financial data, monitor trends, and anticipate future needs.
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Reviewing financial, operational, and strategic impacts of master plans, rate studies, impact fee studies, and other major planning efforts.
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Preparing quarterly and annual financial status reports, budget variance reports, and other management level analyses for leadership and the City Council.
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Providing financial training, technical assistance, and coaching to City staff; participating in cross-training to support analytical functions.
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Assisting in the maintenance, improvement, and use of the City’s accounting and enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems.
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Participating in team meetings, project groups, task forces, and continuing education to support organizational effectiveness and professional development.
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Upholding high standards of professionalism, communication, and confidentiality while contributing to a positive, solution-oriented work environment.
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Performing additional related duties as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED BY THE POSITION
Position Knowledge of:
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Generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and foundational accounting and finance theory.
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Government financial management practices, analytical reporting, and project tracking using municipal accounting or ERP systems.
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Washington State BARS requirements, including Schedule 15 and SEFA (Schedule 16).
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Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) municipal budgeting best practices.
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Program performance measurement methods used in municipal budgeting.
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Financial management principles, financial reporting standards, and municipal budget administration regulations.
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Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and ordinances.
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Recordkeeping methods, time management techniques, mathematics, English composition, and grammar.
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Computer systems and software, including Microsoft Office and database applications.
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Safety and security standards, hazards, and related policies and procedures.
Ability To:
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Represent the City professionally and maintain a positive, service-oriented demeanor.
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Provide excellent customer service to internal and external stakeholders; respond promptly and effectively to inquiries and concerns.
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Maintain strict confidentiality and appropriately handle sensitive or protected information.
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Perform work with a high degree of accuracy, attention to detail, and adherence to established procedures.
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Support and model a strong culture of safety, follow safety policies, and report concerns promptly.
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Use tact, discretion, diplomacy, and professionalism in interactions with the public, City officials, staff, and partner agencies.
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Manage multiple projects and competing deadlines; plan, organize, prioritize, and coordinate workload effectively.
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Communicate clearly and professionally in writing and verbally, including preparing reports, presentations, and complex correspondence.
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Interpret and apply regulatory requirements, terminology, policies, procedures, and technical documentation.
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Maintain current technical knowledge and adapt to new or updated software, systems, and technologies.
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Perform advanced functions in spreadsheets, databases, and presentation software.
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Research, organize, analyze, and compile complex data into meaningful reports and recommendations.
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Solve problems using both quantitative and qualitative analysis; develop scenarios and sound recommendations.
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Work independently within established practices and procedures, exercising initiative and sound judgment.
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Adapt quickly and become an advanced user of financial, performance, and business intelligence software.
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Learn and apply advanced municipal budgeting techniques (e.g., outcome focused, program performance, priority-based budgeting).
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Utilize standard office equipment and department-specific software effectively.
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Lead ad hoc, cross-departmental project teams without serving in a supervisory capacity.
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Perform work accurately under pressure, meeting deadlines and maintaining high-quality work.
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Assist with day-to-day training and support for departmental staff.
SUPERVISORY CONTROLS
The Finance Director of designee assigns work in terms of general instruction and spot-checks completed work for compliance with procedures, accuracy, and the nature and propriety of the final results.
GUIDELINES
Guidelines include federal, state, city, and department policies and procedures. These guidelines require judgment, selection, and interpretation in application.
COMPLEXITY/SCOPE OF WORK
The work consists of varied duties related to budget preparation, reporting, monitoring, and varied financial analysis.
CONTRACTS
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Contacts are typically with coworkers, representatives of other government agencies, bankers, investment professionals, auditors, vendors, and the general public.
- Contacts are typically to exchange information, resolve problems, justify matters, and provide services.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT
Work is performed in an office environment and requires the ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time and access all areas of the facility, including stairs. Work requires eye/hand coordination and manipulation skills to operate a personal computer, telephone, and other equipment; normal range of hearing and visual acuity; and occasionally moving items in excess of 25 pounds. Supervisory and Management Responsibility None.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
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Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Business or Public Administration, Finance, Economics, Accounting, Information Technology/Computer Science, Planning, or related discipline.
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Three (3) years professional experience in finance, municipal budgeting, statistics, forecasting, or accounting; preferably in a local government setting.
- Excellent computer operation skills and experience with a variety of software programs, including Microsoft Office applications, database, customized and menu-driven programs, including accounting and Enterprise Resources Planning (ERP) systems.
- Advanced Microsoft Excel skills required (refer to Performance Requirements above).
- All applicants must be able to successfully pass a background check process, which includes reference checks, criminal history checks, or other.
The statements contained herein reflect general details necessary to describe principal functions of this job, the level of knowledge and skills typically required, and the scope of responsibility; and such statements should not be considered all-inclusive. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas, to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods, or to balance workloads.
