Program Specialist 5 | Payments and Receipts

Program Specialist 5 | Payments and Receipts

Salary

$69,744.00 - $93,804.00 Annually

Location

Thurston County - Lacey, WA

Job Type

Full Time - Permanent

Remote Employment

Flexible/Hybrid

Job Number

26DOT-HQ-04631e

Department

Dept. of Transportation

Division

Headquarters

Opening Date

06/30/2026

Closing Date

7/14/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

About WSDOT

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is a multimodal agency with a global reputation for excellence. Our dedicated workforce plans, designs, builds, and operates an integrated transportation system that safely and efficiently moves people and goods throughout the state. In addition to maintaining over 20,000 lane miles of state highway and 4,100 bridges, WSDOT leads an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, manages the worlds longest floating bridge, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!

The Opportunity

WSDOT is seeking a skilled Program Specialist 5 to support the Accounting and Financial Services (AFS) division in Lacey, WA. In this critical role, you will serve as the department's subject matter expert, ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations, agency policies, and internal control requirements while managing program performance, risk, system administration, training, and stakeholder engagement. Supporting all WSDOT regions and divisions, this position helps facilitate efficient procurement and payment processes, strengthens financial stewardship and accountability, and oversees a high-volume program processing more than 112,000 transactions annually totaling approximately $70 million. Through strategic program management, continuous improvement, and collaboration with financial institutions, regulatory agencies, and internal partners, this position directly supports WSDOT's mission by delivering high-quality financial services that enable safe, reliable, and cost-effective transportation.

What to Expect

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Program Specialist 5 will:

• Administer and monitor statewide PCard operations, including card accounts and PCMS users to ensure appropriate access, strong internal controls, and effective program governance.
• Provide program leadership by directing, prioritizing, and coordinating PCard activities in alignment with agency objectives and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Analyze program performance, compliance risks, and trends; develop and implement procedural and system improvements to strengthen efficiency, controls, and compliance.
• Develop, revise, and administer PCard policies and procedures in coordination with OFM and DES to ensure statewide compliance monitoring, and decision-making.
• Provide technical guidance, training and consultation to internal and external stakeholders, anticipating issues and recommending proactive solutions.
• Provide training, consultation, and outreach to WSDOT PCard users on purchasing requirements, financial rules, and PCMS procedures.
• Develop, update, and coordinate PCard training materials and guidance to ensure consistent statewide application of program policies.
• Facilitate and participate in outreach and training events across WSDOT regions.
• Maintain accurate PCMS records for authorized users, cards and system access in compliance with internal control requirements.
• Supervise, train and support the Purchasing Card Coordinator position to ensure effective workload management, staff development, and continuity of PCard operations.

Qualifications

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

• Generally Accepted Accounting Principles: Knowledge of federal and state financial regulations, policies and audit requirements.
• Financial Analysis, Compliance & Systems Oversight: Ability to analyze financial and program data, identify discrepancies, evaluate processes, and recommend improvements while ensuring compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and agency policies. Proficient in using financial systems and enterprise databases to accurately manage, retrieve, and analyze data to support program operations and decision-making.
• Policy Development & Interpretation: Ability to develop, interpret, and administer program policies and procedures in coordination with statewide governing authorities.
• Internal Controls, Audit Compliance & Risk Management: Knowledge of internal controls, audit requirements, and risk mitigation practices in financial or procurement programs.
• Problem-Solving & Independent Judgement: Ability to apply sound judgement and independent decision-making within delegated authority to resolve complex program issues in alignment with agency objectives and requirements.
• Attention to Detail & Program Integrity: Skills to ensure accuracy, compliance, and integrity of financial and program activities and communicate complex information clearly to diverse audiences.
• Customer Service & Communication: Skills to communicate clearly and professionally with internal and external stakeholders. Skills to provide accurate guidance and respond effectively to inquiries regarding program rules, processes, and systems.
• Teamwork & Collaboration: Skills to work collaboratively with colleagues and stakeholders to achieve program objectives and contributes to a respectful, effective, and cooperative work environment.
• Time Management & Prioritization: Skills to manage competing priorities in a statewide program environment while maintaining accuracy and meeting deadlines.
• Technical Proficiency: Ability to operate office technology and software applications (Excel, Outlook, Teams) for analysis, reporting and communication.
• Supervisory Experience: Demonstrated experience supervising staff, including assigning work, evaluating performance, and ensuring accountability for deliverables.
• Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
• Service Oriented: Demonstrates initiative and responsiveness to meet the needs of our internal and external stakeholders.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also demonstrate/have:

