Accounting Manager

Accounting Manager

Salary

$74,292.00 - $113,372.00 Annually

Location

Thurston County - Tumwater, WA

Job Type

Exempt

Remote Employment

Flexible/Hybrid

Job Number

WSAC 10-2026

Department

Washington Student Achievement Council

Division

Admin Services

Opening Date

07/14/2026

Closing Date

7/24/2026 5:00 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

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).

At WSAC

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.

About the Division

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.

About the Position

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.

Duties

Some of what you will be doing.

• 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 (WorkDay).
• 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.

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience

One of the following:

• Bachelors degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Public Administration, Finance, or closely related field.

OR

• Equivalent combination of education and professional experience that demonstrates the required competencies.

OR

• One year of experience as a Fiscal Analyst 5 (or higher).

In addition, applicants must have:

• Four years of progressively responsible professional accounting or financial management experience.
• Three years of supervisory or lead experience overseeing accounting staff or financial operations.
• Three years of experience using AFRS, Enterprise Reporting, or comparable statewide financial systems.
• Working knowledge of GAAP and the OFM State Administrative & Accounting Manual (SAAM).
• Advanced Microsoft Office skills, particularly Excel.

Core Competencies

The successful candidate should demonstrate the following:

• Critical Thinking: In the absence of clear guidelines or information, use judgment and critical thinking to infer appropriate meaning and form conclusions necessary to resolve the problem or issue.
• Analysis: Use data and information in a clear and rational thought process to access and understand issues, evaluate options, form accurate conclusions and make decisions.
• Accountability: Accept personal responsibility for the quality and timeliness of work. Can be relied upon to achieve excellent results with little need for oversight. Meet productivity standards, deadlines and work schedules. Stay focused on tasks in spite of distractions and interruptions. Do not make excuses for errors or problems; acknowledge and correct mistakes.
• Fiscal Accountability: Responsibly and accurately handle the public's money when processing financial transactions and/or committing fiscal resources. Consistently follow applicable fiscal guidelines, regulations, principles, and standards.
• Analyze Financial Reports: Analyze and interpret financial reports in order to adjust entries, correct discrepancies and prepare documents.
• Workload Management: Effectively organize multiple assignments, sometimes of a complex nature or involving competing priorities, to produce work products that are accurate, thorough, and on time. Remain acutely aware of timeframes and successfully meet deadlines. If deadlines are in jeopardy, appropriately seek assistance or guidance from the lead worker, supervisor, or manager. Effectively handle competing priorities and urgent situations, making sound decisions within short timeframes, and taking appropriate action.
• Adaptability/Flexibility: Adapt easily to changing business needs, conditions and work responsibilities. Adapt approach, goals and methods to achieve successful solutions and results in dynamic situations. Cope well and help others deal with the ongoing demands of change; proactively embrace change as a way to accomplish goals more effectively; see the benefit and inspire others to accept change.
• Written Communication: Effectively convey ideas and information in writing using language that is appropriate to both the complexity of the topic and the knowledge and understanding of the reader. Compose clear, direct and succinct written messages that effectively convey ideas or information to the intended reader. Recognize when language requires adjustment to achieve understanding by differing readers and easily reword messages accordingly.
• Interpersonal Influence: Display a positive attitude and optimism about the work to be done, co-workers, customers, management, and employer policies. Influence others to approach issues positively (e.g., see issues as "challenges or opportunities" rather than "problems"; the glass is half full rather than half empty). Influence others within the organization to be excited, enthused, and committed to furthering the organizations objectives.

Preferred/Desired Education, Experience and Competencies

• Experience implementing enterprise-wide initiatives in a government setting.
• Experience soliciting, developing, and implementing process improvement strategies.

Supplemental Information

To be considered for this position, you must possess the required qualifications listed above. Find this job posting and complete your profile at www.careers.wa.gov. A complete application package includes:

• Letter of Application. A letter of application that addresses how you meet the required education and experience described in this announcement. Applications with generic cover letters will be considered nonresponsive and may be eliminated from further consideration.
• Resume. A detailed resume including all educational and professional experience.
• References. A list of names, titles, and current telephone numbers of three (3) employment references.
• Your responses to the supplemental questions.

Please note: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 applicants suitability and competence to perform in the position.

QUESTIONS?

For questions about this recruitment, email AlishaR@wsac.wa.gov.

EEO Statement

The Washington Student Achievement Council is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all applicants and employees. We are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities, persons over 40 years of age, and veterans are encouraged to apply. If you need accommodation in the application process or wish to receive this job announcement in an alternative format, please call 360.485.1138 or email " style=" color: inherit !important; text-decoration: underline !important;">HumanResources@wsac.wa.gov.

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. Thats 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 WAC 357-31-165(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 WAC 357-31-165(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 WAC 357-58-175, 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, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) 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

Parental Leave

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 01-07-2026

01

How did you learn of this employment opportunity?

• WSAC website
• Careers.wa.gov
• Social Media
• Other

02

If you selected "Other" in the previous question, how did you learn about this employment opportunity?

03

How have you experienced, supported, or led equity, diversity, and inclusion initiatives in your current or previous roles?

04

Accounting Coursework (required) Which option best describes your education and accounting coursework or experience?

• I have a bachelors degree and at least 12 semester (18 quarter) credits in accounting, auditing, or budgeting.
• I have a bachelors degree in a required field but fewer than the required accounting credits.
• I qualify through an equivalent combination of education and professional experience that satisfies the educational requirement, including the required accounting coursework.
• I have one or more years of experience as a Fiscal Analyst 5
• I do not meet these qualifications.

05

Accounting Experience (Required) Which option best describes your professional accounting experience?

• Less than 4 years
• 4-5 years
• 6-9 years
• 10 or more years

06

Describe your experience overseeing accounting operations, including financial reporting, reconciliations, internal controls, and compliance with governmental accounting requirements. What was your specific role?

07

4. How many years of experience do you have supervising accounting or financial staff?

• None
• Less than 1 year
• 1-2 years
• 3-5 years
• More than 5 years

08

How many years of experience do you have using Washington State AFRS and Enterprise Reporting (ER) financial systems?

• No experience
• Less than 1 year
• 1-2 years
• 3-4 years
• More than 4 years

Required Question

Employer State of Washington

Address View Job Posting for Agency Information

View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504

Website http://www.careers.wa.gov