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
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.
• 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 Information on other compensation types for non-represented positions can be found in of the Washington Administrative Code.

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.
Contact Us

For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at 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. 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