Management reserves the sole right to add, modify or exclude any duties at any time with or without notice. Nothing in this job description, nor by completion of any job requirements by the employee, is intended to create a contract of employment.
At its sole discretion, the City of Moses Lake may consider combinations of education, experience, certifications, and training in lieu of specifically required qualifications contained herein.
This is an FLSA-exempt position and, as such, is not entitled to overtime. The position is also subject to an "employee at will" doctrine.
Moses Lake is a diverse, connected and supportive community of innovation and opportunity that values its namesake lake, small town vibe, growing arts and cultural scene, aerospace, manufacturing and agricultural heritage, and an abundance of sunshine and outdoor activities.
Working for the City will afford you the opportunity to support the vision of Moses Lake, grow professionally, and work among diverse and dedicated staff with a goal to provide a service-oriented government that works with all interests in the community to implement our vision.
Our location and climate allow our residents to enjoy a variety of interests surrounding the Moses Lake community. Moses Lake is centrally located between Seattle and Spokane on Highway I-90 between fields of agriculture, freshwater lakes, vineyards and popular recreational destinations.
Moses Lake boosts active community parks and events, athletic venues and tournaments, a campground, and the popular Surf 'n Slide water park. The surrounding Columbia Basin area is filled with wine tours, a wildlife refuge, the Gorge Amphitheater, local fresh markets with direct-from-the-farm produce, and boutiques.
The City of Moses Lake is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Our objective is to provide equal opportunity in all terms, conditions, and privileges of employment for qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, or status as a covered veteran.
The City of Moses Lake offers a comprehensive benefits package. Employees (and their families) are eligible to enroll in medical, dental, and vision coverage. In addition to basic life insurance coverage, AD&D, dependent life, additional life insurance, long-term disability, EAP and LifeFlight are also offered. Retirement is through the Department of Retirement Systems - Public Employees Retirement System. Optional deferred compensation is offered with a City match of up to 2% of the employee's base salary. Beginning January 1, 2024, the City began offering an optional Flexible Spending Account (FSA) for healthcare and dependent care. Employees of the City receive eleven (11) paid holidays plus one (1) floating holiday annually. Vacation accrual begins at 12 days annually and increases with years of service. Sick leave is accrued at the rate of eight (8) hours per month.
Moses Lake is centrally located between Seattle and Spokane on Highway 1-90 between fields of agriculture, freshwater lakes and popular recreational destinations. The area enjoys on average 300 sunny days a year and recreational opportunities abound with world-class fishing, hunting, biking, hiking, camping, golf, boating, ballooning and hydro races. Moses Lake is situated in central Washington State in an outdoor recreation mecca. Moses Lake is the lake that shares the City's name and many visitors come to enjoy water sports activities on Moses Lake. The lake has 120 miles of shoreline, covering 6,500 acres, and is one of the largest natural freshwater lakes in the state.
The Surf 'n Slide Water Park is also a top attraction for Moses Lake and it is considered the state's premier outdoor aquatic center. The water park is open from Memorial Day through Labor Day, and the main features are the 200-foot water slides, the lazy river, the surfing simulator, the beach and bay swimming area, and sand volleyball courts.
Moses Lake is host to several festivals and other community events throughout the year, such as tournament league baseball, Moses Lake Rodeo Roundup, and the Moses Lake Spring Festival. Held over Memorial Day weekend, this festival kicks off the summer tourist season. Entertainment includes live music performances, a Kiddie Parade, a Grand Moonlight Parade, carnival-style rides and games, a car show and a basketball tournament. Moses Lake is also home to the Grant County Fairgrounds which hosts an annual fair, as well as other events throughout the year.
Moses Lake’s history is rooted in its place in aviation history as the city grew up around the former Larson Airforce Base which is now the Grant County International Airport. Moses Lake also has a backbone economic base in agriculture, and it is still known for its fresh tree fruit and a variety of crops associated with the food processing industry.
Manufacturing and technology have become important to the local economy as several companies have moved to the area, including Aerotec, REC and Chemi-con, complementing the Boeing presence at the Port of Moses Lake/Grant County International Airport.
The Port of Moses Lake operates the Grant County International Airport, one of the largest airports in the western United States. The airport is now a world class heavy jet training and testing facility that has been used by the Boeing Company, the U.S. Military, and many air carriers from around the world.
The Moses Lake School District has ten elementary schools, three middle schools, one high school, the Real World Academy (a “maker’s” high school) in development and a technical skills center, which together offer a high quality of teaching and many extra-curricular activities to its students. Moses Lake is also home to Big Bend Community College which provides higher education opportunities for the region and enrolls over 4,000 students a year. Recent investments in the BBCC campus and its programs make it one of the top community colleges in the state.
Moses Lake has a growing arts and culture scene fueled by Columbia Basin Allied Arts based at Big Bend Community College, the Moses Lake Museum and Arts Center, and designs on a revitalized downtown/creative district.
