Financial Accountability Program Lead

Position Description

Tacoma Power is seeking a talented Financial Accountability Program Lead to lead the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of department-wide programs that ensure financial accountability across the utility.

This position is responsible for ensuring adherence to financial policies, maintaining robust internal controls, and providing analytical and technical support to financial planning and reporting functions. The role serves as a key advisor on financial compliance, accounting standards, and fiscal management practices that support transparent, data-driven decision-making and long-term financial sustainability.

The ideal candidate for this position will be detail-oriented with a high personal standard of accountability, as well as experienced at guiding and providing service to a broad spectrum of stakeholders. This individual will be organized and thrive in a fast-paced operational environment, demonstrating resourcefulness and clear communication skills to clear potential barriers and execute assigned tasks.

The individual selected for this position will join the broader Rates, Planning, & Analysis (RPA) team. Made up of high-performing critical thinkers, RPA is dedicated to high quality work, ingenuity, and cross-functional collaboration while building and maintaining trust. The department uses these strengths to best serve Tacoma Power and its customers as trusted financial leaders, delivering objective, quality, and data-driven analysis to sustain Tacoma Power’s financial strength and affordability.

This position is eligible for a hybrid work arrangement upon the completion and approval of a telework request.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and continuously improve financial accountability programs, including financial policy and financial regulatory compliance, internal controls, and asset inventory management.
• Maintain and update long-term financial forecasting models; prepare financial forecasts, performance metrics, and reports for Public Utility Board presentations, and track key financial indicators.
• Serve as subject matter expert on GASB accounting standards and liaison with Tacoma Power Sections and Finance to ensure accurate compliance and reporting.
• Standardize and oversee FERC accounting processes, conduct audits for classification accuracy, and support Finance with monthly closings and reporting.
• Lead the preparation of internal and external financial reports, including regulatory filings and industry surveys.
• Manage Tacoma Power’s grant tracking and reporting processes to ensure accurate registration, monitoring, and timely communication of grant activities.
• Lead RPA’s knowledge management and operational support activities, including maintaining SharePoint resources, supporting HR processes, and conducting ad hoc financial analyses and data visualizations.

Qualifications

Minimum Education*
Bachelor's degree public or business administration or directly related field

Minimum Experience*
4 years of progressively responsible analytical and/or program coordination/management work in area related to assignment

* Relevant education and experience may substitute for one another on a year-for-year basis

Knowledge & Skills

• Proven ability to develop, manage, and implement programs across multiple workgroups and stakeholders
• Understanding of financial statements and accounting standards
• Proficiency in financial analysis
• Effective prioritization and communication skills to ensure execution of assigned tasks
• Customer focus to build strong relationships with stakeholders
• Resourcefulness and the ability to learn and apply new tools and concepts
• Proficiency with Microsoft Suite (Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Excel, etc.)
• Ability to contribute positively to a diverse and inclusive team culture that values work/life balance

While no prior experience in these specific applications is required, the following are the primary software tools utilized in this position (other than Microsoft Suite): SAP, Smartsheet, SharePoint.

Selection Process & Supplemental Information

This recruitment is being managed by Kye Merritt, if you would like to be notified of similar opportunities or stay connected with things going on at Tacoma Public Utilities and the City of Tacoma, connect with me on LinkedIn !

Compensation & Benefits

Pay Details:

Annual Salary: $95,409.60 - $134,368.00

Employee Benefits | City of Tacoma

Tacoma Power
Tacoma Power is an almost 100% hydroelectric, municipally-owned public power utility, located in Tacoma. We serve approximately 180,000 customers as one of the three operating divisions of Tacoma Public Utilities, alongside Tacoma Water and Tacoma Rail. As one of the most livable, walkable cities in the country, you'll find that Tacoma is a great fit for all interests with places to bike, run, hike, and explore, the perks of a big city, and the charm of a small town. We welcome you to take a look at our website and discover how the City of Tacoma can make your next career move part of our combined destiny:
http://www.cityoftacoma.org/ https://www.mytpu.org/ http://www.traveltacoma.com/ [TT1]

City of Tacoma’s Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

A Commitment to Equity & Diversity
At the City of Tacoma, we're on a mission to make our workforce as diverse and inclusive as the community we serve. 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.

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.

The Community

Tacoma is centrally located just 32 miles south of the city of Seattle and 31 miles north of the state capital, Olympia. The City of Tacoma is also home to the Port of Tacoma, which is among the largest container ports in the United States. Like most cities in the northwest, Tacoma is surrounded by beautiful nature, offering residents many opportunities for outdoor adventures.

Largely suburban in nature with a small, but dense, urban core, Tacoma is home to numerous institutes of higher learning that attract students from across the country. The University of Washington Tacoma, Pacific Lutheran University, University of Puget Sound, a satellite campus of the Evergreen State College, three community/technical colleges, and several trade and business schools are within Tacoma's geographic area. Downtown's Cultural District is the site of the Washington State History Museum, Museum of Glass, the Tacoma Art Museum, and America's Car Museum.

With its affordable housing and distinctive neighborhoods and business districts, the city has been recognized numerous times as a best city to live in the nation. To see a few of the great things Tacoma has to offer, view this YouTube Video!

View this exciting video to learn more about the City of Tacoma: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2n5MWl8KFvI

Application Process

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. Applicants who have the strongest backgrounds related to the responsibilities of this position may be invited to participate in the interview process, which may include a work problem. Appointment is subject to passing a background check.

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 6:00a.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.

Note: The provisions of this job announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained herein may be modified and/or revoked without notice.

[TT1] This area can be updated with information pertaining to the specific department.

The City of Tacoma provides excellent medical, dental and vision plans for the whole family; paid holidays and paid leave; participation in the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System (alternate plan for Police/Fire); continuing education and advancement opportunities and a growing variety of City-sponsored health and wellness opportunities and incentives.

Medical Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age26 or younger.

Dental Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age26 or younger.

Vision Coverage: For eligible employees and their eligible dependents.

Paid Leave: City employees are entitled to received paid holidays, sick/vacation leave or personal time off (PTO), depending upon union affiliation and appointment type.

Insurance Plans: Employees are covered by a long-term disability plan. Short-term and expanded long-term disability insurance plans are also available to employees. The State Industrial Insurance Act also covers employees.

Deferred Compensation: Income can be set aside on a pretax basis and invested for supplementation of normal retirement income.

Retirement: All employees of the City, except members of the Police and Fire services, Tacoma Rail and certain project employees, are included in the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System. Information on the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System can be found at www.cityoftacoma.org or by calling (253) 502-8200.

Other Employment Information

Direct Deposit: Employees are paid on a bi-weekly schedule by direct deposit.

Salary Increases: Based on satisfactory job performance, the City provides for a regular progression of salary increases for most classifications according to the salary schedule.

Union Affiliation: Many job classifications are covered by union security provisions which require union membership, dues, or payment of equivalent service fees.

Note: The provisions of this job announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained herein may be modified and/or revoked without notice.

Closing Date/Time: 12/7/2025 5:00 PM Pacific

• 

• City of Tacoma

• 253-591-5400

Show more