Washington State

Description

~This posting is open to Internal Department of Enterprise employees only~

Flexible hours and remote work are available.

The Department of Enterprise Services (DES) provides centralized business services to state government agencies; to other public entities such as cities, counties and tribes; and to Washington residents. DES’ mission is to strengthen the business of government for a sustainable and just future. Learn more about DES.

About the Finance Division:

The Finance Division provides accounting and budget services to DES and 40 smaller state agencies. The division’s mission is to deliver comprehensive financial management services and support to our customers so they can make informed business decisions and achieve financial health goals. We strive to create a workplace culture that is centered around team and customer satisfaction. We recognize that in order to provide world-class services to our customers, we must first take care of ourselves and each other. We do this by living out our team member satisfaction expectations of:

• Meaningful work- We recognize that our work has purpose and know how it contributes to the goals of our teams, division, and agency.
• Work-life integration- We maintain a human-centered culture that promotes empathy, flexibility, autonomy, and assistance so we can maintain a well-balanced life.
• Growth- We encourage personal and professional growth by providing tools, resources, support, and opportunities, so we can enhance our knowledge, skills, and strengths to achieve our fullest potential.
• Teamwork- We work together, collaborate and support each other by embracing differences, strengths and contributions so we can be empowered to better ourselves, our teams and the division.
• Respect and Community- We listen, communicate, and acknowledge others' ideas and efforts, so we can sustain a work environment that fosters a sense of belonging, recognition, and worth.
• Happiness- We foster a positive work environment where we celebrate each other, spread kindness, and build relationships, so we can have fun together and enjoy coming to work.

What You Will Be Doing:

As the Small Agency Financial Services (SAFS) Accounts Payable Principal Assistant to the Manager, you will provide timely, accurate, and efficient financial support to help customers make sound business decisions. You will develop and implement procedures for effective agency processes, working directly with agencies that utilize SAFS services. Reporting to the SAFS Accounts Payable Manager, you will interact with Financial Services staff, managers, contractors, and outside vendors. Your responsibilities include specialized fiscal duties such as accounts payable, invoice reconciliation, contracts, grants, and 1099 tax reporting. You will verify and audit the work of a team of six, ensuring transaction accuracy and financial integrity for the Department of Enterprise Services and client agencies. Additionally, you will provide training and guidance to your staff and conduct research to ensure transaction accuracy. In this role, you will work independently under minimal supervision, adhering to Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and the Department of Enterprise Services’ policies and procedures.

Duties

Some of what you’ll enjoy doing:

• Serve as Principal Assistant to the SAFS Accounts Payable Manager and is a subject matter expert in DES SAFS financials.
• Lead a professional staff of six, overseeing transactions in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• Ensure payment processing and expenditure recording by Accounts Payable complies with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• Manage AP responsibilities, including vendor payments, employee travel reimbursements, IRS1099 tax reporting, monthly DOR use tax reporting, and annual unclaimed property reporting to DOR.
• Review and monitor work performed by staff. Included are the associated responsibilities for accuracy of data, monthly reconciliations and managing the workload and resources to meet critical monthly processes, production, and issues resolution deadlines.
• Plan, lead, organize, and assign work to staff; ensure appropriate training in accounting methods and procedures.
• Provide recommendations for accounts payable system improvements and internal controls.
• Develop and implements policies and fiscal procedures.
• Provide timely and accurate financial data to management and the Accounts Payable Manager to ensure efficiency and maximum benefit of resources.
• Participate and assist in leading team meetings.
• Complete critical month-end accounts payable and accrual processes.
• Analyze complex financial and statistical data to determine significance.
• Train and develop DES financial staff on financial rules and policies, including GAAP, Office of Financial Management (OFM) policies.
• Verify billing and accounts payable work for accuracy in accounting systems and AFRS.
• Assist in system development, documentation and testing/verification of changes/procedures (including Workday).
• Act as primary agency administrator for small agencies’ Travel and Expense Management System (TEMS).
• Monitor fiscal and accounting activities, analyzing and evaluating potential problems.
• Identify and implement required internal controls to safeguard funds.
• Work with program and system support staff to develop application specifications for new processes and changes.
• Assist in development and maintaining of views and reports; maintain desk manual of procedures for assigned work.
• Provide accounting support to Small Agencies’ managers, budget personnel, and management.
• Review financial reports and other documents prepared by AP staff.
• Customer service support.

