Financial Services Manager (WMS 3)

Full Job Description

The Washington State Investment Board (WSIB) is a dedicated global investment management organization with over $230.5 billion in assets under management.

The WSIB's globally diversified portfolios are comprised of more than 17,000 holdings across 91 countries on 6 continents and in 50 currencies.

The WSIB's central mandate is to maximize return at a prudent level of risk.The WSIB manages investments for 18 retirement plans for public employees, teachers, school employees, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and judges.

We also manage investments for several other important public funds that benefit Washington’s industrial insurance program, colleges and universities, and developmental disability programs.

The WSIB’s excellent investment performance dramatically contributes to the state’s bottom line.

To learn more about our organization and the work we do, please visit our website atsib.wa.gov and follow us on LinkedIn.

The WSIB operates in a hybrid work environment, and this position should anticipate 60% of their time in the office.

This recruitment will remain open until filled, and it is in the candidate’s best interest to apply early.

The WSIB is seeking a qualified candidate to join our Investment and Financial Services (IFS) team as a Financial Services Manager.

The Financial Services Manager (FSM) oversees and manages the state-wide financial accounting functions of the WSIB.

The FSM is responsible for ensuring the accuracy of financial records and safeguarding of resources in support of the WSIB’s mission.

Areas of oversight and management include payroll, travel reimbursements, purchasing, vendor payments, fixed asset inventory, statewide accounting, accounts receivable, revenue transfers, operating cost reimbursements and allocations, and various databases supporting internal reporting.

The FSM develops policies and procedures governing all statewide financial accounting processes and functions, as well as plans, facilitates, and coordinates exceptional financial services to all employees and programs of the agency in an ethical and professional manner.

The team is looking for a proactive, creative professional with successful experience leading a team.

In this role you will use your leadership experience to steward a healthy team culture, instilling trust in the skills and abilities of the team through training, coaching, and staff development.

This role requires a leader who exhibits a willingness to learn and grow while leveraging a background in Washington State accounting.

Professionals with process improvement experience who are tech-savvy and have strong communication skills will be successful in this role.

Requirements

IF SELECTED FOR THIS OPPORTUNITY, YOU WILL:

• Manage and mentor a unit of four analysts by providing training, guidance, and support to enhance the expertise and skill sets across the team. Effectively develop and train team members towards their career goals by readying them for promotional opportunities.

Work closely and collaboratively with IFS peers in support of the investment process.

Provide exceptional financial services to all employees and programs of the agency in an ethical and professional manner.

In collaboration with the Assistant Chief Financial Officer (ACFO), serve as the agency’s Washington liaison.

• Develop and monitor policies and procedures governing all statewide financial accounting functions to comply with state laws and generally accepted accounting principles and implement an effective system of internal controls.
• Review and approve journal vouchers, vendor payments, travel payments, and payroll batches for release to the statewide accounting system. Ensure compliance with policies and procedures and the accuracy of financial coding prior to release.
• Review and approve periodic reconciliations. Ensure reconciliations across all systems and ledger accounts are performed accurately and timely and reconciling items are resolved in a timely manner.
• Review and approve quarterly payroll tax returns for states outside of Washington where WSIB employees work. Research tax requirements for multiple states and provide guidance on tax issues to Executive Management to ensure compliance with state and federal requirements.

Review and approve operating cost transfers based on invested balances from stakeholder accounts to WSIB’s operating accounts.

Ensure revenue collected from certain stakeholders aligns with the expenses charged to each plan. Manage quarterly and annual expense reporting to internal and external stakeholders.

• Oversee and manage the biennial fixed asset inventory. Review and approve periodic reconciliations between the state’s fixed asset reporting system and internal WSIB reports.
• Ensure the accuracy of financial data reported internally and externally.

Qualifications

COMPETITIVE APPLICANTS WILL HAVE:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or closely related field
• Five (5) years professional level accounting experience, which includes three (3) years supervisory experience
• Demonstrated success in leadership and team management
• Ability to analyze complex financial data and determine its significance
• Proactive and creative problem-solving skills
• Effective written and oral communication skills and ability to present complex accounting information to a wide range of audiences

THE STRONGEST APPLICANT WILL HAVE:

• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in payroll processing and associated tax implications, vendor payments, and travel reimbursements in accordance with OFM travel guidelines
• Certification as a Public Accountant
• Knowledge of WACs, RCWs, regulations, and internal control procedures
• Ability to implement continuous process improvements and serve as project lead on various business improvement initiatives.

If your experience or qualifications look different from what we have identified and you think you can be successful in this position, please address this in your cover letter.

Additional Information

In addition to a complete profile, please include:

BACKGROUND CHECK:Prior to a new hire, a background check including reference checks, education verification, credit check, and criminal record history will be conducted.

Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the position.

At the WSIB you’ll experience true work-life balance and talented, passionate co-workers focused on maximizing the investment returns for the exclusive benefit of the beneficiaries.?The WSIB is a respected institutional investor and thought leader in its industry and we value diverse perspectives and life experiences.

The WSIB is an equal opportunity employer.

Women, people of color and those representing diverse ethnicities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, veterans, military spouses or people with military status, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.

Employees may be eligible for the following benefits:

Medical, Dental, and Vision for employee & dependents; Public Employees Retirement System (PERS); Vacation, Sick, and other Leave;11 Paid Holidays and 1 Personal Holiday per year; Public Service Loan Forgiveness; Long Term Disability; Life Insurance; Deferred Compensation Programs; Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP); Flexible Spending Arrangement (FSA); Employee Assistance Program; Commute Trip Reduction Incentives; professional development opportunities; flexible work schedules; and participation in the Combined Fund Drive; and SmartHealth.

An overview of benefits of state employment and WSIB specifically can also be found on our website.

The WSIB is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, the WSIB will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations.

If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact HR@sib.wa.gov.