ESA Accounting Administrator

Full Job Description

DSHS ESA Accounting Administrator

The Economic Services Administration (ESA) supports the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) mission to partner with people to access support, care, and resources.

The Division of Finance and Financial Resources (DFFR) oversees ESA’s accounting, grants management, budgeting, internal controls, contracting and procurement functions.

We are looking for our next ESA Accounting Administrator to provide statewide leadership and executive level oversight of ESA's accounting operations to ensure the integrity, accuracy, and compliance of ESA’s financial management activities across state and federal funding sources totaling approximately $3.4 billion each biennium.

In this role, you will serve as a senior advisor and consultant to ESA and DFFR leadership on complex statewide accounting matters and provide expert consultation on emerging fiscal risks, accounting policy interpretation, and cross administration financial impacts.

You will lead, manage, and supervise ESA’s accounting team and provide strategic oversight of accounting processes, fiscal year close activities, federal revenue claiming, and cost allocation methodologies.

The position participates in and represents ESA on high level committees and work groups that influence accounting policy, fiscal reporting requirements, chart of accounts structure, and statewide financial system initiatives.

You will have the opportunity to:

• Lead ESA’s accounting functions, including cost allocation, federal grant accounting, disbursements, and financial reporting
• Ensure compliance with federal regulations, state fiscal policies, and audit requirements
• Oversee fiscal year close, federal revenue claiming, and reimbursement processes
• Maintain and strengthen internal financial controls to mitigate risk and prevent audit findings or disallowed costs
• Direct and develop a management team and ensure operational excellence across accounting functions
• Establish and maintain federally compliant cost allocation methodologies to maximize reimbursement and ensure proper cost distribution
• Serve as a trusted advisor to ESA and DFFR leadership on complex accounting, compliance, and fiscal strategy issues
• Provide expert interpretation of accounting policies and assess impacts of emerging fiscal risks
• Influence statewide accounting practices through participation in high-level committees, workgroups, and system initiatives
• Ensure alignment between accounting operations and broader organizational and legislative priorities
• Drive continuous improvement in financial processes, controls, and reporting

What we're looking for:

• Executive leadership experience in large, complex financial or accounting environments
• Deep expertise in governmental accounting, including federal grants, cost allocation, and compliance requirements
• Ability to apply advanced principles and technologies of accounting, business and finance, financial data analytics, along with applicable state and federal laws, regulations, and policies.
• Experience planning, directing, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating financial service functions and technical operations with proven expertise.
• Expert knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and relevant federal and state laws.
• Strong internal controls and financial risk management background
• Strategic thinker and advisor, able to translate complex financial data into actionable insights for executive leadership
• Proven ability to lead through others, developing and guiding high-performing management teams
• Experience navigating complex partner environments, including cross-agency collaboration and policy influence
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to clearly present complex financial information clearly to diverse audiences, including executive leadership

Who should apply:

Professionals with a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in accounting, public administration, finance, business administration, or a closely related field.

AND

A minimum of ten years of paid professional-level supervisory management experience in financial operations, accounting, or closely related field.

Additional equivalent professional experience may substitute year-for-year for required education.

Preferred/desired education, experience and competencies:

Completed applications will include

• A current, chronological resume.
• A minimum of three professional references with contact information.

This is a Washington Management Service, Band 3 (WMS3) role.

Questions? Please contact reema.goyal@dshs.wa.gov and reference #02626.

The Department of Social and Health Services’ (DSHS) vision that people find human services to shape their own lives requires that we come together with a sense of belonging, common purpose, shared values, and meaningful work. It is crucial to our agency’s vision that you bring a fairness, access, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to support all Washingtonians, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, people with physical, behavioral health, and intellectual disabilities, elders, LGBTQIA+ individuals, immigrants and refugees, and families building financial security.

Additional Information

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history 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 (360) 725-5810.

Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.

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