Accounting Manager

Why work for the Washington Student Achievement Council?

At the Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC), we are committed to increasing educational opportunities and attainment in Washington. We believe that every person living in the state of Washington should have access to educational opportunities and be encouraged to pursue education or training beyond high school. To achieve our mission, we:

• Lead statewide strategic planning to increase educational attainment.
• Administer programs that help people access and pay for college.
• Advocate for the economic, social, and civic benefits of higher education.

Learn more about the work of the Washington Student Achievement Council and our equity statement (Download PDF reader).

Our programs and policies work with diverse communities to eliminate barriers to people pursuing education beyond high school. As an employer, we strive to hire, cultivate, and retain a competitive workforce that reflects the communities we serve.

• We offer flexible/alternative work schedules, wellness activities, and teleworking opportunities.
• Eligible employees who are new parents or legal guardians can bring their infant (six weeks to six months) when returning to work.
• Employees have access to tuition assistance and tuition waiver programs.
• If you have experience advocating for communities of color or others who are experiencing educational inequities, including those directly impacted by the criminal justice system, people who identify as queer, trans, lesbian, gay or bisexual, veterans, and people with disabilities, you are strongly encouraged to apply, even if you don’t meet all the desired/preferred qualifications listed.

The Finance team supports WSAC’s mission and goals by providing sound financial and business management, guidance and analysis to our customers and by developing policies and procedures that ensure fiscal compliance and a strong internal control environment.

Under the administrative direction of the Director of Financial and Business Services (Chief Financial Officer), this position uses independent judgment to provide expert level analysis and recommendations to management and customers to ensure the successful implementation and maintenance of agency and statewide financial management activities. Additionally, this position is responsible for overseeing the accurate and efficient operations of various functions including general ledger reconciliations, accounts payable, travel and related expenditures, accounts receivable, cash receipts, federal grant accounting and draws, asset accounting, internal controls, and year-end closing activities.

• Provide leadership and oversight for all agency accounting activities.
• Review and approve payments and journal vouchers and perform reconciliations for general ledger accounts. Ensure accounting transactions are complete and accurate.
• Supervise accounting staff and provide training and guidance on accounting issues, state and agency policies, rules, procedures, and systems.
• Coordinate the agency’s fiscal year-end closing processes in coordination with the OFM Statewide Accounting unit. Prepare state and federal disclosure forms.
• Process federal grant drawdowns for reimbursement.
• Lead business process transformation efforts within WSAC such as the implementation of the state’s new financial system (Work Day).
• Ensure that internal controls are effectively implemented with agency business processes.
• Develop policies and procedures, as necessary, that comply with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and the OFM State Administrative and Accounting Manual (SAAM).
• Create and maintain effective working relationships with internal customers to address evolving business needs.

One of the following:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Public Administration, Finance, or closely related field.
• Equivalent combination of education and professional experience that demonstrates the required competencies.
• One year of experience as a Fiscal Analyst 5 (or higher).

• Four years…