Accounting Manager

Principal Agency Accountant

If you answer YES to any of these questions this is the perfect opportunity for you! Are you a self-starter with an interest in accounting and public service? Do you thrive in a team environment? Do you want a position with career growth?

About the Agency & Division: The Washington State Patrol is committed to being an Equal Opportunity Employer and strives to foster an environment in which everyone is encouraged to be their authentic selves, communicate openly, and act with courage. The WSP is dedicated to promoting fair and equitable hiring, training, and promotional practices through innovative recruitment and retention strategies. Budget and Fiscal Services (BFS) is responsible for the management of all agency financial activities including Accounting, Budgeting, Contractual Agreements, Financial Systems, Grants, and Payroll. The division consists of the Budget Section, the Accounting Section, the Financial Systems and Payroll Section, and the Contracting Section.

Duties

This position serves as the Principal Agency Accountant responsible for ensuring the accuracy of all accounting records, delivering centralized accounting services to the agency, and ensuring compliance with all state and federal laws and regulations. The incumbent manages and oversees a staff of 18 FTEs accomplishing all functional areas of accounting including Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, and General Accounting. Our new teammate will be able to:

• Direct all agency accounting activities including general ledger accounting, grant/contract billings, accounts receivable, cash management, local fund accounting, accounts payable, reconciliation of accounts, fiscal year closeout processes, and financial reporting.
• Ensure all revenues and expenditures are properly recorded in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) as well as state and federal regulations.
• Oversee the routine reconciliation of all accounts general ledgers, unbalanced/in-process listing, local funds, and other accounts.
• Maintain the agency's chart of accounts and Agency Financial Reporting System (AFRS) account code tables.
• Serve as AFRS Security Administer.
• Oversee access by agency employees to all automated accounting systems including AFRS, the Disbursement Reporting System and the Capital Asset Management System.
• Review monthly agency financial reports for accuracy and makes adjustments and/or recommendations.
• Provide assistance in interpreting accounting information to agency staff.
• Provide direction, assistance, guidance, and training to all staff within the accounting section.
• Ensure proper accounting procedures are being used in compliance with GAAP as well as state and federal rules and regulations.
• Develop and implement Agency Fiscal Procedures providing direction to staff and agency personnel on all accounting policies and processes to be followed.
• Responsible for all accounting tasks, reports, and certifications associated with the fiscal year closeout process.
• Prepare annual financial reports and disclosure forms for the Office of Financial Management.
• Serve as primary point of contact and agency's expert on all technical accounting issues, policies, principles, and procedures.
• Maintain the responsibility for the proper processing, recording, and reporting of all accounting transactions for a total biennial operating budget which includes several special appropriations and restricted funds.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• 18 quarter or 12 semester hours in accounting subjects.
• Minimum of five (5) years in increasingly responsible experience in the combined fields of accounting, budgeting, or audit.
• Minimum or two (2) years prior experience in supervision or management.
• Thorough knowledge of the Office of Financial Management (OFM) State Administrative and Accounting Manual (SAAM).
• Advanced understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) statements, and internal control frameworks.
• Knowledge of federal and state laws, audit requirements, and federal grant management or drawdowns.
• Skill in preparing complex financial statements, year-end closing packages, general ledger reconciliations, and variance analyses.
• Skill in leading remote and in-office teams, coaching staff, delegating workloads, and conducting performance evaluations.
• Ability to explain technical fiscal information clearly to non-financial managers, agency executives, and external auditors (such as the State Auditor's Office).

Equity Competencies:

• The ability to take action to learn and grow.
• The ability to take action to meet the needs of others.
• Uses an equitable and inclusive approach.

If you have gotten this far and are thinking you do not qualify, consider again. It may be that lived experience, volunteer positions, or a combination of experience and education could demonstrate your ability to perform the duties within this job. If you are excited about this role but you're not sure if your experience or held credentials align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway and contact the HR Consultant below to discuss your situation specifically. You may just be the needed candidate for this or other roles.

Why work for the Washington State Patrol?

• A healthy life/work balance by offering flexible schedules and telework options for most positions.
• An Infants at Work Program that is based on the long-term health values of infant-parent bonding and breastfeeding newborns.
• Continuous growth and development opportunities.
• Opportunities to serve your community and make an impact through meaningful work
• Employment opportunities that recognize military veterans and/or military spouse per Governor Executive Order 19-01
• Qualification for the Public Loan Forgiveness Program

Benefits

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.

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