Accounting Manager

Job Title

This position is with the Washington Student Achievement Council under the Admin Services Division.

Job Description

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.

At WSAC Our 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 the desired/preferred qualifications listed.

About the Division

The Finance team supports WSAC's mission and goals by providing sound financial and business management, guidance and analysis to our customers and by developing policies and procedures that ensure fiscal compliance and a strong internal control environment.

About the Position

Under the administrative direction of the Director of Financial and Business Services (Chief Financial Officer), this position uses independent judgment to provide expert level analysis and recommendations to management and customers to ensure the successful implementation and maintenance of agency and statewide financial management activities. Additionally, this position is responsible for overseeing the accurate and efficient operations of various functions including general ledger reconciliations, accounts payable, travel and related expenditures, accounts receivable, cash receipts, federal grant accounting and draws, asset accounting, internal controls, and year-end closing activities.

Duties

Some of what you will be doing.

• Provide leadership and oversight for all agency accounting activities.
• Review and approve payments and journal vouchers and perform reconciliations for general ledger accounts. Ensure accounting transactions are complete and accurate.
• Supervise accounting staff and provide training and guidance on accounting issues, state and agency policies, rules, procedures, and systems.
• Coordinate the agency's fiscal year-end closing processes in coordination with the OFM Statewide Accounting unit. Prepare state and federal disclosure forms.
• Process federal grant drawdowns for reimbursement.
• Lead business process transformation efforts within WSAC such as the implementation of the state's new financial system (WorkDay).
• Ensure that internal controls are effectively implemented with agency business processes.
• Develop policies and procedures, as necessary, that comply with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and the OFM State Administrative and Accounting Manual (SAAM).
• Create and maintain effective working relationships with internal customers to address evolving business needs.

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Public Administration, Finance, or closely related field.
• OR
• Equivalent combination of education and professional experience that demonstrates the required competencies.
• OR
• One year of experience as a Fiscal Analyst 5 (or higher).

In addition, applicants must have:

• Four years of progressively responsible professional accounting or financial management experience.
• Three years of supervisory or lead experience overseeing accounting staff or financial operations.
• Three years of experience using AFRS, Enterprise Reporting, or comparable statewide financial systems.
• Working knowledge of GAAP and the OFM State Administrative & Accounting Manual (SAAM).
• Advanced Microsoft Office skills, particularly Excel.

Core Competencies

• Critical Thinking: In the absence of clear guidelines or information, use judgment and critical thinking to infer appropriate meaning and form conclusions necessary to resolve the problem or issue.
• Analysis: Use data and information in a clear and rational thought process to access and understand issues, evaluate options, form accurate conclusions and make decisions.
• Accountability: Accept personal responsibility for the quality and timeliness of work. Can be relied upon to achieve excellent results with little need for oversight. Meet productivity standards, deadlines and work schedules. Stay focused on tasks in spite of distractions and interruptions. Do not make excuses for errors or problems; acknowledge and correct mistakes.
• Fiscal Accountability: Responsibly and accurately handle the public's money when processing financial transactions and/or committing fiscal resources. Consistently follow applicable fiscal guidelines, regulations, principles, and standards.
• Analyze Financial Reports: Analyze and interpret financial reports in order to adjust entries, correct discrepancies and prepare documents.
• Workload Management: Effectively organize multiple assignments, sometimes of a complex nature or involving competing priorities, to produce work products that are accurate, thorough, and on time. Remain acutely aware of timeframes and successfully meet deadlines. If deadlines are in jeopardy, appropriately seek assistance or guidance from the lead worker, supervisor, or manager. Effectively handle competing priorities and urgent situations, making sound decisions within short timeframes, and taking appropriate action.
• Adaptability/Flexibility: Adapt easily to changing business needs, conditions and work responsibilities. Adapt approach, goals and methods to achieve successful solutions and results in dynamic situations. Cope well and help others deal with the ongoing demands of change; proactively embrace change as a way to accomplish goals more effectively; see the benefit and inspire others to accept change.
• Written Communication: Effectively convey ideas and information in writing using language that is appropriate to both the complexity of the topic and the knowledge and understanding of the reader. Compose clear, direct and succinct written messages that effectively convey ideas or information to the intended reader. Recognize when language requires adjustment to achieve understanding by differing readers and easily reword messages accordingly.
• Interpersonal Influence: Display a positive attitude and optimism about the work to be done, co-workers, customers, management, and employer policies. Influence others to approach issues positively (e.g., see issues as "challenges or opportunities" rather than "problems"; the glass is half full rather than half empty). Influence others within the organization to be excited, enthused, and committed to furthering the organization's objectives.

Preferred/Desired Education, Experience and Competencies

• Experience implementing enterprise-wide initiatives in a government setting.
• Experience soliciting, developing, and implementing process improvement strategies.

Supplemental Information

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

1. 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 be eliminated from further consideration.
2. Resume. A detailed resume including all educational and professional experience.
3. References. A list of names, titles, and current telephone numbers of three (3) employment references.
4. 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 Alisha View email address on click.appcast.io. EEO Statement The 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