Chief Financial Officer (Finance Director)

Jefferson County PUD

$184K — $267K *
Finance & Insurance
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance or a related field.
  • Minimum 10 years of increasingly responsible accounting experience.
  • At least 5 years of management experience in accounting preferred.
  • Experience in an electric utility and with NISC financial systems is desired.
  • Advanced degree or professional certification (CPA, CIA, CMA) preferred.

Responsibilities

  • Manage overall functions and operations of the Accounting Department.
  • Direct operation of the Purchasing and Inventory Departments.
  • Develop and administer financial strategies and policies.
  • Ensure compliance with internal controls and regulatory standards.
  • Oversee annual budgeting process and present to the Board.
  • Facilitate external financial audits and implement necessary actions.
  • Identify and mitigate financial risks while ensuring regulatory compliance.

Benefits

  • 100% coverage of medical, dental, and vision insurance premiums.
  • Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA VEBA) with contributions from both employee and employer.
  • Mandatory participation in the PERS retirement system with optional Deferred Compensation Program.
  • 20 days of Paid Time Off (PTO) each year, with increases based on service.
  • Short- and long-term disability insurance policy options, along with life insurance coverage.
  • Tuition reimbursement for professional development courses up to $2,500.
Full Job Description
Salary: $184,400.00 - $267,400.00 Annually
Location : Port Townsend
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 202620
Department: Finance
Opening Date: 07/10/2026
Closing Date: 8/2/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Description

The salary range for this position is $184,400 to $267,400 annually, with a midpoint of $225,900. The anticipated hiring range is between the minimum and the midpoint, depending on the selected candidate's qualifications and experience. Placement above the midpoint may be considered based on exceptional qualifications, internal equity, and other job-related factors.

The Chief Financial Officer and Finance Director serves as the primary accounting professional, responsible for all financial activities, including reporting, planning, accounting and treasury practices, ensuring alignment with applicable regulations and the PUD's mission and objectives. The Chief Financial Officer and Finance Director oversees and directs the Finance Department staff and operations, including treasury, budgeting, audit, tax, accounting, payroll, purchasing, real estate, long range forecasting, reserves, borrowing, loan covenants, and risk management for the organization.
Examples of Duties

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include but are not limited to the following:
• Manages and directs the overall functions and operations of the Accounting Department. Directs the planning, development, implementation and documentation of department operations, ensuring compliance with PUD policies and other regulatory requirements.
• Manages and directs the operation of the Purchasing and Inventory Departments.
• Develops and administers financial strategies and policies in support of the PUD's strategic plan and financial position, ensuring adherence to all applicable laws and regulatory requirements; including budgeting, rate and resource planning, short and long-term financial planning, financial reporting, investment management, bond issuance, procurement practices, accounts payable/receivable, payroll administration, auditing, and risk management.
• Ensures the PUD's financial strategies and practices align with best practices and comply with all regulatory requirements, internal controls, and ethical standards pertaining to public sector financial management.
• Directs the annual budgeting process, including rate development and cost of service assessments. Presents proposed budget and rates to the Board of Commissioners. Monitors the budget and long-term financial plan and makes recommendations for adjustments as needed.
• Oversees and administers appropriate internal controls, audit measures, and financial policies and practices to safeguard the PUD's assets and maintain financial integrity and ensure compliance.
• Oversees and administers preparation and participation in external financial and accountability audits, including consulting with auditors regarding their findings, reporting results to the General Manager and Board of Commissioners, and facilitating any necessary actions or strategies.
• Oversees and presents financial statements, governmental reports, and other statistical analyses as required.
• Oversees and manages financial risk activities by identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks related to budgeting, investments, compliance, and internal controls, while directing strategies to safeguard assets and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Prepares and provides accurate financial reports to the General Manager, Board of Commissioners, and others as needed.
• Performs and oversees financial planning work including long-range financial forecasting.
• Maintains accounting controls through process evaluation, testing and employing a continuous improvement philosophy.
• Maintains positive external financial relationships with the PUD's bankers, insurance brokers, bond-rating agencies, and regulators.
• Attends and participates in Board of Commissioner's meetings and provides support to General Manager in meeting preparation and reporting.
• Ensures statutory oversight of compliance in contracting, bid requirements, purchasing procedures, processing of vendor payments and public meetings.
• Ensures compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements in the execution of duties.
• Conducts topical presentations for training, information, and decision making for small or large groups.
• Develops financial statistics and economic analysis reports.
• Maintains all monies securely invested to the full extent possible and as mandated by Washington State Law and District Resolutions.
• Analyzes need for financing; develops and implements appropriate financing options.
• Assists with the development and administration of debt and bond issues and ensure compliance with bond covenants and applicable laws and PUD Bond Resolutions.
• Provides oversight and guidance on payroll and consults with Human Resources on payroll-related matters as needed.
• Represents the PUD at trade association meetings and related committees while projecting a positive image for the PUD.
• Performs special projects aligned with the PUD's strategic plan.
• May serve as acting General Manager in the absence of the General Manager, may be called upon to assume duties of that position to effectively continue business of the PUD.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISIONThis position directly supervises employees. Department. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, recommending candidates for hire, and training employees; planning, assigning and directing work; monitoring performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; and addressing complaints and resolving problems.

