Accounting & Financial Services Director (WMS4)

Salary : $125,040.00 – $160,308.00 Annually

Location : Thurston County – Olympia, WA

Job Type: Full Time – Permanent

Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid

Job Number: 23DOT-HQ-0W058

Department: Dept. of Transportation

Division: Headquarters

Opening Date: 07/07/2023

Closing Date: 7/24/2023 11:59 PM Pacific

Description

About WSDOT
Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is the steward of an integrated, multimodal transportation system that helps to ensure people and goods move safely and efficiently throughout the state. In addition to building, maintaining, and operating the state highway system, WSDOT operates the largest ferry system in the nation, manages the world’s longest floating bridge, and recently completed the world’s widest tunneling project.

The Opportunity
WSDOT is currently seeking an Accounting & Financial Services Director (WMS4) who will play a pivotal role in providing statewide financial services to both internal and external customers of WSDOT. As the expert resource for accounting leadership and direction, the Accounting and Financial Services Division (AFS) supports the WSDOT mission by delivering critical statewide accounting services. This includes the development and implementation of statewide policy, management of financial systems and data repositories, financial reporting, and interactions with state and federal regulators. The AFS division also provides comprehensive accounting services such as payroll, vendor/contractor payments, grant management, project management, and financial statement preparation. The selected candidate will be responsible for setting the direction and policy for all financial transactions and internal controls, ensuring agency accountability and public trust. They will oversee various functional areas, including cash receipting, payroll, vendor payments, construction contract administration, procurement, and materials management. The role involves managing seven different sections and over 70 staff members, ensuring timely and accurate delivery of financial services while complying with statutory, regulatory, and state/federal policies. Key outcomes include accurate payments, accounting adjustments, allocation of expenditures, inventory management, procurement efficiency, policy maintenance, and collaboration with internal/external stakeholders. The Accounting & Financial Services Director will also evaluate and implement systems and processes to support departmental financial activities and provide accurate information for data-driven decision-making in support of WSDOT program delivery.

What to Expect
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Accounting & Financial Services Director will:

• Lead and manage over 85 financial, procurement, materials management, and IT professionals within seven teams in AFS.
• Develop and implement complex agency-wide financial policies to strengthen financial accountability.
• Oversee enterprise-wide accounting and internal controls across regions and divisions.
• Manage agency financial systems for reporting transactions and financial status to various stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with state/federal laws, accounting principles, and regulations.
• Represent the agency on statewide committees and engage with national accounting standards boards.
• Prepare financial statements for toll facilities and oversee agency-wide payroll, procurement, and materials management activities.
• Report financial operations and the agency’s financial position to the Office of Financial Management (OFM) and the public.
• Consult with management and staff on financial topics, approve waiver requests, and serve as the Internal Control Officer.
• Lead or assist with special projects and committees for internal and external customers.

Qualifications
To be considered for this opportunity, the following are required:

• Bachelor’s degree with a concentration in accounting.
• Minimum of ten (10) years of recent experience in accounting, including at least 6 years of experience managing complex government accounting or business organizations.
• Experience in:
  • the design, development, implementation, or administration of complex financial and administrative systems.
  • the development, application, and compliance management of internal controls.
  • preparing financial statements.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have the following:

• Licensed Certified Public Accountant OR master’s degree (i.e., Master of Business Administration or Accounting).
• Experience working for a financial organization supporting a federal/state/local transportation agency.
• Experience with:
  • WSDOT financial systems (i.e., TRAINS).
  • WSDOT funding sources and federal grant management requirements.
  • procurement and/or contract management.
  • materials management.

Important Notes

• The salary range listed includes the legislative-approved general wage increase of 4%, effective on July 1, 2023.
• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
• Occasional travel as needed to support financial consultation with programs and regions.
• 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.
• WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system. For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov
• In addition to base salary, employees may be entitled to other forms of compensation depending on the type, duties, or location of the position. For union-represented positions, more information on other forms of compensation can be found in the applicable Information on other compensation types for non-represented positions can be found in of the Washington Administrative Code.

