Accounting Manager
(Tacoma/Olympia, Washington)

Accounting Manager - WMS Band 2

Up to $81,000 Annually (DOQ)

This position is within the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS), Financial Services Administration, Office of Financial Recovery and is located in Lacey Washington.

Agency Profile

The mission of the Financial Services Administration (FSA) is to support and Assist the Department of Social and Health Services in meeting the diverse Needs of individuals and families, by facilitating sound management of its Fiscal Resources. FSA is widely recognized for its solid and responsive fiscal strategies and business solutions.

Duties

The Office of Financial Recovery (OFR), within the Financial Services Administration, is delegated responsibility for statewide receivable management and debt collection for the Department of Social and Health Services. Reporting directly to the Office Chief, this position is responsible for administering office-level financial operations.

The OFR Financial Manager provides primary financial consultation to the Office Chief and establishes fiscal strategies and direction to support statewide recovery programs. This position manages financial activities with high visibility within and outside the administration, and with significant impact on general fund revenue collections and the agency operating budget.

This position works at a senior level of office decision making and develops and directs changes in agency and office financial policies and practices. Oversees financial strategic direction; monitors and tracks receivables; and guides other managers to ensure fiscal integrity.

Represents the office to other department administrations, state and federal agencies, and public and private agencies in the development of financial and cash management policy. Provide consultation to all levels of DSHS management and staff for the purpose of evaluating fiscal and cash management problems and recommending solutions.

As delegated by the Office Chief, this position has the highest dollar level of authority to manage accounts receivable including write offs, compromises and settlements; liens and foreclosures; wage garnishments; and subpoenas.

Responsible for monitoring office fiscal policy, and conformance with departmental accounting rules and regulations, generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Office of Financial Management (OFM) Policies and procedures, federal regulations, and state and federal laws which have fiscal impact on agency receivable programs.

Develops and implements accounting policies and procedures through participation on agency sponsored committees.

Provides direct supervision to managers and supervisors responsible for the department’s centralized account receivable and cash management activities. Has primary decision making authority for office level financial operations.

Provides consultation to senior level financial analysts and their managers and provides direction regarding accounting activities, reports, policies, and systems which support statewide receivables.

Assists the Office Chief in meeting recovery targets exceeding $345 M annually. Reliance on these recoveries is a significant factor to DSHS programs in the budget process. If collections fall short of targets, programs must choose between requesting additional funds to compensate for the revenue shortfall and reducing the level of services provided to clients.

Participates as a member of the management team. This team makes decisions regarding major programs, administrative and policy issues; defines and develops program and project priorities, and evaluates resource needs. The team also determines legal positions and directs development of the office strategic business plan.

Determines the financial impact of state legislation and proposed policy changes; negotiates and develops Memos of Agreement with DSHS programs and other state agencies to promote the establishment and referral of state debt.

Participates in tactical and strategic planning for FSA, provides fiscal direction in a collaborative manner; develops and implements strategic interventions to mitigate financial risk and prevent/solve financial issues for the agency.

Participates in the development of office-wide performance measures; uses performance measurement systems to analyze processes and activities, identifies policy needs, develops implementation strategies and designs evaluation tools to promote outcome-based practices.

Researches and analyzes complex program and financial issues and serves as fiscal consultant to office management and financial staff.

Assesses current methods, and develops and implements process and system redesign to improve customer service and strengthen fiscal controls.

Develops Corrective Action Plans for federal and state audits of the agency’s receivable systems.

Required Education, experience and skills and abilities:

Education & Experience:

A Bachelor’s degree and four years of professional accounting experience including two years at a supervisor or lead level. Additional qualifying experience may substitute, year for year, for the required education.

Expert Knowledge:

Principles, practices, and techniques of financial management, budget development, auditing, internal controls, generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), and state and federal financial rules.

State government operations including budget cycles, DSHS business practices, DSHS policies and procedures, the legislative process, and merit system rules.

Advanced management principles including visionary leadership, human resource management, team building, strategic planning, quality principles and tools; and project management/program evaluation principles and methodologies specific to measuring both processes and outcomes.

Information system processes and the ability to develop business rules for the purpose of receivable management, reconciliation and reporting.

Advanced Skills:

Expertise in communications, facilitation, interpersonal skills, leadership, collaboration, planning, decision making, and coaching and mentoring staff and peers.

Analytical, research, and problem-solving skills to determine, diagnose, and research problems, policies, and GAAP.

Analyze complex situations involving interdepartmental and interagency components, and make sound managerial decisions.

Conduct financial analyses, use performance measures and data to identify opportunities, determine the feasibility of proposed new activities, and measure process improvement.

Work independently or in a team process, and within a wide parameter of delegated authority.

Effectively communicate detailed policy, technical and financial information to a full range of senior agency management staff and other stakeholders, both orally and in writing.

Application Process:

Interested applicants should submit the following information packet:

1) A letter of interest specifically outlining a description of your demonstrated

Ability to meet the desirable qualifications, not to exceed two pages.

2) A current resume listing education history and chronological employment,

including the names of employers and dates of employment with details of

responsibilities and accomplishments.

3) A minimum of three professional employment references with current

addresses and telephone numbers.

Please send or email these documents directly to:

Davis Garabato, Organizational Development Manager

DSHS, Financial Services Administration

P O Box 9501

Lacey, WA 98507-5840

E-Mail: garabdm@dshs.wa.gov

Phone: (360) 664-5849

FAX: (360) 664-5844

Resumes and letters of interest will be screened and only those candidates with the

most relevant work experience and training will be interviewed.