Assistant Controller: Accounts Payable (WMS2)
Apply NowCompany: State of Washington
Location: Olympia, WA 98501
Description:
Salary: $111,000.00 - $118,000.00 Annually
Location : Thurston County - Olympia, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2025-02876
Department: Dept. of Licensing
Division: Director's Office
Opening Date: 04/18/2025
Closing Date: 5/11/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
Description
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 work hard 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.
The Accounting Office within our Director's Office is recruiting for an Assistant Controller for Accounts Payable to provide leadership, technical guidance, and process expertise to support the accounting team.
As one of the most visible state agencies and the second-largest revenue generator in Washington State, we engage with over 6 million residents each year and collect nearly $3 billion in taxes and fees. We understand that our services are vital to the daily lives of our customers, enabling them to live, work, drive, and thrive. We take this responsibility to heart and are dedicated to providing equitable and meaningful access to our services for every resident.
Are you a proactive problem-solver with the ability to independently research complex issues, set clear goals and objectives, and define deliverables?
Duties
As an Assistant Controller, you will take a strategic leadership role in overseeing the Accounts Payable and General Ledger Units. Leveraging your extensive financial expertise, you will manage and direct all activities related to these areas within a complex accounting environment. Your strategic mindset will be crucial as you design and implement long-term plans to optimize our processes. You will lead your team by providing direction, fostering growth, and driving performance improvements to ensure efficient and effective financial operations.
Some of what you will do:
Are you ready to take the next step in your fiscal career where you will be empowered to influence and affect the positive performance and accomplishment of others supporting the growing program, unit, division and agency purpose, vision, goals, and objectives? If so, we invite you to apply!
Qualifications
What you will bring to the position:
Nine (9) years of relevant professional experience.
AND
18 quarter hours or 12 semester hours in accounting, auditing, budget, or another relevant field.
Experience must include:
Experience can be gained concurrently.
Up to four (4) years of relevant education in accounting, auditing, or budgeting may substitute year for year for experience.
(Associates degree = 2 years Bachelor's degree = 4 years)
What may help set you apart:
Additional Requirements of Employment:
For inquiries about this position and to request a full position description, contact Dawn Loduha.
Supplemental Information
Come join us in changing the way government delivers services and help build a legacy of commitment to and excellence in diversity, equity, and inclusion!
How to Apply:
You are welcome to include the name and pronoun you would like to be referred to in your materials and we will honor this as you interact with our award-winning diverse and inclusive organization.
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.
Veteran/Military Spouse Preference Notice
To take advantage of veteran/military spouse preference, please notify the Talent Acquisition teamPlease include the title of this position in the subject line.
The Washington State Department of Licensing is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex (including gender identity), marital status, sexual orientation, race, religion, 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.
Persons requiring accommodation in the application process, during the recruitment process, or who need this job announcement in an alternative format, may contact the Human Resources Office at 360-902-4000 or may email HRRecruit@dol.wa.gov. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call our ASL interpreter via Video Phone at 360.339.7344.
More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.
We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.
Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.
Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.
Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.
Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.
To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.
Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.
Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.
The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.
Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.
Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.
Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.
Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.
Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.
Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.
Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.
Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.
Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.
Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
As provided in , an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.
Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.
Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.
Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, are entitled to three (3) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.
Additional Leave
Leave Sharing
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay
Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.
Updated 12-31-2022
01
In this role you will have the privilege to serve diverse teammates, customers, and partners. How will you apply your understanding of cultural differences to create an environment where everyone feels valued and has the opportunity to be successful?
02
Do you have nine (9) years of combined accounting, auditing, budget, or other relevant experience and/or education?
03
Do you have 18 quarter hours or 12 semester hours in accounting, auditing, budget, or another relevant field?
04
Do you have three (3) years of experience in the following: (select all that apply)
05
Do you have two (2) years of experience creating clearly written documentation with adequate detail, enabling the reader to understand the situation and arrive at the same conclusions?
06
Do you have one (1) year experience effectively communicating and presenting accounting concepts and information using plain talk to non-financial staff, managers, and customers, both verbally and in writing?
07
Do you have knowledge of the principles and practice of supervision and sound personnel management, including coaching subordinate staff?