Why WSDOT

• Work-Life Balance – We are committed to ensuring that our staff experiences the reward of public service while sustaining a routine that suits each individual’s lifestyle.
• Paid Leave – In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees earn a minimum of 14 paid vacation days per year!
• Tuition Assistance – Permanent employees have several options for assistance with education expenses, including tuition reimbursement programs, government discounts at participating colleges throughout the state, and federal student loan forgiveness eligibility.
• Plan For Your Future – WSDOT offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes various healthcare options. Employees also have their choice of state retirement programs and much more. Go to for more information.

Check out this video to learn more:

How to Apply
Applications for this recruitment will be accepted electronically. Your relevant experience may be evaluated to determine your salary. Therefore, the “Work Experience” portion of the application must be completed in as much detail as possible.
To be considered for this opportunity, please include the following with your online application:

• An attached Resume outlines (in reverse chronological order) your experience to date.
• An attached Cover Letter that further explains your qualifications and indicates why you believe you are a viable candidate for this role.
• Contact details for a minimum of three (3) individuals who can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job-related competencies. NOTE: This information may be entered in the “References” section of the online application; it does not require an additional attachment.

Please click the “APPLY” button to proceed. Note that you will be prompted to sign in or create an account. This step is required to apply for this opportunity.

WSDOT is an equal opportunity employer. We value the importance of creating an environment where all employees can feel respected, included, and empowered to bring unique ideas to the agency. Our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds, and viewpoints while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace. All persons, regardless of race, ethnicity, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, and/or gender identity, are encouraged to apply. Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process or needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the listed Recruiter.

Contact us
For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter, Yasmin Munoz, at Please be sure to reference 23DOT-HQ-0W058 in the subject line.

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 Benefits
Employees 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 Compensation
State 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 Security
All 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 Forgiveness
If 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.

Holidays
Full-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 Leave
Full-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 Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave
Most 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 Leave
Leave 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

Please select the response that best describes your highest level of completed education.

• I have a master’s degree or higher with a concentration in accounting.
• I have a bachelor’s degree with a concentration in accounting.
• I have an associate degree with a concentration in accounting.
• I have a high school diploma or equivalent.
• None of the above.

02

If you indicated completion of an associate degree or higher, please list your degree and field of study. Otherwise, type N/A.

03

Please select the response that best describes your total years of recent experience in accounting.

• I have over fifteen (15) years of this experience.
• I have 14 – 15 years of this experience.
• I have 13 – 14 years of this experience.
• I have 12 – 13 years of this experience.
• I have 11 – 12 years of this experience.
• I have 10 – 11 years of this experience.
• I have 9 – 10 years of this experience.
• I have 8 – 9 years of this experience.
• I have 7 – 8 years of this experience.
• I have 6 – 7 years of this experience.
• I have 5 – 6 years of this experience.
• I have less than five (5) year of this experience.
• I do not have this experience.

04

Does your experience in accounting include at least six (6) years of experience managing complex government accounting or business organizations?

• Yes
• No

05

Please select the response(s) that best describes your experience (select all that apply):

• Experience in the design, development, implementation, or administration of complex financial and administrative systems.
• Experience in the development, application, and compliance management of internal controls.
• Experience in preparing financial statements.
• Experience with WSDOT financial systems (i.e., TRAINS).
• Experience with WSDOT funding sources and federal grant management requirements.
• Experience working for a financial organization supporting a federal/state/local transportation agency.
• Experience with procurement and/or contract management.
• Experience with materials management.
• None of the above.

06

Are you a Licensed Certified Public Accountant?

• Yes
• No

07

How did you learn of this employment opportunity?

• Indeed
• LinkedIn
• Direct Email Notification
• WSDOT social media (Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, etc)
• Career Fair
• Monster
• WorkSource
• Handshake
• AASHTO
• NACTO
• COMTO
• APWA
• “NOW HIRING” banner/sign
• Radio advertisement
• WSDOT Employment Site
• Careers.wa.gov
• governmentjobs.com
• Other (specify below)

08

If you selected ‘Other’ on the previous question, please specify how you learned of this employment opportunity in the space provided:

Required Question