The Finance department's mission is to operate as a collaborative partnership empowering customers with timely, accurate, and transparent financial information.
Working closely with city departments, residents, and businesses, the Finance department upholds the City of Renton's commitment to fiscal responsibility, transparency, and excellent customer service. Through reliable financial operations and careful management of public funds, the Finance department helps Renton thrive as a strong, vibrant, and sustainable community.
Finance Divisions
Accounting Operations
The Accounting Operations division oversees the city's core financial and administrative functions of accounts payable and receivable, payroll, cashiering, pet licensing, and utility billing services, providing reliable support to both city departments and the community.
Financial Planning and Reporting
The Financial Planning and Reporting division develops, monitors, and manages the city's annual budget, ensuring the efficient and effective use of public funds. The division also oversees the management of public funds by coordination of banking services and investments including monitoring cash flow. The division is also responsible for the annual financial reporting, coordinates internal and external audits, and conducts financial analysis and forecasting to support informed decision-making and maintain transparency.
Tax and Licensing
The Tax and Licensing division administers all business licenses and taxes levied by the city, ensuring compliance with municipal tax codes and licensing requirements. Key responsibilities include issuing and renewing business licenses, collecting and recording city taxes, maintaining accurate financial and regulatory records, and assisting residents and business owners with tax obligations and licensing procedures.
Utility Billing
The Utility Billing group manages customer service, and oversight of billing and collection of payments for water, sewer, surface water, and solid waste utilities, ensuring a central touch point for utility bill-related questions and concerns.
Awards and Recognition
State Auditor's Stewardship Award (SASA)
The Finance Department received the State Auditor's Stewardship Award (SASA) from the Washington State Auditor's office for its outstanding efforts in promoting government accountability and transparency.
State Auditor Pat McCarthy and staff from the auditor's office presented the award to the Finance Department at the September 8 council meeting. The department was recognized for extensive research, complex calculations and projections, and a deep understanding of new accounting standards for fiscal year 2024.
Read more about this award: https://www.rentonwa.gov/Government/Newsroom/Press-Releases/SASA
GFOA Awards - Excellence in Financial Reporting; Distinguished Budget Presentation
The Finance Department received two awards from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) - Excellence in Financial Reporting, and the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award.
GFOA selected the city for the Excellence in Financial Reporting award for its annual comprehensive financial report for the 2023 fiscal year. This Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in governmental accounting and financial reporting.
The Distinguished Budget Presentation Award required the city's budget presentation to satisfy nationally recognized guidelines for effective budget presentation. Special recognition was received for the presentation of the city's capital investment program.
Read more about these awards: https://www.rentonwa.gov/Government/Newsroom/City-news/The-citys-Finance-Department-receives-two-awards-from-GFOA