Creating economic opportunities and building community for all of Thurston County through responsible resource use.

The Port of Olympia is a Washington State special-purpose municipal corporation serving all of Thurston County. With a proud history deeply rooted in the region, the Port of Olympia stands as a beacon of community service, economic development leadership, tourism, and environmental stewardship. The Capital City port owns and operates four distinct business lines. From the diverse commercial real estate portfolio to the specialized break bulk marine terminal, from the vibrant Swantown Marina and Boatworks to the strategically located Olympia Regional Airport, your Port is well balanced and committed to fostering economic growth of the South Puget Sound region while serving the needs of the global clientele.

For over a century, the Port of Olympia has been a cornerstone of economic prosperity in the community and region. The Ports operations have not only created thousands of jobs but also bolstered the tax base, fueled business expansion, and heavily contributed to the local tourism in the area. Today, the Port sustains well over 5,000 jobs throughout Thurston County, generating millions in revenue and contributes substantially to state and local tax, further underlining our commitment to the growth and vitality of our region.

The Position

Reporting to the Director of Enterprise Services, the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) develops and implements financial strategies for the Port, including budgeting and capital planning, debt management, asset/liability management, and cash management. The CFO also provides financial management, particularly in the areas of new business ventures and the treasury function. This is an in-person position and will work out of the Olympia administrative headquarters office.

The CFO is responsible for planning, organizing, and directing the Port’s finance, accounting, budget, and audit services. They have operational oversight and are responsible for the Finance Department, including leading and setting the strategic direction for the staff within that division. The CFO ensures operational effectiveness of the Finance Division and that the Port is meeting its legal obligations regarding budgeting, compliance reporting, and financing.

Responsible for fostering a rewarding and highly performing work environment within the Finance department.

Examples of Duties:

The essential duties and responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to the following:

Oversee the preparation of the Port’s operating and capital budgets.
Prepares and updates the five-year financial plan and other long-term projections and plans.
Ensures the Port complies with finance related RCW’s, including but not limited to the proper filing of the annual budget and tax levy with Thurston County and annual report filing with the WA State Auditor’s Office.
Prepares cash flow projections, analysis, life cycle costing, and financial modeling.
Develop and maintain overall internal control and risk management structure, which addresses department technical requirements, asset management, and financial reporting systems.
Owns all aspects of the Port’s cash management system.
Works with consultants, Port staff, legal counsel, financial advisors, and auditors on Port financial matters, including bond debt issues, real property acquisition, compensation programs, labor negotiations, litigation, and other significant business matters.
Works closely with directors and business managers during lease/business negotiations by providing due diligence financial analysis.
Works closely with directors and business managers to develop business plans and optimize business performance.
Develops and maintains long-range financial plans consistent with the Port’s Comprehensive plans.
Supervises staff, including developing and monitoring of work plans.
Identify issues, formulate solutions, and implement plans to resolve problems.
Attends Commission and other special meetings, providing financially related presentations and analysis to provide both the Commission and the public with critical information as needed.

Qualifications:

Required

A bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a closely related field, and 8-10 years of related experience

10-12 years of experience in accounting or financial management.
Extensive Excel knowledge and experience.
Excellent communication skills, both oral and written.
Experience and comfort with presenting to boards, commissions, and the general public.

Desired:

Expert level knowledge of GAAP/GASB requirements for government accounting and reporting and/or non-government equivalent.
An advanced degree in business or public administration, such as an MBA or MPA.
CPA or equivalent.
Experience with MS Dynamics 365 Business Central accounting platform.
Experience with ADP payroll platform.
Experience supervising and mentoring professional staff.

Supplemental Information:

Accounting, computer systems, training, team building, facilitation, financial analysis, leadership, and management

Port of Olympia Jobs

Chief Financial Officer