Standard Workplace Expectations:
  • Performs all duties in accordance with established safety practices.
  • Contributes to a successful work group by listening to and taking time to understand suggestions and concerns of co-workers.
  • Offers constructive suggestions and ideas that help the team to meet or exceed objectives and goals by accepting and supporting team decisions.
  • Maintains a positive and collaborative attitude in the workplace.
  • Determines appropriate priorities to balance workload when deadlines compete. Seeks assistance when needed.
  • Responds quickly and appropriately to inquiries, requests, or concerns.
  • Reviews own work for accuracy and routinely detect or prevent errors or mistakes that would prove costly or could jeopardize the operations of the PUD.
  • Works additional hours as necessary to achieve departmental goals as directed by the supervisor.
  • Reviews and follows PUD employee policies and procedures.
  • Maintains regular and punctual attendance.


Typical Qualifications

POSITION REQUIREMENTS The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration or closely related field required.
  • Minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible accounting experience required.
  • At least five (5) years of leadership experience managing and supervising accounting staff and leading the accounting function of an organization preferred.
  • Experience in accounting for an electric utility and experience with NISC financial systems is highly desired.
  • An advanced degree and/or professional certification, e.g., CPA (Certified Public Accountant), CIA (Certified Internal Auditor), CMA (Certified Management Accountant) preferred.
  • An equivalent combination of education and experience that would provide the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the essential functions of the job may be substituted.
KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS
  • Thorough understanding of governmental and financial accounting standards and processes.
  • Knowledge of various local, State, and Federal laws and regulations impacting PUD finances and operations.
  • Thorough understanding of internal control matters.
  • Demonstrated ability to provide effective leadership; and manage and coordinate complex financial, personnel, and operational matters, systems, and projects.
  • Thorough knowledge of finance and accounting principles and practices, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, budgeting and forecasting, cash management and financial techniques, local, state and federal laws and regulations impacting utility business, financial accounting software.
  • Working knowledge of Rural Utilities Service regulations and accounting procedures within a reasonable amount of time.
  • Working knowledge of Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's Uniform Systems of Accounts.
  • Demonstrated ability to direct departmental functions, prepare and monitor budgets and financial models, communicate financial information, and use independent and discretionary judgment.
  • Ability to develop, implement and oversee sound fiscal policies and procedures, including those covering internal controls.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to conduct clear, concise, and effective presentations in a public setting.
  • Strong interpersonal communication skills to build relationships and foster collaboration among team members and departments.
  • Ability to collaborate effectively with others and promote cross-functional teamwork to achieve PUD goals.
  • Ability to identify and resolve conflicts.
  • Ability to act with honesty and integrity and promote ethical behavior.
  • Ability to meet deadlines regularly and reliably.

Supplemental Information

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Must successfully complete a criminal background check. Must possess a valid driver's license. Position requires occasional overnight or out of town travel for training and business needs. Requires ability to work additional hours as necessary to ensure that the goals and needs of the PUD are met.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The position primarily works in a temperature-controlled office environment. Office spaces include traditional office lighting as well as consistent and frequent noise, interruptions, and other similar distractions. Work involves extended periods of time in a stationary position while moving, grasping, and working with documents, office supplies, and other business materials. Requires visual and auditory ability to use personal computer or other technology devices for reviewing, analyzing, creating, transmitting, and presenting documents, data and other business-related information.

RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTJefferson County PUD requires the candidate in this position to reside within Jefferson, Kitsap or Clallam County. The residency requirement must be met within six (6) months of hire date.
Jefferson County PUD provides a robust benefit package to all full-time employees. The following summary describes typical benefits available. Actual benefits may vary by position type. Please reach out to our Human Resources team for specific benefit information.

Medical, Dental, Vision and Rx Insurance: Comprehensive medical, dental and vision insurance plans. The PUD pays 100% of the monthly premium, regardless of the number of dependents covered. Insurance is effective the first of the month following employment.

Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA VEBA): HRA VEBA plan is a health reimbursement arrangement (HRA) for employees to use for qualified health care expenses of the employee and eligible dependents while employed and upon separation of employment. Employees contribute, through payroll deduction, tax-free contributions of $75 per month. The PUD contributes $100 per month.

Retirement: The District is a member of PERS and participation is mandatory for employees in eligible positions. Both the employee and the employer make contributions to the PERS system. Employee contributions are made on a tax-deferred basis. New employees may choose between PERS Plan 2 and PERS Plan 3.

The PUD participates in the Washington State Deferred Compensation Program (457 plan). DCP allows employees to defer a portion of their paycheck for investment for retirement similar to a 401(k). The PUD matches employee deferrals at 50 cents per dollar, up to a total match of 4.5% from the PUD.

Paid Time Off: The PUD utilizes a PTO program. New employees are offered 20 days of PTO each year. PTO accrues at 6.15 hours per biweekly pay period. Accruals increase with longevity of service after 3 years.
Holidays: The PUD recognizes 11 holidays and provides two floating holidays each year. The second floating holiday is available for use after six months of employment. Floating holidays must be taken during the calendar year in which the floating holiday is earned. At 5 years of employment, employees are offered 3 floating holidays each year and 4 floating holidays each year after 10 years of employment.
Observed Holidays:
  • New Year's Day
  • Martin Luther King Day
  • Presidents' Day
  • Memorial Day
  • Juneteenth National Independence Day
  • Independence Day
  • Labor Day
  • Veterans' Day
  • Thanksgiving Day
  • Day after Thanksgiving
  • Christmas Day


Disability Insurance: The PUD offers a short-term disability policy, beginning on the 41st hour you are unable to work, that pays 70% of your salary for up to 180 days. A separate long-term disability insurance applies after 180 day waiting period.

Life and AD&D Insurance: $50,000 through Standard Insurance.

Tuition Reimbursement: The PUD encourages employees to continue their education to further their professional development. The PUD reimburses up to $2,500 for employees to attend coursework outside of regular training.
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