Qualifications

REQUIRED:

NOTE: To be eligible for this position, a candidate must possess 18 quarter hours or 12 semester hours in accounting, auditing, budget, or other relevant field OR as a condition of employment, commitment to attain hours within 12 months of hire.

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related field

AND

Four (4) years of experience in accounting, auditing, or a relevant financial field.

OR

Associate’s degree

AND

Six (6) years of experience in accounting, auditing, or a relevant financial field.

OR

Eight (8) years of experience in accounting, auditing, or a relevant financial field.

OR

Master’s degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related field, OR possession of a CPA, CMA, and/or CGFM

AND

Three (3) years of experience in accounting, auditing, or relevant financial field.

OR

Possession of both a relevant Master’s degree

AND

Three (3) of the listed certifications will substitute for experience.

NOTE: Any combination of education and/or experience totaling eight (8) years.

PREFERRED:

• Two (2) years of experience in applying Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), handling general ledger accounting and accounts payable
• Knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP)
• Knowledge of statewide accounting and administrative manual (SAAM)
• Knowledge and experience using the statewide accounting system – Agency Financial Reporting System (AFRS)
• Strong customer service skills. Ability to clearly communicate with customers being consistent, yet diplomatic
• Ability to prioritize to meet routine deadlines; ability to follow established procedures and to recommend improvements to established procedures; ability to produce timely and accurate work products using Excel Spreadsheets; ability to multi-task in a fast-paced, deadline driven environment

Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Competencies

Incumbents to this position must possess and demonstrate the following competencies:

• Able to learn and understand the language and concepts of our DES DEI culture and commit to being a part of creating and maintaining a diverse, equitable, respectful, and inclusive workplace.
• Demonstrate a commitment to growth, learning and self-awareness when provided training and opportunities to participate in improving our work environment.
• Participate and behave in a manner that creates trust and builds working relationships, promoting teamwork and collaboration in the work environment.
• Demonstrate the understanding that all people are valued; contribute to an equitable, inclusive, and respectful environment when working with members of the group, team, organization or community.
• Commit to being an active participant in continually evaluating and improving strategies that promote equity and inclusion in our organization.

Supplemental Information

How to Apply:

Interested? We would love to hear from you! Click “Apply” at the top of this page to start your application. You can save the application and come back to it, if needed. Be sure to complete the application fully to include a full work history and responses to the supplemental questions.

Please attach the following documents to be considered for the position. Failure to do so may result in you not being considered for the position:

1. A letter of interest that shows your personality and voice to describe why you are the successful candidate and how you meet the specific qualifications for this position.
2. A current resume detailing your experience and education.
3. A list of at least three (3) professional references, including current contact information.
4. Unofficial transcripts that showcase and verify your education credits.

• Do not attach any documents that include photos or private information (social security number, year of birth, etc.)

NOTE: By submitting these materials, you are indicating that all information is true and correct. The state may verify information. Any untruthful or misleading information is cause for removal from the applicant pool or dismissal if employed. A resume will not substitute for completing the “duties summary” section or supplemental questions of the application. Please do not “refer to resume” for detail, or your application may be disqualified.

Background Check Notice: Prior to any new appointment into The Department of Enterprise Services, 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.

Opportunity for All:

The Department of Enterprise Services celebrates our differences and we are committed to a workplace that supports equal opportunity employment and inclusion regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity diversity, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We will also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws.

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 organization.

Contact Information:

For questions about this recruitment or to request a reasonable accommodation in the application process, contact Angie Anderson at (360) 407-8446 or email jobs@des.wa.gov.

Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.

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.

Read about our benefits:

The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

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 month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave

Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)

Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave

Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave

Most employees whose family member or household member dies, are entitled to three (3) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave

Leave Sharing

Parental Leave

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 12-31-2022

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