Chief of Financial Strategy and Compliance, Public Health (Strategic Programs Manager)

Summary Public Health – Seattle and King County (PHSKC) is seeking, as member of its leadership team, a Chief of Financial Strategy and Compliance (Strategic Programs Manager) to guide it toward financial sustainability and to strengthen the department’s finance and compliance infrastructure. As the financial and compliance steward for a mission-driven department, this position is a savvy financial strategist, skilled builder of control systems, and strong manager of financial compliance oversight. This position provides strategic financial advice and analysis to the Department Director, Chief Administrative Officer, and department leadership. Reporting to the Chief Administrative Officer, the CFSCO manages the Office of Financial Management and Compliance, a central team of over 30 finance professionals, sets the policies and standards for finance teams embedded in divisions within the department, and collaborates with other departments to ensure alignment across shared bodies of work. With an annual budget of over $500M, PHSKC has five funds, several of which face complex financial challenges, including uncertainty with federal, state, and local funding streams, that threaten the sustainability of its core services and programs. This position is responsible for strategic long‑term financial planning, budget preparation and strategies, budget and reporting tools, grant management, financial compliance and internal controls, and accounting practices and standards across six divisions. About The Department Public Health – Seattle and King County (PHSKC) is the one of the largest metropolitan health departments in the United States with 40 sites, a biennial budget of $1.2 billion, and over 1600 employees, most of whom are represented by 11 collective bargaining units. The department provides a wide range of services such as preventing and treating communicable diseases, preventing chronic diseases and injuries, delivering health services to vulnerable populations, inspecting restaurants and other food establishments, providing emergency medical services, responding to health emergencies, and assessing the impact of these and other efforts on the overall health of the community. Public Health is a mission-driven organization working to protect and improve the health and well‑being of all people in Seattle and King County and focused on eliminating the inequities in social and health outcomes for black, indigenous, and people of color. The department has built a regional and national reputation for innovative programs and its work on equity. Like many other jurisdictions, it is in the midst of multiple crises – leading the effort in King County to respond to the Coronavirus pandemic, helping launch and support the transformative work to respond to Racism is a Public Health Crisis, and managing funding and operational challenges exacerbated by the economic fallout from the pandemic. Note: This recruitment will be used to create an eligibility pool to fill additional Career Service, Term‑Limited Temporary (TLT), or Special Duty Assignment (SDA) vacancies that may occur over the next six months. Commitment To Equity and Social Justice Named after Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., one of the most influential civil rights leaders in our nation's history, King County is a vibrant international community with residents that represent countries from around the world. It is a region with increasing diversity that cherishes the traditions of many cultures. The county government has a deep commitment to equity and social justice and advancing practices, strategies, and policies that promote fairness, justice, and opportunity for all – in our workplaces and our communities. With this commitment, King County has adopted a pro‑equity agenda to advance regional change and ensure that residents from all communities are incorporated into our emergency planning and public outreach efforts. We recognize that structural racism consists of principles and practices that cause and justify an inequitable distribution of rights, opportunities, and experiences across racial groups. Since declaring Racism is a Public Health Crisis in June 2020, King County and Public Health committed to being intentionally anti‑racist and accountable to Black, Indigenous and People of Color communities. To learn more, please visit Work Schedule Typical work schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Some evening and weekend work may be required. This is an exempt position and is not subject to the Fair Labor Standards Act and is not overtime eligible. Work Location Primary work location will be based at the Chinook Building, located at 401 Fifth Avenue, Seattle, WA 98104. Employees must reside in Washington state and within a reasonable distance to their King County worksite to respond to workplace reporting requirements. Job Duties Oversee the department’s budget development and financial management Lead the development of the department’s budget in line with its priorities and values, including strategic direction, transparency, inclusion of community and department staff, and health equity. Oversee the department’s overall financial health and efforts to leverage effectively its financial resources to accomplish its mission. Direct, review, and ensure accuracy and integrity in fiscal and compliance analyses, reporting, and standards across the department. Ensure the successful completion of the department-wide financial year‑end processes. Represent the department to the Executive Office, King County Council, and community partners. Ensure the department’s financial compliance efforts are of the highest standard Identify, accelerate, track, and resolve financial and compliance risks, including clear follow through on corrective actions. Oversee internal controls and compliance by ensuring department‑wide compliance with funder requirements; assessing internal control risks and identifying internal control weaknesses; identifying non‑compliance with organization policies and/or laws and regulations, as well as opportunities to improve operational effectiveness and efficiencies; and ensuring implementation of compliance remedies and improvements. Maintain a grants management program with strong internal controls, that meets regulatory compliance with all funding agencies, and provides support, as needed, to small or new organizations to achieve departmental equity goals and effective stewardship of public funds. Identify areas for standardization and/or process improvement using data‑informed decision making when appropriate. Lead the department’s efforts to achieve financial sustainability For each of the department’s funds, ensure the development of long‑range financial plans that are effective tools for strategic and business planning. Assess the risks and opportunities for the sustainability of the department’s major funding sources. Guide the development of models to analyze the impact of potential operational and funding changes on the long‑term sustainability of the department’s financial health. Develop and maintain financial policies and procedures along with training and support for finance teams across the department. Create, maintain, and improve systems and processes that foresee, monitor, and communicate risks and opportunities for fund sources and revenue. Guide the development of high‑performing finance teams across the department Oversee the operation of department’s Office of Financial Management and Compliance, including accounting payables and receivables, financial compliance, grant administration, budget and forecasting, payroll, fiscal monitoring and reporting, and process improvement. Be a champion for equity and cultivate a culture that allows all members of the team to contribute and thrive. Ensure that county, department/division, GAAP, and GAAS standards are followed across the department’s financial practices, including in complex Federal and State grant reporting; accounting; and accounts receivable and accounts payable practices. Lead and coach effective finance leaders throughout the department. Work within the department’s matrixed structure to ensure division finance teams across the department have the skills and training to support best‑in‑class financial management practices. Oversee continuous improvement efforts to achieve exemplary financial management throughout the department: Identify and pursue remedies to policies and practices that contribute to systemic racism and inequities; Establish efficient and streamlined financial operations with standard work, policies and procedures, training, and performance management for finance functions at all levels of the department. Provide financial analyses and recommendations to support department leadership in making decisions: Integrate equity into financial analyses and recommendations; Identify risks, benefits, and counter measures using the department’s risk appetite statement; and, Provide guidance and support on the methodologies and analyses for developing rates and fees. Oversee the management of daily operations of the department’s Office of Financial Management and Compliance: accounting services (billing grants, payroll, cash collection), grant administration (Medicaid administration, State contract, audit liaison, sub-recipient monitoring), fiscal monitoring and reporting (including Best Starts for Kids levy revenue), and budget and forecasting (quarterly budget forecasting and monitoring, biennial budget preparation, and budget and scenario modeling and strategy). Monitor and analyze the financial performance of the department; provide regular updates to the Department Director, CAO, and executive leadership; and facilitate development of possible corrective actions, where needed. Minimum Qualifications Demonstrated commitment to Equity and Social Justice and pursuing changes to policies and practices that address systemic racism and inequities. Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or other related business fields AND at least seven (7) years of working experience in finance. Additional experience may substitute for the required education. Experience managing a finance team or section in a complex financial environment. Knowledge of current standards and developing trends in public sector budgeting, government fund accounting, managerial and financial accounting, including GAAP, GASB, and Federal and State grant accounting and reporting. Demonstrated experience and skills in managing diverse teams including motivating and developing employees, supporting professional development, coaching and mentoring, setting clear expectations, and providing constructive feedback. Demonstrated knowledge and skills in methods and quantitative techniques for sound financial and budgetary analyses and forecasting. Demonstrated ability to lead development of and buy‑in for a vision for financial management and the plan for achieving it. Demonstrated experience and skills in building trusted partnerships with internal and external customers through establishing a track record of transparency, follow through, and resolving differences respectfully. Demonstrated ability to anticipate and plan for future strategic and business needs including assessing financial implications and tradeoffs. Demonstrated ability to successfully lead people to bring about desired results in a matrixed team environment. Demonstrated experience with auditing and working with federal, state, and local auditors to resolve issues successfully. Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate complex financial information to different audiences. Knowledge of public administration, government contracting, and personnel administration. Demonstrated experience to simultaneously manage multiple projects in a fast‑paced environment and meet deadlines. Desired Qualifications Five (5) years or more of governmental accounting, budgeting and contracting experience. Experience with revenue cycle management and financial management in a health care environment. At least four (4) years’ experience managing a team. Supplemental Information King County’s Vision, Mission, and ACTIVATE Values unite us. King County serves residents with a relentless sense of urgency, delivering on commitments with transparency and accountability. We are action‑oriented, creative problem solvers who collaborate across roles, engage directly with communities, and challenge the status quo to achieve meaningful impact. As a unified team, we uphold high ethical and stewardship standards, embrace change, stay curious, and continuously improve. Across all interactions, we listen first, act quickly, and stay aligned as a team to earn and sustain public trust. Learn more about our Vision, Mission, and ACTIVATE Values here and visit our Why work at King County page here. King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on sex, race, color, national origin, ethnicity, religious affiliation, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age except by minimum age and retirement provisions, pregnancy, status as a family caregiver, parental status, marital status, military status or status as a veteran who was honorably discharged or who was discharged solely as a result of the person's sexual orientation or gender identity or expression, citizenship or immigration status, genetic information, or other protected class. However, to the extent that distinction or differential treatment on the basis of citizenship or immigration status is authorized by either federal or state law, regulation, or government contract, it is not an unfair practice. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation. Who May Apply This opportunity is open to all qualified candidates. Necessary Special Requirements The selection process may include evaluation of application materials and supplement questions, interviewing, and testing. You must completely fill out the application with your relevant education and work experience. The selected candidate must be able to pass a thorough background investigation, but findings may not necessarily disqualify an applicant for employment. For more information on our selection process, please refer to For tips on interviewing, please visit Employees are required to protect the privacy and security of protected health information as defined in State and Federal Law. Public Health relies on office automation (Microsoft Office) and web-based enabled tools, therefore candidates must be proficient and comfortable with computer use to perform functions associated with on‑going work. Employees are required to adhere to OSHA/WISHA guidelines including but not limited to completing their mandatory trainings on time and obtaining required immunizations. Regular and reliable attendance, effective communication skills, and development of effective working relationships are requirements of all public health positions. When public health responds to an emergency, and in accordance with relevant CBA language and/or KC policy and procedures, we may assign duties outside your regular job description. This may involve responding at any time, including nights and weekends, with possible deployment to locations other than the department. Union Membership This position is not represented by a labor union. Contact If you have questions or would like more information about the recruitment process, please contact Salyse Duckworth, HR Analyst at View email address on click.appcast.io. Benefits Excellent medical, dental, and vision coverage options: King County provides eligible employees with options, so they can decide what’s best for themselves and their eligible dependents Life and disability insurance: employees are provided basic coverage and given the opportunity to purchase additional insurance for both the employee and eligible dependents Retirement: eligible King County employees may participate in a pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems and a 457(b) deferred‑compensation plan Transportation program and ORCA transit pass 12 paid holidays each year plus two personal holidays Generous vacation and paid sick leave Paid parental, family and medical, and volunteer leaves Flexible Spending Account Wellness programs Onsite activity centers Employee Giving Program Employee assistance programs Flexible schedules and telecommuting options, depending on position Training and career development programs For additional information about employee benefits, visit our Benefits, Payroll, and Retirement Page. This is a general description of the benefits offered to eligible King County employees, and every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy. If any information on this document conflicts with the provisions of a collective bargaining agreement (CBA), the CBA prevails. NOTE: Benefits for Term Limited Temporary (TLT) or Short Term Temporary (STT) positions, including leave eligibility and/or participation in the pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems, will vary based upon the terms and details of the position. Short Term Temporary positions are not eligible for an ORCA transit pass. For inquiries about the specifics of this position, please contact the recruiter identified on this job posting. #J-18808-Ljbffr King County, WA