Statewide Accountant

Title: Statewide Accountant

Location: Olympia United States

Job Description:

Please Note: The starting salary offer will be determined based on the successful candidates' qualifications within the starting salary range of $105,000 - $122,928 annually. Please note that there is career salary growth beyond this starting range for the successful candidate. 

Hybrid: Our physical office is in Olympia, WA. We offer flexible work schedules and locations. This is a hybrid position where most of the work allows for telework. However, you will need to travel to in-person activities, meetings, and events as needed for business purposes.  

Why work for OFM? 

The Office of Financial Management (OFM) serves as the backbone of Washington state government. Our mission is to make our state a better place by connecting people, budgets, policies, data, and systems for state agencies and the Legislature. Our team includes budget advisors, researchers, and other experts, all dedicated public servants working towards an equitable future for every Washingtonian. 

If you want to play a key role in enhancing how state government serves its citizens, you've found the right place. Join us in making a meaningful difference for every Washingtonian! 

The job opportunity 

Want a role where your accounting expertise has statewide impacts? Our Statewide Accounting Division supports how Washington State manages, reports, and safeguards public funds, and this position plays a key role in making that happen.

Our team manages the State Administrative and Accounting Manual (SAAM)-the playbook for how state dollars are accounted for and reported. We also prepare statewide financial reports, including the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) and the Statewide Single Audit Report, and support agencies as they navigate complex accounting questions, new laws, and evolving standards.

In this role, you'll serve state agencies as a trusted financial consultant. You'll regularly interpret state financial policies, laws, regulations, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), and Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) requirements and translate them into clear, practical guidance for agency leadership.  Collaboration is central to the job. You'll work closely with colleagues across the Accounting Division and partner with other OFM divisions to ensure agencies receive consistent, coordinated guidance on accounting, budgeting, and financial system impacts.

If you're looking for meaningful public service work where your expertise helps shape statewide financial practices, consider applying now!

What you'll work on 

• Serve as a consultant to state agencies by providing consulting services to an assigned set of state agencies, as well as others within OFM, in resolving financial and technical issues regarding state financial policies, state laws and regulations, and implementation of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) in accordance with state law. 
• Monitor agency financial data monthly for accuracy, appropriateness, and conformity with state statute, state allotment authority, and national standards for accounting and financial reporting. Includes analysis of and recommending corrections as necessary to the agency's monthly financial data.
• Review year-end data submissions by assigned state agencies. Coordinate adjusting entries when needed.  Consult with staff of the State Auditor's Office when necessary.
• Participate in the preparation of the State of Washington Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR).
• Maintain assigned provisions of the State Administrative & Accounting Manual (SAAM). This involves interpreting and responding to questions, coordinating appropriate changes to SAAM when state law or other regulations are amended, and developing resources and providing training on the assigned SAAM sections. 
• Develop and maintain assigned provisions in Washington Administrative and Accounting Manual (WAAM).  
• Assist with developing, reviewing, and providing feedback on statewide accounting training. Conduct instructor-led statewide accounting courses and present to state fiscal staff at statewide accounting meetings.
• Draft articles for the Statewide Accounting News.

What we need you to bring 

Required Qualifications:

• Advanced knowledge in preparing, reviewing, and analyzing journal entries and financial transactions; completing and reconciling general ledger and subsidiary accounts; identifying and preparing correcting entries; participating in month-end and fiscal year-end close processes; and applying Governmental Accounting Standards (GASB) accurately and consistently.

OR

• Advanced knowledge of conducting and supporting audits to assess compliance with state laws and federal regulations; performing audits of governmental financial statements; evaluating the effectiveness of internal controls; and documenting findings in accordance with professional auditing standards.

OR

• Demonstrated proficiency in interpreting accounting and reporting requirements; prepare or review governmental financial statements, notes, and required supplementary information (RSI); and ensure accurate, complete, and compliant financial reporting in accordance with GASB standards.

AND

• The ability to take action to learn and grow.

• The ability to meet the needs of others.

Desired Qualifications: 

• Bachelor's degree with a major in accounting or other related field, which included 10 semester hours or 15 quarter hours of college-level accounting.
• In-depth familiarity with Washington State laws, regulations, and administrative/accounting policies and generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).
• Experience working in the state of Washington's enterprise systems, such as AFRS and Enterprise Reporting.

We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one from a less traditional background. Don't let doubts stop you from applying for this position.  If you have transferable experience, please share it with us or contact us with questions about the required qualifications and how your experience aligns with them. 

Application Process: Once you've decided to apply for a state government job, you'll complete an online application to showcase your qualifications. Keep in mind that once you submit the application, a real person will read it. We do not use AI or other technology that screens your application and rejects it.  Please ensure that you provide clear and detailed information about your work history, allowing your qualifications to be accurately assessed. We will contact the top candidates directly to schedule interviews. If you require a reasonable accommodation during the application process, please call 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384. 

Your application will not be considered complete and sent to the hiring teams for review unless you attach all of the following: 

• Cover letter: describing your qualifications for this specific position 
• Resume: that details your applicable experience and education. 
• References: at least three professional references and their contact information.  

Questions: 

OFM's Staff ASL interpreter is available to all deaf and hard-of-hearing applicants. For questions about this recruitment or to request a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process, please email us at TalentAcquisition@ofm.wa.gov.  

 The Office of Financial Management is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, and disabled and Vietnam-era veterans are encouraged to apply.

This position is exempt from civil service rules.

For more information, please see WAC 357-19-195.