Water Utility Financial Services Manager

Position Description

Tacoma Water is seeking an experienced and collaborative Water Utility Financial Services Manager to lead our financial health initiatives. This key role reports to the Customer & Financial Services Section Manager and is responsible for managing the financial functions of the water utility, including overseeing the enterprise budget, developing financial policies, and ensuring compliance with financial standards.

If you are a strategic financial leader with a passion for public service and a track record of success in financial management, we encourage you to apply.

About The Role

As the Water Utility Financial Services Manager, you will be the driving force behind Tacoma Water's financial stability. You will manage a team of professionals with four direct reports, providing leadership and guidance in all aspects of financial planning and analysis. Your work will directly impact the community by supporting fair and equitable rate-setting and ensuring the Tacoma Water’s long-term financial viability.

Primary Responsibilities Include

- Financial Leadership: Direct and oversee a team responsible for developing and managing the utility’s operating and capital budgets, long-range financial plans, and demand forecasts.

- Policy and Rate-Making: Lead the development and implementation of financial and rate policies, including cost-of-service rate proposals and initiatives related to financial equity and customer affordability.

- Strategic Oversight: Manage the utility’s debt portfolio, maintain relationships with rating agencies and investors, and identify financial risks and opportunities.

- Collaboration and Communication: Act as the primary interface with City finance divisions, present financial topics to committees and policymakers, and provide policy recommendations to senior management.

- Team Development: Lead and mentor a team of financial professionals, fostering a culture of excellence, continuous improvement, and professional growth.

- Subject Matter Expertise: Serve as an expert in budget development, financial reporting, utility rate analysis, and accounting practices, demonstrating exceptional financial management to internal and external stakeholders.

Qualifications

Minimum Education*

Bachelor's Degree in engineering, business or public administration or directly related field.

Minimum Experience*

6 years of professional-level experience in the water industry, public works or directly related utility industry, including 1 year prior at a supervisory level

- Equivalency: 1 year of experience = 1 year of education

Licensing, Certifications And Other Requirements

Washington State Driver's License

Selection Process & Supplemental Information

City of Tacoma Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

At the City of Tacoma, we're on a mission to make our workforce as diverse and inclusive as the community we serve. We're committed to eliminating racial and other disparities, and we actively seek out candidates from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures. Join our team at the City of Tacoma and help us build a more vibrant, inclusive, and equitable community for all.

The City of Tacoma believes that diversity of thought, background, and experience contributes to our success and innovation. If you’re passionate about this role and our mission, we encourage you to apply. If you have a less traditional background, we want to hear about your transferrable skills and experience. We value a variety of perspectives and are excited to see what you bring to the table.

Apply

Interested individuals should apply online by completing the application and attaching a resume and cover letter by the closing date and time listed on the job announcement. Applications received without attaching the required materials may not progress in the selection process.

Compensation & Benefits

Pay Details:

Hourly Rate: $65.86- $92.72

Annual Salary: $136,988.80- $192,857.60

Employee Benefits | City of Tacoma

Get Assistance

For assistance with the application process or questions regarding this job announcement please contact the Human Resources office at (253) 591-5400 by 4:00 p.m. of the closing date of the job announcement.

For technical difficulties using the Neogov system, call the applicant support line at 1-855-524-5627 between 6:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time. This will allow us to assist you before the job announcement closes.

Communication with the City of Tacoma

We primarily communicate via email during the application process. Emails from Tacoma.gov and/or governmentjobs.com should be placed on your safe domain list to ensure that you receive notifications in a timely manner. As a precaution, you may also want to check your junk email folders.