Controller (WMS3)
State of WashingtonDescription
We are dedicated to growing a culture of belonging through our values:
Respect | Trust | Diversity | Inclusion | Equity
This recruitment is open continuous; however, applications will be reviewed weekly beginning September 8th, therefore it is in your best interest to apply early. The hiring manager reserves the right to fill the position at any time.At the Department of Licensing (DOL), we recognize the importance of work life harmony and work hard to create a culture where employees feel valued and respected. Our employees are trusted and encouraged to be a part of process improvements that impact their work, create value for our customers and help build trust in our government.Our Finance Office is currently recruiting for a Controller to serve as a key advisor to agency leadership in all areas of accounting and financial management systems and strategies.As one of the most visible state agencies and the second-largest revenue generator in Washington State, we engage with over 6 million residents each year and collect nearly $3 billion in taxes and fees. We understand that our services are vital to the daily lives of our customers, enabling them to live, work, drive, and thrive. We take this responsibility to heart and are dedicated to providing equitable and meaningful access to our services for every resident.If you understand the value of a high-functioning accounting infrastructure and are passionate about building and cultivating an environment of engagement, respect, active listening, and collaboration, please read on!Duties
Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, you will focus on agency financial initiatives and overseeing day-to-day operations of the Accounting Services Unit. Utilizing your Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, and Revenue Accounting experience you will develop and administer all accounting and cash flow functions of the agency. Your responsibilities will include interpreting broad-based statewide Office of Financial Management (OFM) regulations, federal regulations and the development of specific agency-wide policies and procedures on all types of financial accounting services. In this role you will act as the advisor to leadership on all agency accounting matters. The work you do will impact accounting decisions for all funds and appropriations and any other financial activity that may impact the agency's comprehensive annual financial report prepared at the close of each fiscal year.
Some of what you will do:- Collaborate with the Chief Financial Officer on the management of all agency revenues and expenditures.
- Use independent judgment and a firm understanding of law, regulation, professional accounting standards, and the operating environment to formulate agency financial policies.
- Develop and implement fiscal policy and procedures to assure effective and efficient management and accounting for agency revenues of $6.8 billion biennially to include expenditures and purchases.
- Develop the agency's accounting policy to ensure compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
- Coach, mentor, and develop program leadership and management skills within the Accounting Services Unit.
Are you ready to be a leader that that shapes current and future business processes through a diverse, equitable, and inclusive lens to meet the unique needs of both our employees and the customers we serve?If so, we invite you to apply!Qualifications
- What you will bring to the position:
Six (6) years of experience as an accounting manager or other equivalent accounting experience.
30 quarter hours (20 semesters) of accounting credits.
Experience must include five (5) years of experience of the following:
Supervising entry level, paraprofessional, professional fiscal staff to include leading, developing, and leveraging managers and staff. This includes experience leading and supporting staff that provide services to teams within a large customer/public service organization.
Managing a program/unit budget to include monitoring budgets, tracking expenditures, making recommendations for staffing and equipment for the purpose of accounting unit budget development
Using of Microsoft products including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams to create written documents, charts, graphs, presentation documents and communicate with expert level proficiency.
Analyzing, interpreting, and explaining or applying complex or technical accounting information regarding rules, rights, regulations, policies, procedures, programs, or services to answer questions, resolve problems, and make or communicate decisions.
Professionally communicating with teams and customers both verbally and in writing. This includes the ability to explain information in a clear and understandable manner.
Ability and willingness to model cultural competency by employing knowledge of the morals and beliefs of other cultures.
Ability to:
Partner and collaborate at an upper management level.
Collaborate in the creation and implementation of holistic, creative, and strategic ideas.
Build and maintain internal and external customer satisfaction with the products and services offered by the organization.
Adapt easily to changing business needs, conditions, and work responsibilities.
Adapt approach, goals, and methods to achieve successful solutions and results in dynamic situations.
Communicate effectively both orally and in writing to a diverse audience including executives, management, professional/technical, and front-line staff, OFM and other state agencies.
Understand and cultivate stakeholder relationships.
Make independent decisions.
Understand customer needs and help ensure customer satisfaction.
Convey clear, timely, persuasive messages that positively influence the thoughts and actions of others.
Develop innovative ideas that provide solutions to all types of workplace challenges.
Well-developed accounting, written and verbal communication skills, with experience coaching and developing others in the same.
Experience and commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.
Proven experience in the ability to maintain the highest level of confidentiality.
Proven experience using data and information to assess and understand issues, evaluate options, form conclusions, and make decisions.
Proven ability to work in a high-pressure environment with daily deadlines.
Knowledge of and ability to apply advanced financial principles, GAAP financial accounting and auditing practices.
Experience can be gained concurrently.What may help set you apart:Higher education degree in accounting or closely related field.
Certified Public Accountant Degree (CPA)
Three or more years in state service as an accounting manager or equivalent with accounting experience.
Ability to:
Actively partner with co-workers to provide them with information, techniques, instruction, feedback, and encouragement to maximize their success on the job.
Convey clear, timely, persuasive messages that positively influence the thoughts and actions of others.
Develop innovative ideas that provide solutions to all types of workplace challenges.
Negotiate with and influence both internal and external customers and entities by utilizing negotiation skills and/or effective oral and written communication skills, while maintaining a recognized level of trust, respect and confidentiality.
- This position is required to work in the office a minimum of 3 days per week, which may change based upon business needs. However, it is expected that you will work in the office Monday through Friday for the first months of employment.
- The ability to travel statewide, sometimes overnight.
- Prior to a new hire, a preemployment screen 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.
DOL is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. In keeping with our commitment, we will take the steps to assure that people with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations.For information about available accommodations, the interview process, or the position contact Dawn Loduha. Supplemental Information
- Come join us in changing the way government delivers services and help build a legacy of commitment to and excellence in diversity, equity, and inclusion!How to Apply:
- Select the Apply button at the top of this job announcement.
- Using the "add attachments' option please attach the following:
- A cover letter explaining your experience as it relates to this position and why you are interested in this opportunity.
- Your current resume.
- Proof of required accounting credits.
Applications with blank fields, or supplemental question responses with comments such as "see attachments" may be considered incomplete.You are welcome to include the name and pronoun you would like to be referred to in your materials and we will honor this as you interact with our award-winning diverse and inclusive organization.
A paycheck is just part of a total compensation package. We offer some of the nation’s best benefits.
We value diverse perspectives and life experiences.
We employ and serve people of all backgrounds including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, people with disabilities, and veterans. We value the unique traits and attributes that each employee brings to the job. Through the diverse perspectives of an inclusive workforce, we will create a more respectful, productive, and unified team to better serve the public of Washington.Veteran/Military Spouse Preference NoticeTo take advantage of veteran/military spouse preference, please notify the Talent Acquisition Team. Please include the title of this position in the subject line.The Washington State Department of Licensing is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex (including gender identity), marital status, sexual orientation, race, religion, creed, color, national origin, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability.
Persons requiring accommodation in the application process, during the recruitment process, or who need this job announcement in an alternative format, may contact the Human Resources Office at 360-902-4000 or may email HRRecruit@dol.wa.gov. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call our ASL interpreter via Video Phone at 360.339.7344.
The candidate pool certified from this recruitment may be used to fill future similar vacancies for up to sixty days.We do not use the E-Verify system; therefore, we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov.