Accounting Manager

State of Washington • $112K — $132K *
Legal & Accounting
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 18 quarter or 12 semester hours in accounting subjects.
  • At least five years of progressive experience in accounting, budgeting, or auditing.
  • Minimum of two years of supervisory or management experience.
  • In-depth knowledge of the State Administrative and Accounting Manual (SAAM).
  • Advanced understanding of GAAP and GASB statements.
  • Familiarity with federal and state laws, audit requirements, and grant management.
  • Expertise in preparing complex financial statements and reconciliations.

Responsibilities

  • Direct all agency accounting activities including general ledger, accounts receivable, and accounts payable.
  • Ensure compliance with GAAP and federal/state regulations in all accounting records.
  • Oversee routine reconciliation of accounts and maintenance of the agency's chart of accounts.
  • Serve as AFRS Security Administrator and manage user access to accounting systems.
  • Review and adjust monthly financial reports for accuracy.
  • Provide guidance and training to accounting staff.
  • Implement fiscal procedures and ensure adherence to accounting policies.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive health and dental insurance coverage for employees and their families.
  • Annual enrollment in medical flexible spending accounts for tax-deferred healthcare expenses.
  • Participation in the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) with employer contributions.
  • Access to a Deferred Compensation Program for supplemental retirement savings.
  • Eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program based on qualifying criteria.
  • Generous paid holidays and sick leave accrual policies.
  • Support for military leave with 21 days paid leave per year.
Full Job Description
Salary : $112,800.00 - $132,924.00 Annually
Location : Thurston County - Olympia, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: BFS_AcctMgr_1624_2026
Department: Washington State Patrol
Division: Budget & Fiscal Services
Opening Date: 09/23/2026
Closing Date: 10/7/2026 11:17 AM Pacific

Description
If you answer YES to any of these questions this is the perfect opportunity for you!

  • Are you a self-starter with an interest in accounting and public service?
  • Do you thrive in a team environment?
  • Do you want a position with career growthopportunities?

Duties
This position serves as the Principal Agency Accountant responsible for ensuring the accuracy of all accounting records, delivering centralized accounting services to the agency, and ensuring compliance with all state and federal laws and regulations. The incumbent manages and oversees a staff of 18 FTEs accomplishing all functional areas of accounting including Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, and General Accounting.

Our new teammate will be able to:

  • Direct all agency accounting activities including general ledger accounting, grant/contract billings, accounts receivable, cash management, local fund accounting, accounts payable, reconciliation of accounts, fiscal year closeout processes, and financial reporting.
  • Ensure all revenues and expenditures are properly recorded in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP} as well as state and federal regulations.
  • Oversee the routine reconciliation of all accounts general ledgers, unbalanced/in-process listing, local funds, and other accounts.
  • Maintain the agency's chart of accounts and Agency Financial Reporting System (AFRS) account code tables.
  • Serve as AFRS Security Administer.
  • Oversee access by agency employees to all automated accounting systems including AFRS, the Disbursement Reporting System and the Capital Asset Management System.
  • Review monthly agency financial reports for accuracy and makes adjustments and/or recommendations.
  • Provide assistance in interpreting accounting information to agency staff.
  • Provide direction, assistance, guidance, and training to all staff within the accounting section.
  • Ensure proper accounting procedures are being used in compliance with GAAP as well as state and federal rules and regulations.
  • Develop and implement Agency Fiscal Procedures providing direction to staff and agency personnel on all accounting policies and processes to be followed.
  • Responsible for all accounting tasks, reports, and certifications associated with the fiscal year closeout process.
  • Prepare annual financial reports and disclosure forms for the Office of Financial Management.
  • Serve as primary point of contact and agency's expert on all technical accounting issues, policies, principles, and procedures.
  • Maintain the responsibility for the proper processing, recording, and reporting of all accounting transactions for a total biennial operating budget which includes several special appropriations and restricted funds.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:
  • 18 quarter or 12 semester hours in accounting subjects.
  • Minimum of five (5) years in increasingly responsible experience in the combined fields of accounting,
    budgeting, or audit.
  • Minimum or two (2) years prior experience in supervision or management.
  • Thorough knowledge of the Office of Financial Management (OFM) State Administrative and
    Accounting Manual (SAAM).
  • Advanced understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Governmental
    Accounting Standards Board (GASB) statements, and internal control frameworks.
  • Knowledge of federal and state laws, audit requirements, and federal grant management or
    drawdowns.
  • Skill in preparing complex financial statements, year-end closing packages, general ledger
    reconciliations, and variance analyses.
  • Skill in leading remote and in-office teams, coaching staff, delegating workloads, and conducting
    performance evaluations.
  • Ability to explain technical fiscal information clearly to non-financial managers, agency executives, and
    external auditors (such as the State Auditor's Office).