• Public Sector Program Expertise: Experience in a public sector financial, procurement, or administrative program with policy compliance and fiscal accountability responsibilities.
• Procurement Card or Financial Program Expertise: Experience administering or supporting a procurement card or similar financial control program.
• Training & Outreach: Experience developing and delivering training and outreach programs for users of financial or administrative systems.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Experience working with external partners such as financial institutions, vendors, or statewide/national workgroups.
• Process Improvement Implementation: Experience analyzing workflows and implementing process or system improvements to enhance efficiency and compliance.
• Enterprise Systems Administration: Experience supporting or administering enterprise systems financial systems, including user access, data integrity, and coordination with IT or system vendors.

Important Notes

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• In addition to the salary range listed, a general wage increase of 2% will be applied for all state employees on July 1, 2026.
• This position requires travel to department locations statewide and stays for up to four consecutive days at a time.
• This position may be eligible for partial telework after training period. Will require a minimum of one day per week in Lacey HQ office with required adjustments for deadlines and workload peaks.
• 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 a number of flexible schedule options available, including telework options for eligible positions.
• Paid Leave - In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees 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.

In order 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 in order to submit an application 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.

Contact Us

For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at Rachel.Giese@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 26DOT-HQ-04631e in the subject line.

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

Please describe your most recent role in applying accounting principles, financial regulations, policies, or audit requirements to include the title and where the experience was gained. If you do not have this experience, please enter N/A.

02

Financial Analysis, Compliance & Systems Oversight: Please select the option that best describes your experience analyzing financial or program data, ensuring compliance, and using financial systems or enterprise databases.

• Extensive experience analyzing complex financial or program data, identifying discrepancies, implementing improvements, and using financial systems to support decision-making and compliance.
• Considerable experience analyzing financial or program data, monitoring compliance, and using financial systems or databases to manage and report information.
• Some experience reviewing financial or program data and using systems or databases to support program operations.
• Limited or no experience with financial data analysis or financial systems.

03

Please briefly describe your experience analyzing financial or program data and using financial systems or enterprise databases including the software and/or system you are proficient using. If you do not have this experience, please enter N/A.

04

Policy Development & Interpretation: Please select the option that best describes your experience developing, interpreting, or administering policies and procedures.

• Extensive experience developing, interpreting, and administering policies or procedures with responsibility for ensuring organizational compliance.
• Considerable experience interpreting and implementing policies or procedures and providing guidance to others.
• Some experience applying established policies or procedures in a work environment.
• Limited or no experience working with policies or procedures.

05

Internal Controls, Audit Compliance & Risk Management: Please select the option that best describes your experience with internal controls, audits, compliance reviews, or risk management activities.

• Extensive experience establishing, monitoring, or evaluating internal controls, audit compliance processes, and risk mitigation strategies.
• Considerable experience participating in audits, compliance reviews, or internal control activities and recommending corrective actions.
• Some experience supporting audit, compliance, or internal control activities.
• Limited or no experience with audits, compliance, or internal controls.

06

Which one of the following best describes your highest level of Microsoft Excel skills? (To qualify for the Intermediate level, you must also be able to perform the functions at the Basic level; to qualify for the Advanced level, you must also be able to perform the functions at Basic and Intermediate levels; to qualify for the Expert level, you must also be able to perform the functions at the Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced levels.)]

• I do not have enough skills to meet the definition of the Basic level below
• BASIC: Create basic worksheets; create basic formulas; use basic functions; modify and format a worksheet; print workbooks
• INTERMEDIATE: Use advanced formulas; organize tables and worksheets; create and modify charts; analyze data using Pivot tables and Pivot Charts; insert and modify graphic objects in a worksheet
• ADVANCED: Create and edit macros; conditional formatting; apply data validation criteria; able to protect, share and merge files; trace cells and troubleshoot formula errors; uses data list outline; consolidate data and link workbooks; export and import text files and XML data; import data from the Web and create Web queries; analyze data using trend lines, Sparklines and scenarios
• EXPERT: Able to use and train others in all Excel functions listed above and uses advanced formulas, functions and arrays; uses information, date and time functions; uses advanced editing and formatting; advanced chart formatting; runs solver models and reports; embed and link information; set up customization including automation

07

Which one of the following best describes your highest level of Microsoft Outlook skills? (To qualify for the Intermediate level, you must also be able to perform the functions at the Basic level; to qualify for the Advanced level, you must also be able to perform the functions at Basic and Intermediate levels; to qualify for the Expert level, you must also be able to perform the functions at the Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced levels.)]

