Finance Advisor

The City of Seattle wants every child to have the opportunity to succeed in their education. This journey starts with providing access to high-quality early education to our youngest learners. To achieve this goal, the Department of Education and Early Learning is seeking a Finance Advisor who can provide financial, analytical, and program implementation support to department leadership and divisions.   

Please visit http://www.seattle.gov/education to learn more about the Department of Education & Early Learning.

The Department of Education & Early Learning strives to embed the City’s Race and Social Justice Initiative into its education objectives and seeks staff that value the importance of working together as a government and community to eliminate racial disparities and achieve racial equity. Our core values of equity, results, stewardship, transparency, and collaboration guide our work, support our operations, and hold us accountable.

• Preparing and presenting budget, decision-support materials and program proposals to leadership, division managers, department directors, City Budget Office, Mayor’s Office, City Council and other partners.  This includes proposals for the City’s biennial budget process and responses to the Mayor’s Office and City Council requests for changes to planned or new investments.
• Providing financial guidance on budget constraints, revenue collections, financial policies and procedures to division directors and program leaders to support sound fiscal management and decision-making.
• Leading and supporting financial planning, budgeting, and fund management activities, including monitoring expenditures, revenues, and program performance.
• Assisting in preparing budget materials, fiscal analyses, and program proposals for Department leadership, the City Budget Office, and other partners.
• Developing and maintaining financial tools, reports, and procedures to improve monitoring, controls, and decision-making across programs and divisions.
• Providing analytical support and guidance for program design and investment planning, including assessing costs, benefits, fiscal sustainability, and resource constraints.
• Contributing to development and implementation of levy-funded initiatives, including financial tracking, reporting, and continuous improvement of investment approaches.
• Assisting in development and revision of fiscal, operational, and management policies to ensure funds are used effectively to meet department objectives and aligned with legislative intent.
• Supporting improvement of financial and operational processes, such as plan-to-report and procure-to-pay workflows.
• Coordinating and supporting implementation of projects related to financial systems, policy changes, process or program improvements.

You’ll be prepared to take on this role if you have:

Knowledge of:

• Budgeting practices and financial management principles.
• Financial forecasting, financial modeling, and cost analysis methods.
• Performance measurement practices.

Skills in:

• Preparing financial analyses and summaries for decision-makers.
• Project management.
• Interpreting and explaining fiscal information to non-technical audiences.
• Developing spreadsheets, financial tracking tools, and reports.
• Supporting Continuous Process Improvement or Continuous Quality Improvement. 
• Supporting policy and program design through fiscal analysis.

Ability to:

• Working collaboratively with leadership, program staff, and analysts.
• Translating financial information into actionable recommendations.
• Managing multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.

Exercising sound professional judgment within established policies.

This position is exempt from the civil service and is classified as a Strategic Advisor 1, Exempt.  This position is not eligible for overtime and is not represented.

Salary: The full salary range for this position is $51.88 - $77.82 per hour.

Hiring Timeline:  Interviews for this position are tentatively scheduled for October 19-28, 2026 with an anticipated start date of November 18, or December 2, 2026.

Accommodations: We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact Sandra Wong at [email protected] to request accommodation.

Working Schedule:  This position offers the flexibility of a hybrid work schedule. At this time, hybrid telework schedules have a minimum requirement of three days onsite per week. Individual schedules are based on operational needs and agreement between the employee and their supervisor.  

Background Check: This hiring process involves a background check of conviction and arrest records in compliance with Seattle's Fair Chance Employment Ordinance, SMC 14.17. Applicants will be provided an opportunity to explain or correct background information.  

Benefits: The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package, including vacation, holiday, and sick leave, as well as medical, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents. More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at: https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits

Why work at the City? At the City of Seattle, public service is more than a job; it’s a chance to shape the future and make a meaningful difference in the lives of everyone who works, lives, or plays in our city. With 12,000 employees across 40+ departments and 1,100 job titles, we are united by a common purpose: to create a Seattle that is vibrant and welcoming for all. Whatever your role, you’ll help power a forward-looking city that leads by example — inclusive, innovative, equitable, and community-focused — while joining a diverse team committed to solving challenges and making a lasting impact together. Join us in building a Seattle where everyone thrives!  
  
Application Process: 

Applications will be accepted for this position until 4:00pm Pacific Time on Tuesday, October 6, 2026. To be considered for this position, in addition to completing your application fully, please attach:

• A PDF of your current resume
• Cover Letter

We encourage you to review the City of Seattle’s Application and Interviewing Tips Guide (Download PDF reader), which may be used as a resource as you prepare to apply and interview for positions with the City of Seattle.

Who may apply: This position is open to all candidates that meet the minimum qualifications.

The City of Seattle values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity. The City encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experience.  

If you have questions, please contact Sandra Wong at [email protected]