Chief Financial Officer (EMS3)

We are dedicated to growing a culture of belonging through our values: 

Respect | Trust | Diversity | Inclusion | Equity

At the Department of Licensing (DOL), we recognize the importance of work life harmony and strive to create a culture where employees feel valued and respected. Our employees are trusted and encouraged to be a part of process improvements that impact their work, create value for our customers and help build trust in our government.

Our Director’s Office is currently recruiting for a transformational leader who fosters collaboration and an inclusive environment to join our Executive Leadership Team (ELT) team as our Chief Financial Officer. This leader will display excellent judgment, modeling and empowering others to display their individual and collective brilliance through innovative and creative thinking.


Reporting to the Deputy Director, your role will encompass providing comprehensive financial leadership and operational oversight of the agency’s Budget Office and Accounting Services. Your skills in people-centered leadership will be instrumental to your success, as you will be expected to demonstrate respect and ensure that each individual’s voice is acknowledged and that they are regarded as valued participants. Furthermore, your capacity to swiftly develop, maintain, and enhance relationships both within and outside the organization will prove advantageous as you represent the agency on accounting and budget matters in engagements with the Office of the State Treasurer, the Office of Financial Management, as well as other state and federal agencies, local governmental entities, and private vendors.

Some of what you will do:

• Identify and plan for current and future needs and projections of the program including goals, objectives, and resources necessary to accomplish them within the overall mission, goals, and objectives of the agency.
• Oversee, maintain, and control financial entries to the Agency Financial Reporting System (AFRS) in accordance with OFM policies and procedures.
• Manage the budget lifecycle through the legislative session (including budget-related decision packages), close of fiscal year, and the end of the biennium.
• Provide financial leadership in the management of financial resources in support of agency mission and goals.
• Manage on a statewide basis revenue receipt, fund distribution, accounts receivables, vendor payments and travel expenditures.
• Oversee day to day financial operations and planning for budget and accounting including the provision of timely and accurate data, analysis, projections, and financial expertise necessary for effective agency decision making.
• Lead and mentor a team of financial professionals in managing the agency’s financial resources and supporting their growth and development.

• Ten (10) years of combined relevant experience and education in finance, accounting, economics, public or business administration, or closely related field.
• Experience must include:
  • Five (5) years of progressive financial management experience including managing supervisors in a highly complex organization, applying human-centric leadership and management principles.
  • Demonstrated knowledge and ability to apply Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
  • Knowledge of complex budgetary processes with experience preparing and presenting budgets.
  • Ability to analyze data, prepare reports, and present information to an executive leadership team.
  • Knowledge of internal control principles.
  • Advanced written and verbal communication skills.
  • Experience in coaching, motivating and empowering employees.
  • Strong problem-solving skills.
  • Proven ability to develop and maintain positive working relationships with all levels within an organization and with external partners.

• Additional related professional work experience such as:
  • Leading, developing, and leveraging managers and staff in multiple locations, supporting a customer/public service organization.
  • Advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts in the workplace.
  • Communicating effectively with diverse individuals and audiences in a variety of formats, and coaching others to do the same.
  • Partnering and collaborating at the management or executive level with internal and external staff and stakeholders.
• Developing and implementing:
  • Holistic, creative, and strategic ideas and initiatives.
  • Operational plans and initiatives.
  • Change initiatives and process improvements.
• Working with budgets, contracts, and policies.
• Interpreting and applying complex laws, rules, and policies.
• Working with legislative and rulemaking processes.
• Knowledge of complex budgetary processes.
• Experience with:
  • Planning, directing, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating functional and technical components of financial operations.
  • Budget development and fiscal management, including accounting and/or finance practices and procedures, financial statements, tracking revenue and expenditures, relationships between revenues, expenses, cost allocations, budget projections, reporting and evaluation.
  • Automated financial management systems and software, including, but not limited to Excel.
  • Working in a governmental/public sector budget preparation and administration section with a working knowledge of state budgetary and legislative processes.
  • Implementing Washington state governmental budget and accounting standards, guidelines, and policies.
  • Analyzing financial and performance data, forecasting techniques, and financial analysis reports and developing recommendations for management in decision-making.
  • Presenting and communicating financial concepts and information using plain talk to nonfinancial managers and staff both verbally and in writing.
  • Writing and reviewing fiscal notes.
  • Preparing and presenting financial analysis reporting.
• Certified Public Accountant and/or Washington Certified Public Accountant.

Additional Requirements of Employment:

• The ability to work in-person in our Olympia office three days a week or more as business needs arise.
• The ability to travel overnight and out of state. 
• Prior to a new hire, a pre-employment 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.

• Select the Apply button at the top of this job announcement.
• Attach the following to your application using the 'add attachments' option:
  • Your current resume
  • A cover letter detailing your qualifications for the role and providing specific examples that illustrate your ability to fulfill the responsibilities outlined in the job description.

A paycheck is just part of a total compensation package. We offer some of the nation’s best benefits.

We value diverse perspectives and life experiences.
We employ and serve people of all backgrounds including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ , people with disabilities, and veterans. We value the unique traits and attributes that each employee brings to the job. Through the diverse perspectives of an inclusive workforce, we will create a more respectful, productive, and unified team to better serve the public of Washington.

Salary : $130,000 - $142,512