• I do not have enough skills to meet the definition of the Basic level below
• BASIC: Compose email messages; send and respond to messages; organize email into folders; create contact information; schedule appointments; schedule meetings, manage tasks and notes
• INTERMEDIATE: Set calendar options; sort, find and filter messages; create distribution lists; share and delegate folder access; customize toolbar, menu bar, quick access tool bar and the To-DO bar; customize message options; use the journal entry to track and record; assign, reply and track tasks; create public folders and send and post information
• ADVANCED: Personalize with stationary and themes; create signatures; configure email security settings; group items and create search folders; apply conditional formatting; manage data files; create mail merge using contacts; archive messages
• EXPERT: Able to use and train others in all Outlook functions listed above

08

Which one of the following best describes your highest level of Microsoft TEAMS skills? (NOTE: To qualify for the Intermediate level, you must also be able to perform the functions at the Basic level. To qualify for the Advanced level, you must also be able to perform the functions at Basic and Intermediate levels. To qualify for the Expert level, you must also be able to perform the functions at the Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced levels.)

• I do not have enough skills to meet the definition of the basic level below
• BASIC: Can open TEAMS and send messages to individuals; Navigate to call and begin call or meeting.
• INTERMEDIATE: Can send messages to groups of individuals; Can send files and photos in groups. Can navigate the TEAMS function.
• ADVANCED: Understand sites, permissions, user roles, content types, and best practices; Create, modify, and delete TEAMS channels; Utilize advanced functions as permissions allow.
• EXPERT: Able to use and train others in all SharePoint functions listed above

09

Supervisory Experience: Do you have experience supervising staff, including assigning work, evaluating performance, coaching employees, and ensuring accountability for deliverables? If yes, please describe your supervisory experience, including the number of staff supervised and the types of responsibilities you performed. If no experience, please enter N/A.

10

Public Sector Program Expertise: Do you have experience working in a public sector financial, procurement, accounting, or administrative program with responsibility for policy compliance and fiscal accountability?

• Yes
• No

11

Procurement Card or Financial Program Expertise: Please select the option that best describes your experience administering or supporting a procurement card or similar financial control program.

• Extensive experience administering a procurement card or similar financial control program with responsibility for compliance, oversight, reporting, and stakeholder support.
• Considerable experience supporting a procurement card or similar financial program and performing compliance or monitoring activities.
• Some experience working with procurement cards or financial control processes.
• Limited or no experience with procurement card or financial control programs.

12

Please describe your experience with procurement cards or similar financial control programs. If you do not have this experience, please enter N/A.

13

Training & Outreach: Please select the option that best describes your experience developing and delivering training or outreach programs.

• Extensive experience developing, delivering, and evaluating training programs for diverse audiences.
• Considerable experience delivering training and creating supporting materials.
• Some experience conducting informal training or knowledge sharing.
• Limited or no experience providing training.

14

Process Improvement Implementation: Please select the option that best describes your experience analyzing workflows and implementing process improvements.

• Extensive experience leading process improvement initiatives that enhanced efficiency, compliance, quality, or customer service.
• Considerable experience identifying opportunities for improvement and implementing changes to processes or workflows.
• Some experience participating in process improvement activities.
• Limited or no experience with process improvement efforts.

15

Enterprise Systems Administration: Please select the option that best describes your experience supporting or administering enterprise financial or business systems.

• Extensive experience administering enterprise systems, including user access management, data integrity oversight, system troubleshooting, and coordination with IT or vendors.
• Considerable experience supporting enterprise systems and maintaining user access, data quality, or system functionality.
• Some experience using enterprise systems and assisting with system-related activities.
• Limited or no experience with enterprise systems.

16

How did you learn of this employment opportunity?

• Indeed
• LinkedIn
• Direct Email Notification
• WSDOT social media (Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, etc)
• Career Fair
• Monster
• WorkSource
• Handshake
• AASHTO
• NACTO
• COMTO
• APWA
• "NOW HIRING" banner/sign
• Radio advertisement
• WSDOT Employment Site
• Careers.wa.gov
• governmentjobs.com
• Other (specify below)

17

If you selected Other on the previous question, please specify how you learned of this employment opportunity in the space provided:

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