Executive Director, Washington State Board of Accountancy
Apply NowCompany: State of Washington
Location: Olympia, WA 98501
Description:
Salary : $98,556.00 - $177,396.00 Annually
Location : Thurston County - Olympia, WA
Job Type: Exempt
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2025-01821
Department: Office of the Governor
Division: Office of the Governor
Opening Date: 03/10/2025
Closing Date: 3/24/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
Description
Please Note: The starting salary offer will be determined based on the successful candidates' qualifications within the starting salary range of $98,556 - $177,396 annually. Our physical office is in Olympia, WA. We offer flexible work schedules and locations. This is a hybrid position where most of the work allows for telework. However, you will need to travel to in-person activities, meetings, and events according to business needs.
Terms of Appointment: , the governor shall appoint an executive director of the board, who shall serve at the pleasure of the governor. Members of the board shall be appointed by the governor to a term of three years.
Why work for the Board of Accountancy?
Are you passionate about ensuring ethical standards in accounting and protecting consumers? The is a consumer protection agency dedicated to ensuring the professional integrity and ethical conduct of Certified Public Accountants (CPAs), CPA firms, and non-licensee CPA firm owners across Washington State.
Our purpose is to promote the dependability of financial and other information used by providers of capital when assessing the status and performance of those seeking financial resources. We are relied upon by investors and stakeholders to assess the financial health and performance of individuals and organizations. At ACB, we're not just upholding standards-we're shaping the future of accounting to ensure transparency and reliability in the financial sector.
The opportunity
As the Executive Director of the Washington State Board of Accountancy, you'll take the lead in enforcing the Public Accountancy Act and related rules. You'll be at the forefront of ensuring that CPAs, and CPA firms adhere to the highest standards of professionalism, competence, and ethics. Your oversight will drive investigations, enforce disciplinary actions, and promote ethical conduct within the industry. This adherence will also include licensees in the other 54 jurisdictions who are able to practice public accounting through mobility in Washington state.
In this impactful role, you will shape the strategic direction of the Board, champion legislative and rule changes, and drive the evolution of business processes. You will represent the Board on a national level and will weigh in on decisions that will have an impact on the profession and its future. You'll also be responsible for approving continuing professional education (CPE) courses, managing risk, overseeing financial operations, and acting as a key liaison with legislators, federal agencies, and the public.
We're looking for a dynamic leader who is committed to public service and can foster a positive, respectful work environment. You'll ensure that investigations respect the due process rights of alleged violators, while also maintaining the highest standards of accountability and fairness.
Join us in advancing ethical practices in accounting and protecting the public interest while creating an environment where you can grow, lead, and make a difference.
Duties
What you'll work on
Qualifications
What we need you to bring
Required Qualifications:
Desired Qualifications:
We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one from a less traditional background. Don't let doubts stop you from applying for this position. If you have transferable experience, please tell us about it or contact us with questions about the required qualifications and how your experience relates to them.
Supplemental Information
Supplemental Information:
What we offer:
We foster a culture of integrity, innovation, inclusion, and belonging. We value both learned and lived experiences, believing that diversity makes us stronger. To support your health and well-being, we offer a variety of benefit programs for our employees.
Please visit our for a full list of benefits available to employees. Here's a quick glance at some of the unique benefits that we offer:
Application Process: Once you've decided to apply for a state government job, you'll complete an online application to showcase your qualifications. Keep in mind that once you submit the application, a real person is going to read it. We do not use AI or other technology that screens your application and rejects it. So please be sure to provide clear and detailed information about your work history so your qualifications can be accurately assessed. We will contact the top candidates directly to schedule interviews. If you need reasonable accommodation in applying, please call 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.
When completing your application, we encourage you to attach all of the following:
Questions:
Our Staff ASL interpreter is available to all deaf and hard of hearing applicants. For questions about this recruitment or to request a reasonable accommodation in the application or interview process, please email us at
The Office of the Governor is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, and disabled and Vietnam-era veterans are encouraged to apply.
