Operations Manager

We are seeking an experienced Internal Controls & Operations Program Manager to lead strategic initiatives that strengthen internal controls, improve operational efficiency, and support organizational excellence for the Division of Finance and Financial Resources (DFFR) part of the Economic Services Administration (ESA) within the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) In this role, you will be division’s lead for business process reengineering, policy alignment, internal control framework development and technology enabled transformation and audit coordination response. You will be responsible for monitoring and assessing administrative operations and internal controls, identifying systemic inefficiencies and implementing cross-functional solutions to strengthen financial integrity, operational consistency and service delivery. The official workstation for this position is in Olympia and offers flexible hybrid remote work. You can be based anywhere in Washington State. However, occasional travel may be required based on business needs. Some of what you’ll do: Develop, implement and maintain internal control and operational strategies that support agency priorities and ensure compliance with federal and state laws including 2 CFR 200. Evaluate compliance with federal grant requirements, state fiscal policies, and internal financial controls and lead efforts to resolve and audit findings and manager risk exposure. Monitor and respond to internal and external audits findings, manage corrective action plans and ensure that findings are addressed in a timely and thorough manner. Lead cross functional business process improvement initiatives across budget, accounting and procurement functions operations. Lead interdepartmental teams and ensuring alignment of internal control and operational policies. Facilitate business process mapping, identifying bottlenecks and recommending and implementing systemic operational solutions. Oversee development and tracking of performance metrics, dashboard and reports that support strategic planning and decision making. Coordinate DFFR operational initiatives serving as the division’s liaison for cross agency efforts that require collaboration with other DSA divisions, DSHS administration and external partners. Collaborate with stakeholders to define key performance indicators, aligning operational outcomes with strategic ESA goals and improving accessibility and reliability of financial operational data. Leverage Microsoft 365 technologies including SharePoint, Power BI, Power Apps, and Power Automate to digitize workflows and automate business processes. Lead training efforts to improve staff capacity in systems such as Microsoft 365 Power Platform, SharePoint, Excel, and support professional development aligned with DSHS equity and leadership goals. Support DFFR Deputy Director in organizational change management efforts including managing communication plans, stakeholder engagement and culture transformation efforts aimed at fostering accountability, customer service and continuous improvement. Design dashboards and performance reporting tools that provide operational insights and support strategic decision-making. Analyze staffing levels and material needs to ensure operational effectiveness and review contracts and procurement documents to assess alignment with policies and strategic objectives. The ideal applicant is a strategic thinker who combines expertise in internal controls, compliance, operational excellence, and technology to improve organizational performance. You are comfortable leading complex initiatives, building collaborative relationships, driving continuous improvement to modernize financial operations, ensure regulatory compliance, enhance transparency, and implement innovative solutions that improve service delivery. If you are passionate about strengthening organizational operations, modernizing business processes, and helping teams achieve operational excellence, we encourage you to apply. Who should apply: A bachelor’s degree which includes 50 quarter or 33 semester hours in public administration, business or operations management or finance. Experience 8 years of progressively responsible experience in internal controls, financial operations, business process improvement or organizational management within a complex governmental or regulatory environment. 8 years of demonstrated professional experience interpreting and applying federal and state laws, including 2 CFR 200, Revised Code of Washington, and Washington Administrative Code for large government organizations. 5 years of demonstrated professional experience leading cross-functional teams or projects involving finance, procurement, budget, and performance management for large government organizations. 5 years of demonstrated experience creating and maintaining data models, performing data analysis for large government organizations. 5 years of expert level proficiency using Microsoft applications including SharePoint, Excel (Power Query, Power Pivot), Power BI, Power Apps, and Power Automate for process or systems improvement. OR Relevant professional experience described above may substitute year for year for the required education but not for the credit hours. Competencies & skills: Ability to apply internal control principles and conduct financial risk management. Experience coordinating responses to audits from state or federal oversight agencies. Excellent written and verbal communications skills with experience developing reports and delivering presentations to executive leadership. Ability to manage projects independently, solve complex problems and implement sustainable solutions. Demonstrated understanding of strategic planning, performance metrics, and continuous improvement frameworks (e.g. lean, results Washington). Ability to analyze interpret and synthesize complex financial operational data. Advanced skills in data visualization, workflow automation and collaborative project management tools. Demonstrated ability to lead culturally change efforts, including influencing resistant teams or navigating challenging organizational dynamics. High emotional intelligence, resilience and discretion when dealing with politically sensitive or high-risk situations. Preferred / desired education, experience and competencies: Master’s degree in public administration, business or operations management or finance. Licenses /Certifications Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) Certified Public Auditor (CPA) Lean Six Sigma Certification Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM) Experience & Competencies Experience in state or local government, public sector finance, with large, complex budgets or grant administration. Experience with allotment and fiscal accountability methods particularly as they relate to cost allocation systems and knowledge of the development and management of time studies for the purpose of cost allocation. Ability to supervise, manage, mentor and train professional and senior level staff. Experience with ERP systems (e.g. AFRS, Workday, oracle) and financial reporting structures in a government setting. Completed applications will include A letter of interest (up to two pages) specifically addressing the knowledge, skills, and experience you have related to the job and duties. A current, chronological resume. A minimum of three professional references with contact information. Prior to a new hire, a background check may 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 job. This announcement may be used to fill multiple vacancies. Employees driving on state business must have a valid driver's license. Employees driving a privately owned vehicle on state business must have liability insurance on the privately owned vehicle. Washington State Department of Social and Health Services is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in any area of employment, its programs or services on the basis of age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, marital status, race, creed, color, national origin, religion or beliefs, political affiliation, military status, honorably discharged veteran, Vietnam Era, recently separated or other protected veteran status, the presence of any sensory, mental, physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, equal pay or genetic information. Persons requiring accommodation in the application process or this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the Recruiter at View phone number on click.appcast.io. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or View phone number on click.appcast.io. Relationship and Reporting Structure (Nepotism) Disclosure: If you are selected for hire, you must disclose whether you have a relative, household member, close friend, or romantic partner within your potential supervisory chain of command. DSHS has a Relationships and the Reporting Structure policy that prohibits nepotism and can be reviewed here (Download PDF reader). Applicants whose appointment would result in a prohibited reporting relationship are not eligible for appointment to that position. #J-18808-Ljbffr