Chief Financial Officer - EMS BAND 3

State of Washington • Thurston County – Olympia, WA

12d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board (Workforce Board) is a tri-partite board (business, labor, and government), and cabinet agency created to provide objective planning, coordination, evaluation, monitoring, policy analysis and advocacy across Washington’s comprehensive workforce development system in support of Washington’s workers, jobseekers, businesses, and communities. The Workforce Board engages a wide range of state, local, and federal agencies, business, labor, community-based organizations, and others representing system customers to inform our work. Board and agency staff maintain a laser focus on the state’s economic strength, the availability of a strong and responsive talent pipeline, and on equitable access to that pipeline for every Washingtonian. For more information about the Workforce Board, you can access the website at www.wtb.wa.gov .

As Chief Financial Officer, you will serve as the agency’s primary financial and budget authority, providing strategic leadership to support the Board’s mission and manage a biennial budget of over $50 million. Reporting directly to the Executive Director, you will oversee all budget development, fiscal forecasting, and accounting processes, ensuring strict regulatory compliance and the operational integrity of state, federal, and grant resources. You will drive agency strategy as a key member of the Executive Leadership Team, step in with executive authority on administrative matters when the Executive Director is absent, and collaborate with the Deputy Executive Director to optimize core administrative, HR, and IT services. Ultimately, internal staff and external partners alike will rely on your independent judgment and policy interpretations to safeguard agency assets and align resources with organizational priorities.

Requirements

• Proven leadership in strategic, operational, and tactical planning, with a strong willingness to manage change, assess risks, and develop effective problem-solving strategies.
• Experience and knowledge with comprehensive financial and fiscal management, including accounting, forecasting, internal controls, and state/federal grants administration, with specialized expertise in Washington state budgetary practices, terminology, and automated systems.
• Experience and knowledge with advanced analysis and decision-support capabilities used to manage high-level finance, oversee financial records and reports, and successfully participate in and respond to audits.
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills used for proficient report writing, professional presentations, and navigating complex dynamics with diplomacy and sensitivity.
• Demonstrated ability to diagnose and resolve complex budget and accounting issues while proactively acting to uphold accountability, ethical practices, and compliance.
• Nine (9) years of experience in a senior leadership role, preferably as a CFO, budget or finance manager, or equivalent, with a track record of managing budget processes and/or financial excellence.
• Bachelor’s degree with an emphasis in accounting, business, finance, or closely related field; AND Five (5) years of professional experience working with complex fiscal and budget responsibilities.
• Master’s degree with an emphasis in accounting, business, finance, or closely related field; AND Three (3) years of professional experience working with complex fiscal and budget responsibilities.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree with an emphasis in accounting, business, finance, or closely related field; or equivalent experience.
• Licensure as a Certified Public Accountant, Certified Government Financial Manager, Certified Internal Auditor, Certified Fraud Examiner, Certified Government Audit Professional, or similar financial-related certification.
• Knowledge and application of federal requirements for grant management.
• Understanding and applying principles of the Office of Financial Management State Accounting and Administrative Manual (SAAM), state accounting and data systems and processes.
• Experience in business operations and administration, including management of facilities, IT, HR, and other agency operational functions.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and manage change.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day agency financial operations, including budgeting, payments, contracts, cash receipting, accounts receivable, and federal draws.
• Support programmatic activities, contract management, payroll, travel, facilities, purchasing, and cost allocation with a Fiscal Analyst 5.
• Monitor grant sub-recipients to ensure compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and policies.
• Coordinate with DES Small Agency Financial Services on vendor payments, revenues, payroll, allotments, and budget recasts.
• Oversee the management and documentation of the agency's overall contracting and grant processes.
• Analyze agency finances to ensure fiscal capacity to meet statutory responsibilities and accomplish the agency mission.
• Develop, implement, and monitor the agency operating budget by program and funding source in collaboration with division leaders.
• Review monthly and quarterly financial reports to provide strategic insights to managers and the Leadership Team.
• Evaluate annual agency budget Decision Packages for submission to the Governor’s office via the OFM system.
• Provide financial information to partners and represents the Executive Director in fiscal meetings while co-leading agency operational management.
• Other duties as needed.

Benefits

• The Workforce Board is a small agency with a big mission! Its success is a critical component of our state’s economic recovery and the future success of Washington’s businesses and workers. Every position is necessary, and every employee is expected to meet very high standards of performance and productivity in order to fulfill the Board's obligations to the state's citizens and employers. We aim to be the workplace of choice for professionals in our fields of practice. Additionally, all Workforce Board employees are stewards of the public trust and are expected to model this behavior and attitude, and work to ensure that the public trust in the Workforce Board never falls into question. We are an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse and inclusive culture. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, veteran status, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, genetics, or any other characteristic protected by law. To take advantage of veterans' preference , please include your DD214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22, or signed verification of service letter from USDVA in your online application.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior