Logo
State of Washington

Chief Financial Officer - Director of Financial and Business Services

State of Washington, Olympia, Washington, United States, 98502


Salary:

$140,000.00 - $150,000.00 Annually

Location :

Thurston County - Olympia, WA

Job Type:

Exempt

Remote Employment:

Flexible/Hybrid

Job Number:

WSAC 17-2024

Department:

Washington Student Achievement Council

Opening Date:

11/14/2024

Closing Date:

Continuous

Description

This position will remain open until enough qualified candidates have applied.

The first review of applications is expected to occur on 12/13/24

and will be open continuously.

Applicants should submit their application materials as early as possible. The hiring manager reserves the right to make a hiring decision at any time.

Why work for the Washington Student Achievement Council?At the Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC), we are committed to increasing educational opportunities and attainment in Washington. We believe that every person living in the state of Washington should have access to educational opportunities and be encouraged to pursue education or training beyond high school. To achieve our mission, we:

Lead statewide strategic planning to increase educational attainment.Administer programs that help people access and pay for college.Advocate for the economic, social, and civic benefits of higher education.Learn more about the work of the

At WSACOur programs and policies work with diverse communities to eliminate barriers to people pursuing education beyond high school. As an employer, we strive to hire, cultivate, and retain a competitive workforce that reflects the communities we serve.We offer flexible/alternative work schedules, wellness activities, and teleworking opportunities.Eligible employees who are new parents or legal guardians can bring their infant (six weeks to six months) when returning to work.Employees have access to tuition assistance and tuition waiver programs.If you have experience advocating for communities of color or others who are experiencing educational inequities-including those directly impacted by the criminal justice system; people who identify as queer, trans, lesbian, gay, or bisexual; veterans; and people with disabilities, you are strongly encouraged to apply, even if you don't meet all of the desired/preferred qualification listed.Learn more about WSAC's mission and .

Working

Conditions:

This position is hybrid-eligible. WSAC operates primarily on a remote basis, but successful candidates must be able to work in the Olympia office and travel throughout Washington State when required.Equipment and supplies required to work from home will be provided by the agency, including a computer, monitor, keyboard, and mouse.Work hours are standard business hours of Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, however, requirements of the position may require work more than normal scheduled hours due to travel, to meet high-volume and/or time-sensitive workload and agency priorities.About Administrative Services

The Administrative Services Program collaborates with all stakeholders to achieve the goals and objectives of the WSAC. Administrative Services recommends and implements effective and efficient practices throughout the agency, while upholding statewide rules and regulations, in accounting, budgeting, contracting, facilities, equipment, records management, human resources, programming, telecommunications and data network infrastructure, data management, purchasing, and grant compliance management services.

About the Position

The Director of Financial and Business Services functions as the agency's chief financial officer to provide leadership and oversight for WSAC's budget, accounting, and business functions to support, enable and enhance the agency's policy and programmatic initiatives and activities. With appropriations for 2023-25 exceeding $1.2 billion, an administrative budget of over $40 million, and more than a dozen non-appropriated funds, WSAC has a complex financial portfolio and a wide variety of business lines. This position collaborates with internal and external stakeholders to achieve WSAC goals and objectives. The Director of Financial and Business Services recommends and implements effective and efficient practices throughout the agency, ensuring compliance with statewide rules and regulations governing accounting, budgeting, contracting, purchasing, and equipment. This position works in partnership with executive leadership and program managers to develop and improve consistent administrative practices throughout the agency. This position reports to the Executive Director.

Duties

Some of what you'll be doing includes:

Providing overall strategic financial leadership to apply and manage financial resources in support of agency mission and program goals.Advising agency leadership in the development and implementation of administrative policies, procedures, and practices to achieve results.Directing the preparation and submission of biennial and supplemental agency budget requests and monitors appropriations requests throughout the governor's and legislative budget processes.Leading internal processes to prioritize and allocate resources from appropriations, non-appropriated accounts, and other sources to accomplish highest priority work.Managing and directing agency accounting operations.Managing and overseeing federal and state compliance functions, maintains internal controls and risk management, liaison with auditor and external financial agencies.Managing and overseeing contracting and purchasing activities.Directly supervisesing the Accounting Manager, Budget Manager, and Contracts and Procurement Manager, and indirectly oversees their respective teams.Continually assesing direct report employees' performance, recognizing good performance and intervening appropriately when performance is not acceptable.Ensuring managers continually assess their direct report employees' performance, recognizing good performance and intervening appropriately when performance is not acceptableManaging and overseeing the contracting functions of the WSAC, including: evaluate current processes and establish new procedures as necessary; ensure contract compliance; advise program staff on RFP preparation and advertising, evaluation and selection of bidders, and contract management issues; serve as contract manager for any general or agency-wide contracts.Managing the agency's implementation and ongoing use of the state's Workday financial management software.Qualifications

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities:

Working knowledge of state and federal laws, rules and regulations that govern accounting, budgeting, contracting, purchasing, and grant management.Familiarity with state financial and business processes, resources, and systems.Proven leadership and supervisory skills.A commitment to honor diversity, equity and inclusion.Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.Ability to analyze, interpret, and communicate to others complex policies and procedures.Proficient with spreadsheets and word processing.Education and Professional Experience

Bachelor's degree in business administration, public administration or related fieldThree years supervisory experienceFive years' experience serving at the senior professional level in financial management including government accounting and budgeting.Knowledge of advanced financial principles, GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles), federal and state laws and regulations governing accounting, budgeting, and grant management.Knowledge of Washington State and federal laws and regulations governing accounting, budgeting and grant management.Skills, Knowledge and Abilities:

Working knowledge of state and federal laws, rules and regulations that govern accounting, budgeting, contracting, purchasing, and grant management.Familiarity with state financial and business processes, resources, and systems.Proven leadership and supervisory skills.A commitment to honor diversity, equity and inclusion.Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.Ability to analyze, interpret, and communicate to others complex policies and procedures.Proficient with spreadsheets and word processing.Desired Qualifications

Advanced degree or professional certification such as CPA, CGFM, etc.Knowledge of federal and /or state financial aid programs and processesKnowledge of Washington State procurement policies and proceduresKnowledge of audit requirements and current topics

Supplemental Information

Application ProceduresTo be considered for this position you must possess the required qualification listed above. Find this job posting and complete your profile at . A complete application package includes:

Letter of Application. A letter of application that addresses how you meet the required education and experience described in this announcement. Applications with generic cover letters will be considered nonresponsive and may eliminate the application from further consideration.Resume. A detailed resume including all educational and professional experience.References. A list of names, titles, and current telephone numbers of three (3) employment references.Your responses to the supplemental questions.

Please Note: Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.QUESTIONS?For questions about this recruitment, email Alishar@wsac.wa.govEEO StatementThe Washington Student Achievement Council is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all applicants and employees. We are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities, persons over 40 years of age, and veterans are encouraged to apply. If you need accommodation in the application process or wish to receive this job announcement in an alternative format, please call 360.485.1138 or email .

More than Just a Paycheck!Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note:

If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance BenefitsEmployees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred CompensationState Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social SecurityAll state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan ForgivenessIf you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

HolidaysFull-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note:

Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick LeaveFull-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in , an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.

Note:

Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for

exempt

employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military LeaveWashington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement LeaveMost employees whose family member or household member dies, are entitled to three (3) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional LeaveLeave Sharing

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 12-31-2022

01

How did you hear about this employment opportunity?

Careers.wa.govWSAC websiteLinkedin, Indeed, Facebook, Twitter, etc.Other

02

If you selected "other" in the previous question, how did you learn about this employment opportunity?

03

Do you have a bachelor's degree or higher in business administration, public administration or a related field.

YesNo

04

Describe how you have experienced, supported or led equity, diversity and inclusion initiatives in your previous roles.(Note: Non-responsive or single word answers of Yes, No, or N/A will not be accepted, and may result in you being removed from the applicant pool)

05

Describe your supervisory experience, including the size of the teams you've managed and your key responsibilities.

06

I have the following skills, knowledge and experience. Select all that apply.

Knowledge of advanced financial principles, GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles), federal and state laws and regulations governing accounting, budgeting, and grant management.Knowledge of Washington State and federal laws and regulations governing accounting, budgeting and grant management.Advanced degree or professional certification such as CPA, CGFM, etc.Knowledge of federal and /or state financial aid programs and processesKnowledge of Washington State procurement policies and procedures.Knowledge of audit requirements and current topics.Five years' experience serving at the senior professional level in financial management including government accounting and budgeting.

Required Question