Transportation Financial Consultant (WMS1)

About WSDOT

Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is a multimodal organization with a global reputation for excellence! Our dedicated workforce is responsible to plan, design, build, and operate an integrated transportation system that safely and efficiently moves people and goods throughout the state. In addition to maintaining over 18,000 lane miles of state highway and 4,100 bridges, WSDOT manages the world's longest floating bridge, executes an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, holds a record for the world's widest tunneling project, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation! 

The Opportunity

WSDOT Accounting and Financial Services Division (AFS) is currently seeking a senior-level accountant and financial expert to fill the Transportation Financial Consultant vacancy located in Olympia, WA. This is a rare and exciting opportunity to join WSDOT’s Accounting and Reporting team. This team leads the way for accounting and financial transactions for WSDOT and ensures the integrity of the agency’s financial reporting on the state and federal disclosures. This position reports to the Accounting and Reporting (A&R) Manager and is responsible for ensuring the agency’s asset records are recorded correctly and delivers capital asset financial consulting services to all areas of the agency. 

The Transportation Financial Consultant position serves as a supporting authority for implementing and administering agency accounting and financial policies to ensure integrity of WSDOT operations. This position also acts as a liaison with the Office of Financial Management (OFM) for capital asset related issues. This position is management’s primary accounting lead and advisor for the capital assets to include all WSDOT’s infrastructure. The top candidate will possess professional accounting and financial management techniques, including detail analysis of financial records to ensure statewide accounting and financial policies are effectively implemented across the agency. If you are ready to make a difference in the transportation industry, we encourage you to apply! 

What to Expect

AFS has oversight and responsibility for providing statewide financial services to WSDOT. AFS supports the WSDOT’s mission as the expert resource for accounting leadership and direction, delivering critical statewide financial services. This includes developing and implementing statewide financial and procurement policy, managing statewide financial systems, and statewide financial reporting, delivery of statewide accounting services (payroll, vendor/contract payments, receivables, cash receipting, grant management, inventory management, procurement management, financial statement preparation, etc.), in addition to providing statewide financial management, analysis and consultation to all programs within WSDOT.

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Transportation Financial Consultant:

• Analyzes and reports on budgeted expenditure and revenue data for all asset acquisition programs across WSDOT.
• Offers expert consulting services and works with diverse groups within the agency, across state government and with non-state entities to deliver professional financial consulting services to agency programs and executives. 
• Provides consulting services to regions, division and programs to ensure long-term goals are met.
• Responsible for capital asset accounting for infrastructure and real estate assets, including deciding which asset costs should be capitalized while applying the appropriate depreciation schedule. 
• Is responsible for the monitoring, oversight, and financial reporting of WSDOT funds and general ledgers to ensure accuracy and reliability of financial information.
• Ensures the fiscal and biennium closing procedures are completed for the financial disclosure’s deadlines.
• Acts as the manager in the absence of the A&R manager or assistant manager.
• Represents the A&R manager and AFS division at meetings and in various collaborative efforts requiring a high degree of accounting, financial knowledge, and general strategies.
• Monitors and develops process improvements for the accounting data processed through the WSDOT’s accounting and interfacing systems which affects all WSDOT’s regions.
• Makes decisions regarding best accounting practices based on professional judgment and the broadly outlined and complex regulations provided by OFM and Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB). 

Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity, the following are required:

• Five (5) years of recent experience working in a financial field. 
• Three (3) years of experience performing reconciliations.
• Demonstrates experience performing senior-level financial review and analysis of accounting and fiscal data in accordance with GAAP, GASB, federal and state regulations, and WSDOT’s guidelines and practices.
• Demonstrates knowledge of advanced analytical skills.
• Advanced communication skills with the ability to provide excellent customer service, including interacting with customers verbally, in writing, and face-to-face. 
• Strong organizational skills.
• Ability to present complex financial information effectively to a diverse group of stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
• Ability to work in a high stress environment with multiple competing priorities and deadlines.
• Advanced knowledge of automated general ledger financial accounting and reporting systems.
• Ability to research and interpret GASB, GAAP pronouncements and provide clear guidance to AFS’ leadership.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• A bachelor’s degree in accounting, business administration or closely related field with minimum of 18 quarter or 12 semester credits in accounting (additional state governmental accounting experience in capital assets, reconciliations, and fund and general ledger accounting can substitute for a bachelor's degree).  
• Licensed Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or a master’s degree in accounting or business administration.
• Recent experience working in complex government accounting organizations.
• Experience with WSDOT’s financial systems (TRAINS, Cognos, etc.).

*To review the full Position Description, please follow the directions in the “Contact Us” section of this posting.

Important Notes

• This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
• Prior to a new hire, a background 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. 
• In addition to base salary, employees may be entitled to other forms of compensation depending on the type, duties, or location of the position. For union-represented positions, more information on other forms of compensation can be found in the applicable Collective Bargaining Agreements. Information on other compensation types for non-represented positions can be found in Chapter 357-28 of the Washington Administrative Code.
• WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system, therefore we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov.

Why WSDOT

• Work-Life Balance – We are committed to ensure that our staff experience the reward of public service, while also sustaining a routine that suits each individuals’ lifestyle. As such, there are several flexible schedule options available, including occasional telework for eligible positions.  
• Paid Leave – In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees may earn up to 25 paid vacation days per year!
• Tuition Assistance – Permanent employees have several options for assistance with education expenses, including tuition reimbursement programs, government discounts at participating colleges throughout the state, and eligibility for federal student loan forgiveness.  
• Plan For Your Future – WSDOT offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes a variety of healthcare options. Employees also have their choice of state retirement programs, and much more. Go to State Benefits for more information.

Check out this video to learn more: Why WSDOT?

How to Apply

Applications for this recruitment will be accepted electronically. Your relevant experience may be evaluated to determine salary. Therefore, it is very important that the “Work Experience” portion of the application be completed in as much detail as possible. 

To be considered for this opportunity, please include the following with your online application:

• An attached Resume outlining (in reverse chronological order) your experience to date.
• An attached Cover Letter that further explains your qualifications and indicates why you believe you are a viable candidate for this role.
• Contact details for a minimum of three (3) individuals who can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job-related competencies. NOTE: This information may be entered in the “References” section of the online application; does not require an additional attachment. 

Please click the "APPLY" button to proceed. Note that you will be prompted to either sign in or create an account. This step is required to apply to this opportunity.

WSDOT is an equal opportunity employer. We value the importance of creating an environment in which all employees can feel respected, included, and empowered to bring unique ideas to the agency. Our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds and viewpoints while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace. All persons, regardless of race, ethnicity, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, and/or gender identity, are encouraged to apply. Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the listed Recruiter via email.

Contact Us

For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter, at Robyn.Lovely@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 25DOT-HQ-0W328 in the subject line. 

Salary : $79,080 - $101,400