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
Do you have a valid Washington State CPA license, or able to obtain a Washington CPA license concurrent with appointment?
Required Question
Location : Thurston County - Olympia, WA
Job Type: Exempt
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2025-01821
Department: Office of the Governor
Division: Office of the Governor
Opening Date: 03/10/2025
Closing Date: 3/24/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
Description
Please Note: The starting salary offer will be determined based on the successful candidates' qualifications within the starting salary range of $98,556 - $177,396 annually. Our physical office is in Olympia, WA. We offer flexible work schedules and locations. This is a hybrid position where most of the work allows for telework. However, you will need to travel to in-person activities, meetings, and events according to business needs.
Terms of Appointment: , the governor shall appoint an executive director of the board, who shall serve at the pleasure of the governor. Members of the board shall be appointed by the governor to a term of three years.
Why work for the Board of Accountancy?
Are you passionate about ensuring ethical standards in accounting and protecting consumers? The is a consumer protection agency dedicated to ensuring the professional integrity and ethical conduct of Certified Public Accountants (CPAs), CPA firms, and non-licensee CPA firm owners across Washington State.
Our purpose is to promote the dependability of financial and other information used by providers of capital when assessing the status and performance of those seeking financial resources. We are relied upon by investors and stakeholders to assess the financial health and performance of individuals and organizations. At ACB, we're not just upholding standards-we're shaping the future of accounting to ensure transparency and reliability in the financial sector.
The opportunity
As the Executive Director of the Washington State Board of Accountancy, you'll take the lead in enforcing the Public Accountancy Act and related rules. You'll be at the forefront of ensuring that CPAs, and CPA firms adhere to the highest standards of professionalism, competence, and ethics. Your oversight will drive investigations, enforce disciplinary actions, and promote ethical conduct within the industry. This adherence will also include licensees in the other 54 jurisdictions who are able to practice public accounting through mobility in Washington state.
In this impactful role, you will shape the strategic direction of the Board, champion legislative and rule changes, and drive the evolution of business processes. You will represent the Board on a national level and will weigh in on decisions that will have an impact on the profession and its future. You'll also be responsible for approving continuing professional education (CPE) courses, managing risk, overseeing financial operations, and acting as a key liaison with legislators, federal agencies, and the public.
We're looking for a dynamic leader who is committed to public service and can foster a positive, respectful work environment. You'll ensure that investigations respect the due process rights of alleged violators, while also maintaining the highest standards of accountability and fairness.
Join us in advancing ethical practices in accounting and protecting the public interest while creating an environment where you can grow, lead, and make a difference.
Duties
What you'll work on
- Evaluate and Suggest Changes: Review current rules and regulations and recommend changes to improve the Public Accountancy Act.
- Set Policies: Develop and update policies for the Board based on changes in laws.
- Prepare Economic Statements: Write reports on how proposed changes will affect small businesses.
- Represent the Board: Attend meetings and represent the Board to national, international, local groups, regulatory and other governmental organizations.
- Lead Agency Programs: Manage agency programs, technology initiatives, and budget proposals.
- Ensure Competency: Make sure the regulatory structure stays effective to maintain trust in financial and non-financial information.
- Build Relationships: Connect with stakeholders, including professionals and government organizations, at local, national, and international levels.
- Prepare for Meetings: Organize agendas and reports for quarterly meetings and help implement the Board's decisions.
- Promote Awareness: Run outreach programs to raise awareness about the agency's role in protecting the public's interests.
- Public Records Officer: Ensure transparency and openness in handling public records.
- Oversee Complaints and Investigations: In collaboration with the Board Investigator, handle complaints against licenses and firms, investigate issues, and decide on appropriate actions.
- Lead Investigations: Direct the investigation process and assign resources, review findings, negotiate settlements, and testify in disciplinary hearings.
