Fiscal Analyst 5

Full Job Description

Are you a natural leader with exceptional critical thinking skills and a strong background in accounting?

Would you enjoy and excel at the opportunity to guide and motivate a small team of accounting professionals responsible for the accurate oversight and handling of the agency’s defined contribution and deferred compensation program plans?

And, are you skilled at translating and communicating rules and regulations into clear action, building collaborative partnerships, and modeling fiscal and personal accountability?

If this sounds like you, then the role of Fiscal Analyst 5 may be the perfect next step in your career!

This recruitment will remain open until filled. Applicants who apply prior to 8:00 am on Monday, February 23, 2026, will get first consideration.

The hiring manager reserves the right to make a hiring decision at any time during the recruitment process.

Interviews will be held in-person at our Tumwater Office and will be tentatively scheduled for the first week of March.

Requirements

The Opportunity:We are seeking a detail-oriented and experienced Fiscal Analyst 5 to provide leadership, direction and support for a team of fiscal professionals responsible for processing the receipt and disbursement of cash activities with the agency’s record keeper.

In this role, you will supervise and guide a professional team, ensure accurate and timely investment and reconciliation of funds, strengthen internal controls, and maintain compliance with state and federal requirements.

Some of What You’ll Do Includes:

• Providing leadership and direction for the team through open and clear communication, accountability, and by providing an environment where staff feel valued, supported, and set up to succeed.
• Establishing clear performance expectations for job performance and behavior, fairly and consistently holding team members accountable, and fostering a collaborative, responsible team culture.
• Ensuring compliance with state and federal rules, regulations, and internal controls related to cash receipting, disbursements, deferrals, transfers, rollovers, and asset timing requirements.
• Analyzing and interpreting laws, policies, and procedures to assess fiscal impacts and recommending system or process improvements to maintain compliance.
• Overseeing third-party record keeping activities, including daily balancing and monthly reconciliation of accounts to ensure accuracy and integrity of funds.
• Developing team member skills through regular feedback, recognition, one-on-one coaching, and clear performance evaluations and expectations to support employee success and program goals.
• Conducting research and studies to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for enhancing accounting systems, reporting practices, and operational efficiency.
• Communicating and coordinating with internal and external partners—including the State Investment Board, Office of the State Treasurer, record keeper, and participating employers—to provide guidance, resolve issues, and share critical information.
• Participating in the general ledger fiscal year-end closing process to facilitate an efficient audit process and accurate financial reporting.
• Creating and maintaining complex documentation and spreadsheets to support ongoing analysis, responsible decision-making, and transparent financial oversight.
• Performing additional duties and special projects as needed to support team and agency priorities.

NOTE: After successful completion of the review and training period and effectively demonstrating the ability to perform work independently, you may be eligible to telework up to two (2) days per week, at the discretion of the Appointing Authority and with a telework agreement in place.

The ability to work remotely is dependent on the nature of the tasks and projects assigned and the presence of a remote work environment that is safe and has an appropriate level of reliable connectivity.

You must live within a reasonable commuting distance to the DRS building in Tumwater, WA, and must be willing to adjust your telework schedule to attend mandatory meetings, trainings, etc..

Qualifications

What we’re looking for (required qualifications):
Experience for qualifications can be gained through various combinations of professional employment, education, and volunteer/personal experience. Experience can be concurrent:

Demonstrated expertise and progressively responsible experience in processing, reconciling, and balancing accounting records (experience is typically gained through at least four (4) years of full-time experience.

A bachelor’s degree (including 18 quarter or 12 semester hours in accounting) may substitute for up to two years of experience); and

Demonstrated experience providing supportive and engaged leadership in a professional environment including setting goals and expectations, providing effective coaching and feedback, and demonstrating accountability; and

Demonstrated ability and experience in:

• Preparing, reconciling, and analyzing worksheets, reports, and data; and
• Reconciling and researching general ledger accounts and subsidiary ledgers to general ledgers; and
• Understanding, interpreting, and applying complex financial/accounting practices, requirements, and regulations; and
• Using Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook) to develop complex documents in support of program requirements; and

Demonstrated proficiency in the following competencies:

Leading OthersProvides for and fosters a work environment that emphasizes the coaching, development, motivation, recognition, and accountability of others.

Sets clear goals and expectations, delegates work appropriately, and values and uses feedback; demonstrates the courage to address performance problems and issues promptly.

Treats team members equitably. Is seen as inquisitive and curious about the team’s performance and asks questions to gain further understanding of what the team needs to be successful.

AnalysisStudies and reviews documents and information closely; readily identifies information that is not pertinent and understands when additional or verifying data is needed.

Uses data and information in a clear and rational thought process to assess and understand issues, evaluate options, form accurate conclusions, and make recommendations/decisions.

Problem SolvingAnalyzes problem to identify the root cause(s). Evaluates possible courses of action; uses reason, logic, and creativity to reach conclusions.

Develops timely, effective solutions that take into consideration alternatives, risks, and consequences in relation to organizational goals, resources, and constraints.

Fiscal Accountability
Responsibly and accurately handles the public’s money in processing financial transactions and committing fiscal resources. Consistently follows applicable fiscal guidelines, regulations, principles, and standards and produces work within limits and standards of accuracy.

Results Orientation/InitiativeFocuses on results and desired outcomes and how best to achieve them.

