Business Services Analyst, Principal – Fire Finance Division

Job Description:

Business Services Analyst, Principal – Fire Finance Division

Description

Position Description

Tacoma Fire Department’s (TFD) Finance Division is seeking a skilled, enthusiastic, and self-motivated leader to join our team. This Principal Business Services Analyst plays an essential role in leading the staff and functions of the Financial Services team for the Division. This position will lead a workgroup specializing in:

• Accounting & Financial Reporting : cash & fund balance monitoring; financial statement review; financial dashboard reporting; direct contact with the State Auditor’s Office for financial and accountability audits
• Accounts Payable & Vendor Relations : ordering hundreds of supply items; procurement card administration; ensuring TFD can get the supplies and services to maintain efficient operations
• Budget Development & Management : for five City funds and over $100M per year
• Grants Management : applying for new grants & monitoring spending and compliance on current grants
• Inventory & Asset Management : for capital, small & attractive, and consumable items
• Payroll : for over 500 employees in eight bargaining units; invoice external agencies for TFD services
• Process Improvement : department-wide initiatives to improve processes and implement new tools
• Procurement & Contracting : for supplies and services across 200+ contracts and agreements
• Risk Management : including subrogation

A successful candidate will demonstrate a passion for supporting a team of dynamic team of Financial Assistants and Business Services Analysts that do the critical work listed above. An incumbent in this position will also be expected to act as a subject matter expert, be an independent problem solver, analyze complex data, and prepare and present findings and documents to executive and legislative positions and will have a demonstrable record of establishing good rapport with personnel at all levels of an organization, providing positive reinforcement to ensure they are encouraged to give their best, and provide exceptional service to the internal and external customers we serve.

This position must demonstrate caring and supportive leadership to the TFD Financial Services team, helping them prioritize their tasks to conform with any deadlines and reasonable workload distribution, while balancing emerging assignments. In addition to managing the work of others, this position has its own assignments to complete in a timely manner and may be required to represent the manager of the Finance Division to internal partners or external agencies. Some specific tasks this position is responsible for are:

• Continual position monitoring to ensure payroll is posted utilizing the correct program funding
• Analyzing and explaining budget variances for reporting to management, City Council, and the community; draft budget adjustments or amendments
• Monitoring vendor payments for timely payment, accruals, and contract compliance
• Identify, apply for and administer local, state, and federal grants
• Review and approve small transactions (i.e. P-card purchases) and supply orders

Qualifications

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

Minimum Experience*
5 years of progressively responsible analytical and/or program coordination/management work in area related to assignment including 1 year prior at senior, lead and/or supervisory level

LICENSING, CERTIFICATIONS AND OTHER LEGAL REQUIREMENTS:

• WA driver's license required, as travel between department locations may be required.
• Individuals must pass a background check.

*Equivalency: 1 year of experience = 1 year of education

Knowledge & Skills

COMPETENCIES
Communicates Effectively
Is effective in a variety of communication settings: one-on-one, small and large groups, or among diverse styles and position levels; Attentively listens to others; Adjusts to fit the audience and the message; Provides timely and helpful information to others across the organization; Encourages the open expression of diverse ideas and opinions.

Develops Talent
Places high priority on developing others; Develops others through coaching, feedback, exposure, and stretch assignments; Aligns employee career development goals with organizational objectives; Encourages people to accept developmental moves.

Directs Work
Provides clear directions and accountabilities; Delegates and distributes assignments and decisions appropriately; Monitors progress by maintaining dialogue on work and results; Provides appropriate guidance and direction based on people’s capabilities; Intervenes as needed to remove obstacles.

Ensures Accountability
Follows through on commitments and makes sure others do the same; Acts with a clear sense of ownership; Takes personal responsibility for decisions, actions and failures; Establishes clear responsibilities and processes for monitoring work and measuring results; Designs feedback loops into work.

Manages Complexity
Asks the right questions to accurately analyze situations; Acquires data from multiple and diverse sources when solving problems; Uncovers root causes to difficult problems; Evaluates pros and cons, risks and benefits of different solution options.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORKING CONDITIONS
Working conditions are primarily in an indoor, office environment at Tacoma Fire Department’s Headquarters Building. This position may participate in ride-alongs with Tacoma Fire first responders so must have manual dexterity, balance, eyesight, and hearing. Schedule requires the ability to work normal office hours (Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.). This position will have an option for a flex schedule and to telework for a portion of the week so must have a functional space in their home for computer equipment.

Selection Process & Supplemental Information

City of Tacoma Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

At the City of Tacoma, we're on a mission to make our workforce as diverse and inclusive as the community we serve. We're committed to eliminating racial and other disparities, and 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.

The City of Tacoma believes that diversity of thought, background, and experience contributes to our success and innovation. If you’re passionate about this role and our mission, we encourage you to apply. 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!

ICMA City of YOUR Destiny video link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2n5MWl8KFvI

Application Process:

Interested individuals should apply online and attach a detailed resume and cover letter describing your experience as they relate to the responsibilities of this position.

NOTE: Applications received without attaching the required resume and cover letter will not progress in the selection process.

Applications will be accepted for this position until 5:00 pm Pacific Time on April 24, 2025. To be considered for this position, in addition to completing your application fully, please attach: Resume & Cover Letter.

**For assistance with the NEOGOV application process, questions regarding this job announcement, or if you are experiencing complications while applying, please contact the Human Resources office at (253) 591.5400 by 4:00 pm of the closing date of the job announcement. 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 cityoftacoma.org and/or governmentjobs.com must 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.

In order for your application materials to be considered, all information must be submitted by the closing date and time listed on this job announcement.

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: 4/24/2025 5:00 PM Pacific

Salary:

$110,281.60 - $155,251.20 Annually