Salary : $94,284.00 - $117,852.00 Annually
Location : 312 SW 1st Ave., Kelso, WA
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 2026-027
Department: Sheriff
Opening Date: 09/28/2026
FLSA: Exempt
Bargaining Unit: NON
General Position SummaryDevelop and implement budget and finance programs within the Cowlitz County Sheriff's Office. Supervises, plans, and coordinates the activities and operations of professional and administrative staff responsible for providing a variety of accounting and financial programs and services. Coordinates assigned activities with other departments, outside agencies and the general public. Provide highly responsible and complex staff assistance to the Undersheriff.
The Budget and Finance Manger works under the direction of the Undersheriff with responsibility for independent initiative and judgement. The position exercises direct supervision over a professional clerical staff. This positions requires thorough knowledge of the assigned discipline, procedures, policies and related laws and regulations.
This position is open through Thursday, October 15th, 2026.Essential Duties and ResponsibilitiesAreas of Responsibility: Office Management, Budget Management, Grant Management, Business Accounts Management.
- Staff Management: Direct and approve through subordinate supervisor(s) the planning, prioritizing, assigning, supervising, training, and review of the work of a diverse workforce; recruitment, performance management, and professional development for unit staff.
- Presentations: Responsible for creating and delivering oral and written presentations to the Sheriff, Administrators , the Board of County Commissioners, partner agencies and the public.
- Process Planning and Improvement: Develop and implement program and strategic planning; application of methodologies of process improvement; implement and assist in the development of fiscal and budget policies, procedures, and business practices and controls.
- Budget Process Management: Develop, administer, assist, and monitor budgets; develop justifications for budgetary recommendations and/or adjustments; develop long-term sustainable financial and operating plans; coordinate the finalization of budgets to ensure timely submission of the Office budget.
- Ongoing Financial Management: Manage ongoing fiscal administration by highlighting risks and opportunities; forecasting expenditures, revenues, staffing and resources; develop spending controls; monitor, coordinate, and make adjustments to fiscal systems; prepare or supervise the preparation of a variety of detailed periodic and annual expenditure, revenue, budget, and other management reports; design and prepare annual financial statements.
- Procurement, Grants, and Contracting: Identify, obtain, and manage funding from grants and community partners; participate in the interpretation, negotiation, management, and enforcement of contracts and agreements; ensure procurement practices are in accordance within all established legal mandates.
- Manage Internal Services Agreements: Manage and development of service-level agreements with service providers; knowledge and experience developing and applying cost allocation methodologies.
- Collaboration with Stakeholders and Partners: Provide expert guidance to other departments, the general public, and/or outside agencies; represent the Sheriff's Office to the public, elected officials, other agencies, governments, and organizations including making presentations and participating in meetings; act as representative on committees, inter-agency task forces, and special projects; respond and resolve confidential and sensitive inquiries.
Minimum Qualifications- Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in business administration and/or finance or a related field. (Master's degree preferred)
- Five years of relevant experience planning, directing, and managing multiple financial functions and/or programs is required.
- Or, any combination of experience and education that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities.
- Must possess a valid driver's license by the time of appointment.
Required Skills and Abilities - May require work hours in excess of 8 hours per day or 5 days per week.
- Able to maintain control, leadership and managerial capacities during emergencies and stressful situations.
- May require travel for training, meetings, or conferences, as well as to commute to other departments and government agencies.
- Observe, abide, and set example, of all County and department policies, goals, and objectives.
- Able to work well and complete duties under stress, deadlines, and while attending to multiple duties simultaneously.
- Tolerate prolonged computer related exposure. Ability to sit at a workstation for long periods of time.
- Able to handle job stress and interact effectively with others in the workplace.
Cowlitz County offers a competitive benefits package for Full-Time employees, including:
- Health Insurance: Variety of Medical, dental, life, vision, and prescription insurance for employee and family. Employees who are covered under another person's medical plan have the option of an HRA (Health Retirement Account) in lieu of medical insurance. HSA and FSA plans are also available, depending on eligibility.
- 11 Paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
- Retirement: All full-time employees must participate in a Washington State Retirement Services plan, and may participate in a Deferred Compensation Plan, if desired.
- Employee Assistance Program employees and family members for help with personal or family issues.
- Group Life Insurance: Basic life and Accident insurance is provided to employee, with additional insurance available to purchase.
