Budget Manager

State of Washington•Thurston County – Lacey, WA

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is seeking a Budget Manager to support the agency's financial integrity and stewardship through strategic budgeting and financial management. This position is a key resource for complex programs, offering advanced budget expertise to aid in decision-making and ensure agency resources align with statewide priorities. The role involves collaboration with executive leadership, the Office of Financial Management, legislative staff, and other stakeholders to enhance the agency’s financial accountability and credibility. Additionally, the Budget Manager will foster collaboration and knowledge sharing within the budget office through technical guidance, training, and mentoring, ultimately ensuring WSDOT can effectively manage public resources and deliver safe, reliable transportation services.

Requirements

Proficiency in developing, managing, and monitoring large, complex budgets.
Knowledge of state budget processes to develop, implement, and evaluate financial strategies, efficiencies, and savings.
Ability to promote fiscal accountability and alignment with organizational goals.
Advanced analytical, statistical, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to accurately interpret and apply complex laws and legal principles, rules, policies, and procedures.
Ability to identify issues, communicate contrary points of view, and support sound decision-making.
Ability to perform duties thoroughly and properly, learn from mistakes, maintain professional relationships, and maintain confidentiality.
Ability to apply ethical application of knowledge, skills, and behavior.
Proven success in fostering and developing constructive and collaborative organizational-wide relationships.
Ability to lead through communication and trust building, seeking and welcoming different perspectives towards shared outcomes.
Demonstrated ability to self-reflect, identify personal and professional strengths and growth areas, and adapt to new challenges.
Ability to work independently with attention to detail, ensuring all work is accurate, timely, and error-free.
Advanced knowledge and proficiency using technology, financial systems, databases, and spreadsheets to analyze data, identify trends, develop reports or dashboards, and present fiscal information.
Ability to learn new systems, troubleshoot technology issues, and explain system outputs and requirements to others.
Skills to effectively organize, prioritize, and manage multiple concurrent assignments, balancing competing priorities while delivering accurate, quality, and timely work in a fast-paced environment.
Advanced skills in building and maintaining trust and constructive working relationships.
Advanced skills in effectively communicating complex fiscal information, legal principles, and policies.

Nice To Haves

Experience working specifically in state government budgeting, for example in a central budget office, or similar.
Demonstrated competence with statewide financial systems, such as the Agency Financial Reporting System (AFRS), Agency Budget System (ABS), Salary Projection System (SPS), and Fiscal Note System (FNS).
Experience in communicating with staff of the Legislature and Office of Financial Management (OFM) or similar entities in other jurisdictions.
Achieve excellent results with little need for oversight.

Responsibilities

Serve as the Central Budget Office subject-matter expert for complex programs and budget issues.
Interpret and apply state financial laws, policies, and practices to ensure budget compliance.
Monitor spending, resolve budget variances, and recommend process or policy improvements.
Develop and review decision packages, fiscal notes, allotments, financial reports, and budget documents.
Implement budget strategies aligned with agency, OFM, Governor, and legislative priorities.
Provide strategic budget guidance to leadership, programs, and external stakeholders.
Provide budget training, mentoring, outreach, and technical assistance.
Maintain accurate, timely, and audit-ready financial data and records.