- Participate in NASBA Committees: Stay involved in the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy and keep the Board updated on changes within the field of public accountancy regulation.
- Work with the Governor's Office: Act as a liaison with the Governor's office and testify in front of state committees during legislative sessions.
Qualifications
What we need you to bring
Required Qualifications:
- Per RCW 18.04.045, the Executive Director is required to hold a valid Washington State CPA license, or able to obtain a concurrent with appointment.
- Knowledge of the rules of evidence, due process and understanding of the scope and nature of the CPA practice environment. This includes the types of services regulated under the professional standards that govern the practice of public accounting.
- Working knowledge of Federal Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and Public Accountancy Oversight Board (PCAOB) regulations. Able to serve as a liaison with other governmental regulators and law enforcement bodies.
- Experience performing senior/executive level policy development or policy analysis.
- Developed a comprehensive policy framework that aligns with the organization's long-term strategic goals, ensuring consistency across departments and fostering long-term growth.
- Organized and facilitated consultations with a range of stakeholders, including policymakers, community leaders, and advocacy groups, to ensure the development of inclusive, well-informed policies.
- Delivered high-level presentations to senior government officials and stakeholders, advocating for policy changes that aligned with the organization's goals, successfully gaining approval for key initiatives. Strong writing skills in order to provide articles for publication in professional and trade journals.
- Conducted post-implementation reviews of policy initiatives to assess their impact on key performance indicators, leading to refinements that improved policy effectiveness.
- Leadership and managerial/supervisory experience. Skilled in identifying training and development needs of staff, providing constructive feedback and conducting performance reviews. Demonstrates strong leadership skills to inspire, motivate and guide staff. Create a culture of inclusion and belonging in the workplace. Commit to championing and living the values of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging through demonstrated vulnerability and self-awareness.
- Successfully communicate with senior leaders, senior staff, the Legislature, Governor's office, media, stakeholders and other community organizations.
- Knowledge and understanding of local government, and the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of state government.
- Strong proven ability to communicate personal vision and strategic direction, both internally and externally.
Desired Qualifications:
- Experience with state government and the relationship of the Board to other agencies, including the Attorney General's Office, the Office of Financial Management and the Department of Enterprise Services.
- Knowledge of the state's contracting regulations to understand how the agency appropriately procures services.
We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one from a less traditional background. Don't let doubts stop you from applying for this position. If you have transferable experience, please tell us about it or contact us with questions about the required qualifications and how your experience relates to them.
Supplemental Information
Supplemental Information:
What we offer:
We foster a culture of integrity, innovation, inclusion, and belonging. We value both learned and lived experiences, believing that diversity makes us stronger. To support your health and well-being, we offer a variety of benefit programs for our employees.
Please visit our for a full list of benefits available to employees. Here's a quick glance at some of the unique benefits that we offer:
- An environment of
- Tuition reimbursement
- Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
- 12 paid holidays, 14 paid vacation days (minimum), and 12 days of sick leave per year
- State retirement programs
Application Process: Once you've decided to apply for a state government job, you'll complete an online application to showcase your qualifications. Keep in mind that once you submit the application, a real person is going to read it. We do not use AI or other technology that screens your application and rejects it. So please be sure to provide clear and detailed information about your work history so your qualifications can be accurately assessed. We will contact the top candidates directly to schedule interviews. If you need reasonable accommodation in applying, please call 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.
When completing your application, we encourage you to attach all of the following:
- Cover letter: describing your qualifications for this specific position
- Resume: that details your applicable experience and education.
- References: at least three professional references and their contact information.
Questions:
Our Staff ASL interpreter is available to all deaf and hard of hearing applicants. For questions about this recruitment or to request a reasonable accommodation in the application or interview process, please email us at
The Office of the Governor is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, and disabled and Vietnam-era veterans are encouraged to apply.
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
Do you have a valid Washington State CPA license, or able to obtain a Washington CPA license concurrent with appointment?
- Yes
- No
Required Question