Financial and Management Services
Ensuring cost-effective, high-quality services
We manage the financial planning and accounting for the City of Vancouver, including revenue forecasting and cost control.
The department also provides purchasing, accounts payable, business license, and payroll services in addition to assisting the City Manager in the preparation of the biennial budget.
The City of Vancouver undergoes annual audits of our financial records as well as our compliance with state laws and regulations, our own policies and procedures, and management’s accountability for public resources. Additionally, we undergo audits of certain federal funds received throughout the year, referred to as a Federal Single Audit and are subject to independent performance audits. These audits are conducted pursuant to state law by the Washington State Auditor’s Office.
The City of Vancouver is committed to accountability and compliance with the laws and regulations surrounding the efficient and effective operation of the programs we administer. We’re proud of our performance throughout the various audits and thoroughly committed to continued process improvements to increase our effectiveness and efficiency.
State law requires that cities with populations of 25,000 or more publish financial statements that conform to generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and are audited in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards by the Washington State Auditor’s Office under the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 43.09.020. Pursuant to that requirement, we issue the City of Vancouver Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) for each fiscal year end.
Our Municipal Code consists of all City of Vancouver laws.
FAQs
Where does your property tax go?
Your city uses taxes to pay for services that touch nearly every part of life and business in Vancouver, including things like:
- Police
- Fire
- Street and traffic signal maintenance
- Winter storm response
- Building safety inspections
- Parks and trails
- Recreation programs
- Economic development
- and more
Learn more about these taxes and how they were spent in the City's Annual Report.
Why did business license fees change?
To respond to community priorities identified in the recently approved 2023-2024 biennial budget, the Vancouver City Council made changes to City business license fees to make investments in increased police services, park playground replacements, new roads, and economic development and job creation programs.
The changes will also reduce the fee burden on the smallest businesses in Vancouver, and those conducting limited business in the city.
Visit Business and Special Licenses for more information.
