Financial Operations Supervisor

The Financial Operations Supervisor, under the general direction of the Deputy Director of Finance & Administration, leads and directly supervises the daily operations of the city's centralized purchasing functions, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and mail services.

Considered a working supervisor, the Financial Operations Supervisor ensures that tasks within the operations division are completed accurately and timely, according to established standards. This position oversees the development and implementation of policies, procedures, and goals, and is responsible for supervising staff, evaluating, assigning tasks, and balancing workloads.

Distinguishing Characteristics: The Financial Operations Supervisor is well-versed in the functional areas overseen and provides technical support to staff. This position oversees multiple functions within financial operations, but differs from the Financial Operations Manager position, which manages the division, prepares recommended division budget, and determines resources needed to accomplish program goals. The incumbent operates with considerable autonomy and independent judgment.

Essential Functions: Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed below; reasonable accommodations will be made as required. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change at any time by the employer. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Supervises the day-to-day activities of financial operations staff assigned to purchasing, accounts payable, accounts receivable and mail services.
• Supervises subordinate personnel, including motivating, training, and delegating assignments; monitoring performance; conducting performance evaluations; taking disciplinary/corrective action; recommending salary increases and promotions; and recommending hirings and terminations.
• Monitors and interprets changes in applicable laws, regulations, and technology that may affect departmental operations. Develops, analyzes, and implements policy and procedural changes after approval; monitors for compliance.
• Evaluates various financial operations functions to improve customer service, productivity, and efficiency, and assists with work-related issues that cannot be addressed by staff; performs research as needed.
• Oversees the purchasing function including the citywide procurement of goods and services, the issuance of purchase orders and contracts, the preparation of bids, cooperative purchase agreements with other public agencies, the surplus program, and the purchasing card program.
• Assists with the development and execution of various types of interlocal cooperative agreements including mutual aid agreements.
• Supervises the operations of accounts receivable and accounts payable and serves as backup to staff as needed. Manages vendor and customer relations, setups, inquiries, and approvals related to quotes, wage rates, taxes, and billing. Ensures accurate record-keeping and efficient processing of payments, invoices, refunds, and customer billing for various taxes and fees.
• Collaborates with internal customers, managers, and directors to provide strategic procurement, contracting, and program support to fulfill adopted strategic priorities.
• Ensures that all city expenditures adhere to purchasing policy, procedures and applicable procurement law. Ensure accountability, compliance, and consistent interpretation and application with all current and applicable state and federal laws, agency policies and procedures, rules, and regulations.
• Serves as the primary contact on procurement issues for federal and state auditors on annual audits. Responds to questions regarding procurement policies, compliance with laws and regulations, internal controls, variances, exceptions, and procurement methods and procedures.
• Solves complex technical and managerial problems utilizing an understanding of intra- and inter-departmental relationships where no precedent exists.
• Provides leadership and guidance to departmental staff in proper work methods and procedures; reviews multi-departmental activity for accuracy and compliance.
• Reviews and audits payment and billing entries, proactively resolving discrepancies. Provides leadership and guidance to the team on best practices, ensuring full compliance with GAAP. Addresses challenges promptly, ensuring adherence to policies and procedures.
• Provides guidance and expertise to departments and city staff in the interpretation of purchasing requirements and procedures as prescribed by state and federal agency regulations, grant stipulations, and City policy. Recognizes and assesses strategic and operational risks and opportunities and addresses them appropriately during the procurement and contracting process.
• Fosters a positive and supportive work environment; promotes diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in the workplace, contributing to an environment of respectful living and working in a multicultural society.

• Presents procurement-related agenda items at City Council meetings.
• Performs duties of assigned staff as needed.
• Performs functions as assigned in the City's emergency response plan in the event of an emergency.

Why Kirkland?

Ranked as one of the most livable cities in America, Kirkland is an attractive and inviting place to live, work, and visit. We have big city vision while maintaining a small-town, community feel. If you are a candidate with the desire to join an organization looking to innovate into the future, the City of Kirkland is the place for you!

If you ask our employees why they love where they work, they will tell you about the great people, work environment, supportive leadership and City Council, and fearless innovation.

We also invest in you!

Competitive Wages: We strive to maintain competitive compensation packages and work to provide wages that meet the knowledge, skills, and abilities of our employees.

Awesome benefits: The City offers benefits that are unmatched by most other employers. Please click on the benefits tab above to view more details.

Childcare Programs: To help address the challenge of finding reliable childcare, the City of Kirkland has reserved spots for City employees at local and regional providers, available at a discount. New employees gain access to Kirkland's reserved spots as soon as they start employment. Learn more!

Training and Career Development: The City of Kirkland believes in developing it's employees. You will have access to training opportunities designed for career development and advancement based on your position, skills, and interests.

• Knowledge of governmental procurement principles, methods, practices, techniques, and procedures.
• Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, regulations, and grant requirements related to assigned activities, including procurement, contracting, disposal of surplus, and Washington public works bid laws.

• Ability to analyze and reconcile general or subsidiary ledger for validity and accuracy.
• Ability to use and administer automated financial management systems and advanced proficiency in the use of personal computer software, including word processing, spreadsheet, database, report writing, and presentation graphics programs.

• Ability to attract, retain, motivate, lead and supervise professional, paraprofessional, and clerical staff.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of internal and external customers.
• Ability to prepare and deliver presentations to staff, City Council, or community groups.
• Advanced organizational, public relations, problem solving, and communication skills (both verbal and written). Ability to convey ideas and information in writing, using language that is appropriate to both the complexity of the topic and the knowledge and understanding of the reader.
• Comprehensive knowledge of governmental finance practices, principles, procedures, regulations and techniques, with the ability to interpret and explain these rules, legal requirements and policies and develop effective internal practices.
• Ability to communicate policy and procedures to a variety of staff.
• Ability to keep abreast of changing laws, codes and regulations that will impact the division's policies and procedures and incorporate into existing ones.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor's degree in business administration, purchasing and materials management, business law, public administration, or closely related field.
• Experience: 5 years' experience in purchasing and accounts payable/accounts receivable, preferably in the public sector. 2 years' experience in a supervisory position preferred.
• Or: In place of the above requirements, the incumbent may possess any combination of relevant education and experience which would demonstrate the individual's knowledge, skill, and ability to proficiently perform the essential duties and responsibilities listed above.

• Preferred certification in one of the following: Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB), Certified Public Procurement Officer (CPPO), or Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM).

Physical Demands and Working Environment

• Work is conducted in a typical office setting. Position typically requires extended periods of sitting while performing keyboard operations.
• Work involves walking, talking, hearing, using hands to handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls and reach with hands and arms.
• Vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderately quiet.

Position requires a resume and cover letter for consideration of application. Please note how you meet minimum qualifications within the cover letter. Applicants who are selected for next steps in the hiring process will be invited by phone or e-mail. Candidates are encouraged to apply at the earliest possible date as screening, interviewing, and hiring decisions will be made through the recruitment period, until such time as the vacancy is filled. Position is open until filled, with first review of applicants made by 15th day of original posting.

The City of Kirkland is a welcoming community where every person can thrive and grow. We value diversity, inclusion, belonging, and work together to support our community. We do this by solving problems, focusing on the customer, and respecting all people who come into the City whether to visit, live, or work. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we are committed to creating a workforce that does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, age, color, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, marital status, genetic information, veteran status, disability, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law. We encourage qualified applicants of all backgrounds and identities to apply to our job postings. Persons with a disability who need reasonable accommodations in the application or testing process, or those needing this announcement in an alternative format, may call 425-587-3210 or Telecommunications Device for the Deaf at 711.