Police Business Operations Specialist

Salary Range

5,217.00 - 7,824.00

Job Summary

The Vancouver Police Department is an innovative, dynamic organization at the heart of one of the fastest growing cities in the Pacific Northwest. Behind every patrol shift, emergency response, and community initiative is a system that has to work efficiently and this role is at the center of that system. We’re looking for someone who thrives on precision, problem-solving, and making complex processes run smoothly. If you enjoy digging into data, untangling discrepancies, and collaborating across teams to make things better, this is a role where your work truly matters.

We’re currently recruiting for a Police Business Operations Specialist. Under the supervision of the Police Business Services Manager, this position will analyze data and entries related to scheduling, timekeeping and payroll applying applicable Collective Bargaining Agreements and City and Vancouver Police Department Policy. Serve as contact and liaison for scheduling and timekeeping software with Police Department Personnel, City IT and the vendor, process financial reimbursements for grants, assist Police Department with asset seizures and forfeitures administration, file necessary reports with agencies and departments related to assigned job duties, identify and analyze trends in the expenditure of department budget to actuals, assist with budget development and analysis.

This is a full-time, regular, non-exempt position. The schedule for this position is M-F, 8am to 5pm.

At the City of Vancouver we are committed to paying our employees fairly, equitably, and competitively. City salaries are structured so that the midpoint of the salary range approximates the amount typically paid for the job in this geographic area. Candidates with experience supporting their ability to come in and hit the ground running may receive a starting salary around the midpoint of the listed salary range. Actual salary at offer is influenced by a host of factors, including a candidate’s relevant experience, education, licensure and certifications. The higher end of the listed pay range indicates the salary growth potential of the position.

Job Details

Essential Functions:

• Ensure data integrity of VPD timekeeping and scheduling data, collaborate with Payroll to investigate and resolve data variances, correct discrepancies prior to upload of data to City payroll system. Apply City and department policies related to leave codes, time off, and exception scenarios payroll and scheduling systems. Provided timekeeping training and respond to employee timekeeping inquiries.
• Audit timekeeping data, correcting discrepancies prior to payroll submission, and uploading data to City payroll system. Interpret and apply City and department policies related to leave codes, time off, and exception scenarios payroll and scheduling systems. Analyze policy implications and consult with HR Labor Relations Analysts to ensure processing accuracy and compliance. Analyze trends and collaborate with Payroll Analysts to investigate and resolve data variances. Respond to employee inquiries regarding timekeeping records. Provide guidance or refer employees to Human Resources, Payroll, or Labor Relations as needed.                                        
• Support the financial administration of grants by monitoring expenditures, collecting supporting documentation, and entering financial data into agency portals to ensure compliance with grantor requirements. Coordinate reimbursement requests with City Accounting and complete journal entries to ensure precise cost allocation across accounts.
• Manage and analyze precinct-level budgets, recommend budget transfers based on spending trends and operational needs, and assist in developing budget narratives and justifications for biennial and supplemental budget cycles. Perform reconciliations of travel advances and other financial transactions to support transparency and fiscal accountability.
• Oversee the VA OTJ program including processing applications, tracking and reporting eligible hours, and maintaining compliance with Washington State Approving Agency (WA SAA) and VA regulations. Attend meetings in the capacity of the SCO (School Certifying Official) and submit required reports for compliance and reimbursement.
• Assist with long-term fleet planning and budgeting, leveraging fleet management systems to extract data for interpretation and analysis. Support billing, tracking and reconciliation of off-duty contracts, interlocal agreements and task force deployments.

Qualifications

Experience and Education

Experience:

• 2 years

Education:

• Associates in accounting or related field

*Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.

Include:

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES  

• Basic principles of payroll processing and associated wage and hour laws
• Knowledge of Police operations and functions and associated business and financial management issues is desirable
• Pertinent federal, state and local laws and ordinances pertain to accounting, budgeting, and auditing of financial information
• Maintain a high degree of confidentiality
• Operate a personal computer and appropriate software
• Work in a manner consistent with the City of Vancouver’s Operating Principles
• Work and act as a team player in all interactions with other City employees
• Always provide a high level of customer service
• Project and maintain a positive image with those contacted in the course of work
• Develop and maintain collaborative and respectful working relationships with team members and others
• Consistently provide quality service
• Maintain regular and dependable attendance

• Demonstrate a commitment to valuing differences among people and to being inclusive.
• Show the utmost respect for others, and act as a team player.
• Promote safety as a guiding principle and a regular practice in accomplishing work by focusing on safe practices and complying with safety and health policies and procedures.
• Recognize unsafe conditions which may be hazardous to an employee or to the public.
• Works in safe and responsible manner; not putting self or others at risk. Complies with applicable policies and procedures including but not limited to using personal protective equipment, observing warning signs, learning about potential hazards, and reporting all unsafe conditions.

Selection Process:

Application Review : Candidates will be evaluated based on the content of their application and those deemed most qualified will be invited to participate in the remainder of the selection process.

Practical Exam (Pass/Fail): This recruitment may require a practical exam which will be job related and may include, but not limited to, the qualifications outlined in the job announcement.

Oral Interview (Pass/Fail based on 70%): Questions will be job related and may include but not limited to, the qualifications outlined in the job announcement. Minimum passing score of 70% is required. The oral board will consist of a three to five member interview panel who will ask the same position-related, pre-established written questions of all candidates. The panelists' evaluations will be combined resulting in candidate interview scores. Those passing with a 70% or higher will be placed on an eligibility list.

Final Interview: As positions become available up to the top three candidates from the eligibility list will be invited to participate in a final selection interview.

This position is subject to successful completion of a comprehensive Vancouver Police Department background check.

The City of Vancouver is committed to advancing equity and creating a welcoming and inclusive workplace. We recognize that progress depends on more than just a verbal commitment; it depends on making meaningful organizational change. We developed and continue to develop strategies to enhance employee-centered programs, eliminate recruitment and advancement barriers, elevate employee understanding of DEI and cultural competency and build an inclusive and welcoming place to call work. We hope you’ll consider joining us on the journey!

Safety: The City of Vancouver believes every employee plays a role in maintaining a safe workplace. The City of Vancouver promotes safety as a guiding principle and practice and accomplishes work by creating safe work environments, complying with safety and health policies and procedures and consistently seeking improvements that support operational excellence.

Diversity and Inclusion: At the City of Vancouver, we value and foster a workplace comprised of people with a range of different backgrounds, experiences and cultures. We recognize that a diverse and inclusive team is key to innovation, effectiveness and a positive culture. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: The City of Vancouver is dedicated to maintaining a work environment that extends equal opportunity to all individuals, regardless of their race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, marital status, veteran status, disability sexual orientation or gender identity. Employment decisions will be made to further the principle of equal employment opportunity and to comply with state, federal and local laws. We affirm through this policy statement our continuing commitment to the principles of equity and nondiscrimination.

Veterans’ Preference: Under Washington law, qualified veterans may be eligible for Veterans’ preference when applying for City of Vancouver positions. Honorably discharged Veterans, their surviving spouses or spouses of honorably discharged Veterans with a permanent and total service-connected disability who would like to be considered for a Veterans’ preference for this job should provide the qualifying documents as instructed during the application process.

ADA Accommodation: Accommodations will be considered for applicants or candidates with a qualifying disability that prevents them from participating in this process. Accommodations will be made where the City can reasonably provide them without imposing an undue hardship on the business or compromising the integrity of the recruitment process. An applicant with any disability who believes that they need an accommodation should contact Human Resources: call 360-487-8417 or email hrfront1@cityofvancouver.us

Job Posting End Date

May 15, 2026