Identifies what needs to be done and proactively does it before being asked to or required by the situation.

Takes on responsibilities and challenges; plans ahead for upcoming problems or opportunities and takes appropriate action.

Customer Focus
Dedicated to meeting the expectations and requirements of customers. Delivers high quality services and products. Establishes and maintains effective customer relationships. Committed to continuous improvement and always acts with the customer in mind.

Learning and GrowthDemonstrates a growth mindset by actively seeking opportunities to learn, improve, and expand capabilities.

Displays curiosity about new ideas and perspectives and an openness to innovation, change, and feedback.

Takes responsibility for personal learning by identifying and communicating needs and challenges, and applying new knowledge to navigate systems, tools, and processes.

Reflects on experiences to identify strengths and areas for improvement, using learning to make government programs and processes more efficient and effective in serving the people of Washington.

Meeting the Needs of OthersDemonstrates empathy, flexibility, and responsiveness when interacting with customers, colleagues, and community members.

Understands that others have varied needs and perspectives and adapts communication and actions accordingly.

Builds relationships and collaborates to increase access, opportunity, and positive outcomes for all.

Balances and considers all parties’ needs when developing solutions, ensuring equity, respect, and service excellence in every interaction.

The following are not required but will set you apart:

Demonstrating knowledge of and experience with:

• Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)

• WA state’s Agency Financial Reporting System (AFRS)

• WA state's Accounting and Administration Manual (SAAM)
• Supervising others, including setting goals and expectations, providing effective direction and feedback, conducting performance appraisals, and managing employee performance or conduct issues in a fair and consistent manner.

Additional Information

Be sure to read this entire section – We promise, it’ll be helpful!

How to Apply: Interested applicants who meet the qualifications and competencies in this announcement are encouraged to apply.

• To be considered for this position, please be sure to attach the following to your online application:
  1. A cover letter clearly describing how your knowledge, skills and abilities align with the job duties and qualifications of this position.
     
     
  2. A chronological resume outlining your experience to-date. Please keep in mind that professional or verifiable volunteer experience may be relevant.
     
     Applications without a cover letter and resume will not be considered.

Be sure to complete all sections of the on-line application and answer all supplemental questions. The work history section of the on-line application should be completed fully.

Application fields that say "see resume/attachment" will not be considered.Only those applicants whose background and experience most closely match the qualifications and competencies of this position will be considered for this opportunity.

References, Personnel File Review, and Background Checks

• If you are a preferred candidate for this position, a professional reference from your current or most recent supervisor will be required;
• If you are a current or recent state employee, we will also review your personnel file as part of our selection process;
• A job offer is contingent upon completion of a background check that includes a criminal record review.

Work Authorization

• Candidates who are offered a job with DRS must possess work authorization that does not require sponsorship by the employer for a visa now or in the future;

DRS complies with the employment eligibility verification requirements of the federal employment eligibility verification form, I-9.

The selected candidate must be able to provide proof of identity and eligibility to work in the United States consistent with the requirements of that form on the first day of employment.

• DRS does not use E-Verify; therefore, we are not eligible to extend STEM-Optional Practice Training (OPT). For information, please visitwww.uscis.gov.
• Persons legally authorized to work in the U.S. under federal law, including Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipients, are eligible for employment unless prohibited by other state or federal law.

Certified Candidate Pool

• This recruitment may be used to fill future similar vacancies for up to sixty (60) days.



Why Work for DRS? At DRS, we are one team. We administer eight public retirement systems, 15 retirement plans, and the Deferred Compensation Program, and we serve over 930,000 current and former public employees in Washington. Our customers include fire fighters, teachers and school employees, state and local government employees, and public safety and law enforcement officers.

Regardless of what our specific duties may be, we are all dedicated to one purpose: ensuring our members have the information, tools, expertise and services that ensure they receive the retirement benefits earned while in public service. We foster a diverse and inclusive environment where team members are fully engaged and supported in meeting (and exceeding) our customers’ expectations. All DRS leaders are focused on providing coaching, mentoring, resources and support that team members need to be successful.

DRS offers a generous benefits package that includes membership in the Public Employees Retirement System, health, dental and vision coverage and participation in the Deferred Compensation Program.

Also, as a public service employee you may also be eligible for student loan forgiveness. (See the Benefits tab at the top of this post for more information).

Other perks include:

• Flexible work schedules
• Infants at Work Program
• Tuition reimbursement
• Opportunities for professional growth
• Access to LinkedIn Learning
• Commitment to team member safety and wellness
• Community involvement and charitable giving opportunities
• Commute Trip Reduction Program
• Free Parking and EV Chargers available
  
  
Veteran's Preference: Applicants wishing to claim Veteran's Preference should attach a copy of their DD214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22, or signed verification of service letter from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs to their application. Please remove or redact any personally identifiable information such as social security numbers and year of birth. For additional information on Veteran's Preference and guidance on how to determine if you are eligible, click here.

The Washington State Department of Retirement Systems is an equal opportunity employer supporting diversity, equity and inclusion. DRS does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, 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.

If you need assistance with the online application or have questions regarding the recruitment, please contact Human Resource office at drs.recruitment@drs.wa.gov. Persons of disability needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this announcement in an alternate format, may call the Human Resources Office at (360) 664-7309 or TTY Relay Service at 711.

Come join the DRS team!