Equity Competencies:
  • The ability to take action to learn and grow.
  • The ability to take action to meet the needs of others.
  • Uses an equitable and inclusive approach.

If you have gotten this far and are thinking you do not qualify, consider again. It may be that lived experience, volunteer positions, or a combination of experience and education could demonstrate your ability to perform the duties within this job. If you are excited about this role but you're not sure if your experience or held credentials align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway and contact the HR Consultant below to discuss your situation specifically. You may just be the needed candidate for this or other roles.

Supplemental Information
This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies.

For more information regarding how to apply for this position, please click here.

Applicants claiming veterans preference must attach a copy of their DD214 (SSN must be blacked out). If you do not provide the required documentation, the veterans preference will not be awarded. Please to determine your eligibility.
The Washington State Patrol does not provide immigration sponsorship; therefore, applicants must possess work authorization that does not require employer sponsorship.

Questions?

Please contact Erica Henderson at (360) 704-2293 or via e-mail at .

Check us out on: WSP's Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | LinkedIn
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. That's 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 (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 (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 , 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

About State of Washington

State of Washington Careers

Joining the State of Washington's diverse team offers more than just a job; it opens opportunities to build and grow a career in an array of fields. State of Washington is renowned for its commitment to excellence and innovation in public service.

Explore Job Opportunities

State of Washington offers a variety of job opportunities that cater to a range of skills and interests. From environmental science to public health, the state provides roles that contribute significantly to the community and the environment. Each position at the State of Washington supports a culture of leadership and professional growth.

Experience Professional Growth

Career advancement is a cornerstone of employment with the State of Washington. With programs designed to foster leadership skills and professional development, employees are encouraged to ascend through the ranks. The State of Washington is committed to providing career pathways that help individuals achieve their professional goals.

Engage in Diversity Training and Innovation

The State of Washington places a high priority on creating an inclusive work environment. Diversity training is integral, ensuring all team members understand and appreciate the value of differences. Innovation is at the heart of the State of Washington, where new ideas and perspectives lead to effective solutions and services.

Benefits and Culture

Employees at the State of Washington enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that supports both their professional and personal lives. Health benefits, retirement plans, and wellness programs are just the beginning. The culture here is built on mutual respect, collaboration, and a commitment to excellence.

Internship Programs

For those starting their career journey, internship opportunities provide a gateway to full-time employment and a chance to develop valuable industry skills. Internships at the State of Washington are designed to give hands-on experience and insights into the workings of state government.

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State of Washington is continuously hiring new talent. Interested candidates are encouraged to review open positions that match their skills and career interests. The hiring process is thorough, ensuring that both the candidate and the position are a perfect match.

Prepare for Your Interview

To help candidates succeed, State of Washington offers resources on how to effectively prepare for interviews. Tips on crafting a compelling resume and mastering interview techniques are available to ensure applicants present their best selves.

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Regular networking events and career fairs provide opportunities to connect with leaders in various fields and explore potential job openings. These events are ideal for sharing professional experiences, meeting potential mentors, and learning more about the State of Washington's mission and values.

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