Chief Financial Officer

State of Washington Dept. of Licensing; Olympia (WA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking state agency dedicated to improving the lives of Washington residents as the Chief Financial Officer. This pivotal role involves providing comprehensive financial leadership, overseeing budget management, and ensuring fiscal integrity. You will work closely with diverse teams, fostering collaboration and innovation to enhance public services. If you are a visionary leader with a passion for financial excellence and a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, this is your opportunity to make a meaningful impact in state governance.

Benefits

Comprehensive Health Benefits

Retirement Plans

Flexible Work Schedule

Professional Development Opportunities

Paid Time Off

Employee Assistance Program

Qualifications

• 10 years of experience in finance, accounting, or related fields.
• 5 years of progressive financial management experience.
• Knowledge of GAAP and budgetary processes.

Responsibilities

• Provide financial leadership and oversight of the agency’s Budget Office.
• Manage budget lifecycle and financial operations.
• Lead and mentor a team of financial professionals.

Skills

Financial Management

Accounting Principles

Budget Preparation

Data Analysis

Communication Skills

Problem-Solving

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Finance or Accounting

Master’s Degree

Tools

Automated Financial Management Systems

Excel

Job description

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 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 strive 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 Director’s Office is currently recruiting for a transformational leader who fosters collaboration and an inclusive environment to join our Executive Leadership Team (ELT) team as our Chief Financial Officer. This leader will display excellent judgment, modeling and empowering others to display their individual and collective brilliance through innovative and creative thinking.

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 are a leader who displays personal courage, perseverance, and humility to hold yourself and others responsible for embodying our agency’s purpose statement and values, please read on.

Duties

Reporting to the Deputy Director, your role will encompass providing comprehensive financial leadership and operational oversight of the agency’s Budget Office and Accounting Services. Your skills in people-centered leadership will be instrumental to your success, as you will be expected to demonstrate respect and ensure that each individual’s voice is acknowledged and that they are regarded as valued participants. Furthermore, your capacity to swiftly develop, maintain, and enhance relationships both within and outside the organization will prove advantageous as you represent the agency on accounting and budget matters in engagements with the Office of the State Treasurer, the Office of Financial Management, as well as other state and federal agencies, local governmental entities, and private vendors.

Some of what you will do:

• Identify and plan for current and future needs and projections of the program including goals, objectives, and resources necessary to accomplish them within the overall mission, goals, and objectives of the agency.
• Oversee, maintain, and control financial entries to the Agency Financial Reporting System (AFRS) in accordance with OFM policies and procedures.
• Manage the budget lifecycle through the legislative session (including budget-related decision packages), close of fiscal year, and the end of the biennium.
• Provide financial leadership in the management of financial resources in support of agency mission and goals.
• Manage on a statewide basis revenue receipt, fund distribution, accounts receivables, vendor payments and travel expenditures.
• Oversee day to day financial operations and planning for budget and accounting including the provision of timely and accurate data, analysis, projections, and financial expertise necessary for effective agency decision making.
• Lead and mentor a team of financial professionals in managing the agency’s financial resources and supporting their growth and development.

If you are ready to help us achieve our purpose of helping every Washington resident live, work, drive and thrive by ensuring DOL’s financial integrity, we invite you to apply.

Qualifications

What you will bring to the position:

• Ten (10) years of combined relevant experience and education in finance, accounting, economics, public or business administration, or closely related field.
• Experience must include:
  • Five (5) years of progressive financial management experience including managing supervisors in a highly complex organization, applying human-centric leadership and management principles.
  • Demonstrated knowledge and ability to apply Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
  • Knowledge of complex budgetary processes with experience preparing and presenting budgets.
  • Ability to analyze data, prepare reports, and present information to an executive leadership team.
  • Knowledge of internal control principles.
  • Advanced written and verbal communication skills.
  • Experience in coaching, motivating and empowering employees.
  • Strong problem-solving skills.
  • Proven ability to develop and maintain positive working relationships with all levels within an organization and with external partners.

What may help set you apart:

• Additional related professional work experience such as:
  • Leading, developing, and leveraging managers and staff in multiple locations, supporting a customer/public service organization.
  • Advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts in the workplace.
  • Communicating effectively with diverse individuals and audiences in a variety of formats, and coaching others to do the same.
  • Partnering and collaborating at the management or executive level with internal and external staff and stakeholders.
• Developing and implementing:
  • Holistic, creative, and strategic ideas and initiatives.
  • Operational plans and initiatives.
  • Change initiatives and process improvements.
• Working with budgets, contracts, and policies.
• Interpreting and applying complex laws, rules, and policies.
• Working with legislative and rulemaking processes.
• Knowledge of complex budgetary processes.
• Experience with:
  • Planning, directing, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating functional and technical components of financial operations.
  • Budget development and fiscal management, including accounting and/or finance practices and procedures, financial statements, tracking revenue and expenditures, relationships between revenues, expenses, cost allocations, budget projections, reporting and evaluation.
  • Automated financial management systems and software, including, but not limited to Excel.
  • Working in a governmental/public sector budget preparation and administration section with a working knowledge of state budgetary and legislative processes.
  • Implementing Washington state governmental budget and accounting standards, guidelines, and policies.
  • Analyzing financial and performance data, forecasting techniques, and financial analysis reports and developing recommendations for management in decision-making.
  • Presenting and communicating financial concepts and information using plain talk to nonfinancial managers and staff both verbally and in writing.
  • Writing and reviewing fiscal notes.
  • Preparing and presenting financial analysis reporting.
• Certified Public Accountant and/or Washington Certified Public Accountant.

Education to experience equivalency
Associate’s degree = 2 years Bachelor’s degree = 4 years Master’s degree = 5 years
* Experience may be gained concurrently *
Additional Requirements of Employment:

• The ability to work in-person in our Olympia office three days a week or more as business needs arise.
• The ability to travel overnight and out of state.
• Prior to a new hire, a pre-employment screening that includes a criminal record history check will be conducted. These findings may 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 this position, available accommodations, or the interview process, 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.
• Attach the following to your application using the ‘add attachments’ option:
  • Your current resume
  • A cover letter detailing your qualifications for the role and providing specific examples that illustrate your ability to fulfill the responsibilities outlined in the job description.

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 Notice
To take advantage of veteran/military spouse preference, email 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, religion, sex (including gender identity), marital status, sexual orientation, race, 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 [e-mail]. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call our ASL interpreter via Video Phone at 360.339.7344.

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