08
Do you have knowledge of how to create and implement policies and procedures?
09
Do you have the ability to display tact, sensitivity and diplomacy in the handling and resolution of difficult customer situations and employee interpersonal conflicts?
10
Please describe a time when you identified a problem in your work or environment and took the initiative to resolve it without direct guidance? What steps did you take, and what was the outcome?If you do not have this experience, type N/A.
11
Where did you learn of this vacancy?
12
If you answered "other" to the preceding question, please indicate where you learned of the vacancy in the space below.
13
I understand to be considered for this position I must answer all supplemental questions fully and attach my resume and cover letter explaining my experience as it relates to this position.
Required Question
Location : Thurston County - Olympia, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2025-02876
Department: Dept. of Licensing
Division: Director's Office
Opening Date: 04/18/2025
Closing Date: 5/11/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
Description
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 work hard 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.
The Accounting Office within our Director's Office is recruiting for an Assistant Controller for Accounts Payable to provide leadership, technical guidance, and process expertise to support the accounting team.
As one of the most visible state agencies and the second-largest revenue generator in Washington State, we engage with over 6 million residents each year and collect nearly $3 billion in taxes and fees. We understand that our services are vital to the daily lives of our customers, enabling them to live, work, drive, and thrive. We take this responsibility to heart and are dedicated to providing equitable and meaningful access to our services for every resident.
Are you a proactive problem-solver with the ability to independently research complex issues, set clear goals and objectives, and define deliverables?
Duties
As an Assistant Controller, you will take a strategic leadership role in overseeing the Accounts Payable and General Ledger Units. Leveraging your extensive financial expertise, you will manage and direct all activities related to these areas within a complex accounting environment. Your strategic mindset will be crucial as you design and implement long-term plans to optimize our processes. You will lead your team by providing direction, fostering growth, and driving performance improvements to ensure efficient and effective financial operations.
Some of what you will do:
- Ensure DOL is in compliance with agency, legislative, state and federal requirements as it relates to accounting services and financial accountability.
- Display tact, sensitivity and diplomacy in the handling and resolution of difficult customer situations and employee interpersonal conflicts.
- Manage or conduct the review and research of existing policy, procedure, and rule, statue, or code to lead team to solve complex problems.
- Identify, analyze, assess, and develop accounting process solutions using process improvements or continuous improvement management tools and best practices to improve financial timeliness and accuracy and ensure critical deadlines are met.
- Work with divisions and programs on solutions and options to improve processes.
Are you ready to take the next step in your fiscal career where you will be empowered to influence and affect the positive performance and accomplishment of others supporting the growing program, unit, division and agency purpose, vision, goals, and objectives? If so, we invite you to apply!
Qualifications
What you will bring to the position:
Nine (9) years of relevant professional experience.
AND
18 quarter hours or 12 semester hours in accounting, auditing, budget, or another relevant field.
Experience must include:
- Three (3) years of experience:
- Maintaining a high level of customer satisfaction, strong communication skills and working with others at all levels in various capacities.
- Using knowledge of principles of management, finance, business, GAAP, cost benefit analysis, forecasting and asset management.
- Supervising a team of employees.
- Two (2) years of experience creating clearly written documentation with adequate detail, enabling the reader to understand the situation and arrive at the same conclusions.
- One (1) year experience effectively communicating and presenting accounting concepts and information using plain talk to non-financial staff, managers, and customers, both verbally and in writing.
- Knowledge of the principles and practice of supervision and sound personnel management, including coaching subordinate staff.
- Knowledge of how to create and implement policies and procedures.
- Ability to display tact, sensitivity and diplomacy in the handling and resolution of difficult customer situations and employee interpersonal conflicts.
Experience can be gained concurrently.
Up to four (4) years of relevant education in accounting, auditing, or budgeting may substitute year for year for experience.
(Associates degree = 2 years Bachelor's degree = 4 years)
What may help set you apart:
- Three (3) years of knowledge of and/or extensive experience in governmental accounting environments.
- Five (5) years of experience supervising accounting, financial or budgeting staff and operations.
- Three (3) years of working knowledge of state or local financial reporting systems (State's Agency Financial Reporting System (AFRS), Enterprise Reporting system, the Ad-Hoc Tool, and the AFRS Financial Toolbox).
- Knowledge of bill and fiscal note analysis, Office of Financial Management (OFM) policies and procedures, civil service rules, and various RCWs/WACs.
- Experience interpreting new laws to revise or create new DOL policies that meet the intent of the law. This would include the ability to understand how the law interfaces with Accounting Services, and the ability to research information about current, past, and upcoming laws.
- Experience with accounting and financial operations funded by many fund sources including local, state and federal and with dedicated and restricted accounts.
- Knowledge of hiring policies and procedures.
Additional Requirements of Employment:
- This position is based out of our Olympia office and may be eligible to work remotely up to two (2) days per week.
- Prior to a new hire, a preemployment 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.
For inquiries about this position and to request a full position description, contact Dawn Loduha.
Supplemental Information
Come join us in changing the way government delivers services and help build a legacy of commitment to and excellence in diversity, equity, and inclusion!
How to Apply:
- Select the apply button at the top of this job announcement.
- Attach a current:
- A cover letter explaining your experience as it relates to this position and why you are interested in this opportunity.
- Resume
You are welcome to include the name and pronoun you would like to be referred to in your materials and we will honor this as you interact with our award-winning diverse and inclusive organization.
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.
Veteran/Military Spouse Preference Notice
To take advantage of veteran/military spouse preference, please notify the Talent Acquisition teamPlease include the title of this position in the subject line.
The Washington State Department of Licensing is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex (including gender identity), marital status, sexual orientation, race, religion, 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.
Persons requiring accommodation in the application process, during the recruitment process, or who need this job announcement in an alternative format, may contact the Human Resources Office at 360-902-4000 or may email HRRecruit@dol.wa.gov. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call our ASL interpreter via Video Phone at 360.339.7344.
More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.
We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.
Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.
Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.
Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.
Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.
To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.
Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.
Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.
The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.
Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.
Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.
Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.
Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.
Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.
Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.
Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.
Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.
Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.
Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
As provided in , an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.
Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.
Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.
Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, are entitled to three (3) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.
Additional Leave
Leave Sharing
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay
Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.
Updated 12-31-2022
01
In this role you will have the privilege to serve diverse teammates, customers, and partners. How will you apply your understanding of cultural differences to create an environment where everyone feels valued and has the opportunity to be successful?
02
Do you have nine (9) years of combined accounting, auditing, budget, or other relevant experience and/or education?
- Yes
- No
03
Do you have 18 quarter hours or 12 semester hours in accounting, auditing, budget, or another relevant field?
- Yes
- No
04
Do you have three (3) years of experience in the following: (select all that apply)
- Maintaining a high level of customer satisfaction, strong communication skills and working with others at all levels in various capacities.
- Using knowledge of principles of management, finance, business, GAAP, cost benefit analysis, forecasting and asset management.
- Supervising a team of employees.
- None of these.
05
Do you have two (2) years of experience creating clearly written documentation with adequate detail, enabling the reader to understand the situation and arrive at the same conclusions?
- Yes
- No
06
Do you have one (1) year experience effectively communicating and presenting accounting concepts and information using plain talk to non-financial staff, managers, and customers, both verbally and in writing?
- Yes
- No
07
Do you have knowledge of the principles and practice of supervision and sound personnel management, including coaching subordinate staff?
- Yes
- No
08
Do you have knowledge of how to create and implement policies and procedures?
- Yes
- No
09
Do you have the ability to display tact, sensitivity and diplomacy in the handling and resolution of difficult customer situations and employee interpersonal conflicts?
- Yes
- No
10
Please describe a time when you identified a problem in your work or environment and took the initiative to resolve it without direct guidance? What steps did you take, and what was the outcome?If you do not have this experience, type N/A.
11
Where did you learn of this vacancy?
- careers.wa.gov
- DOL jobs pages
- Hiring event/workshop
- Indeed.com
- Word of mouth
- Other
12
If you answered "other" to the preceding question, please indicate where you learned of the vacancy in the space below.
13
I understand to be considered for this position I must answer all supplemental questions fully and attach my resume and cover letter explaining my experience as it relates to this position.
- Yes
- No
Required Question