Financial Process Improvement Manager - WMS Band 1 - Project - 2025-09247
Title – Financial Process Improvement Manager
Classification - WMS Band 1
Job Status - Full-Time/Project
Anticipated Project Length: 17 Months – February 2, 2026 – June 30, 2027
WDFW Program – Financial Services Program – Fiscal Office
Duty Station – Olympia, Washington – Thurston County
Closing Date- 1/7/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!
As the Financial Process Improvement Manager, you will provide strategic leadership over complex, statewide financial processes, including system development and integration, with a primary focus on the Office of Financial Management’s (OFM) OneWashington initiative and the transition to Workday.
While this position will have significant influence over financial systems, metrics, and internal controls, your primary focus will be payroll operations, including employee compensation, salary, and benefits distribution.
This role offers the opportunity to leverage your leadership skills and drive continuous improvement by developing, implementing, and delivering training on critical financial processes, ensuring the efficient, accurate, and compliant use of resources.
Through policy development and system enhancements, you will help maintain WDFW’s reputation for financial integrity and credibility while maximizing the resources necessary to achieve the agency’s mission.
What to Expect-
In this role, the Financial Process Improvement Manager is relied on for its expertise and consultation in financial management, involving complex issues that affect all areas of the agency. Key responsibilities include:
Serve as a key financial advisor to the Fiscal Officer, Chief Financial Officer, and to the WDFW Executive Management team on all aspects of WDFW accounting and business activities.
Serve as the Department's financial representative on statewide interagency work groups.
Develop and administer policies and procedures, and directives pertaining to salary and benefit administration, and time accounting. Provides the training to the necessary work units and/or agency regarding these areas.
Manage supervisors who are responsible for the appropriate and optimum use of staff time and resources as it relates to payroll management; salary and benefit administration, employee timekeeping, tax accounting, settlement disbursements, federal reporting and financial reports, labor distribution including composite rate distributions.
Collaborate closely with IT and HR on the introduction of new financial rules, laws, and systems.
Serve as the agency's financial advisor during the transition to Workday, providing strategic guidance and expert knowledge on integrating internal systems with Workday.
Serve as a statewide and agency subject matter expert to develop and/or enhance systems that provide financial information to the agency managers so that they can effectively administer their programs.
Working Conditions:
Work Setting, including hazards: Office setting - position has a requirement of 60% in-person with a potential allowance of 40% telework determined after initial onboarding and training, at the discretion of the hiring manager.
Schedule: Monday - Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., may be expected to adjust work schedule to meet business needs. A flexible work schedule may be considered at the incumbent’s request, subject to supervisory approval.
Travel Requirements: Some travel is required and is typically local or regional, to meet with field staff or to attend or provide trainings.
Qualifications:
Required Qualifications:
Option 1:
(All of the following - experience may be gained concurrently).
- A Bachelor's degree, which includes 18 quarter or 12 semester hours in accounting, auditing, or budgeting.
- One (1) year of experience in financial management, budget, or accounting at large, complex organization(s).
- Two (2) years of supervisory experience.
Option 2:
(All of the following - experience may be gained concurrently).
- Five (5) years of progressively responsible professional experience in financial management, budget, or accounting at large, complex organization(s).
- Two (2) years of supervisory experience.
Preferred Qualifications:
In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess one or more of the following:
- Advanced knowledge of and ability to effectively use state accounting/payroll and time keeping systems, state laws, policies, and procedures for fiscal and administrative issues, and federal laws impacting financial activities.
- Demonstrated expertise in the integration and implementation of enterprise financial systems.
- Demonstrated proficiency in utilizing Agency Financial Reporting System (AFRS), the Statewide Accounting System, and Human Resource Management System (HRMS) for financial and payroll operations, with foundational familiarity in Workday functionality and processes.
- Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, work collaboratively with, and present complex financial material to all levels of management and staff.
- Familiarity with Workday functionality and processes - and of Washington Workforce Analytics (WWA) and Web Intelligence (Webi) for data analysis and reporting.
- Knowledge and experience applying Lean or other continuous improvement methodologies to improve efficiency, streamline workflows, and enhance customer satisfaction.
- Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of federal and state laws and rules regarding compensation and pay.
- Demonstrated knowledge of state and federal contracting and procurement laws, policies, and procedures.
Your application should include the following:
- A completed online application showcasing how your qualifications align with the job requirements.
- An up-to-date resume.
- A cover letter detailing your interest in the position, your relevant skills and experience, and why you are the ideal candidate.
- At least three professional references with current contact information.
Supplemental Information
In addition to pay and other special employee programs, there are other benefits that WDFW employees may be eligible for. Click the “Benefits” tab at the top of this announcement to learn more.
Important Note:
All new employees must complete an Employment Eligibility Verification Form (I-9 Form) on their first day of work. If hired for this or any position at WDFW, you will be required to provide documentation proving you are eligible to work in the United States. For a list of acceptable documents, please use the following link: https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents
Veteran and Military Spouse Preference Notice:
Per RCW 73.16.010 Veterans and qualifying spouses who meet the minimum qualifications of a position are eligible for preference during the initial application review stage. To receive this benefit, please do the following:
- Notify us of your veteran or military spouse status by email at kaila.daudt@dfw.wa.gov.
-
Veterans only – Attach a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22 or USDVA signed verification of service letter.
- Please redact any PII (personally identifiable information) data such as social security numbers.
- Subject line must include recruitment number, position, and spouse/veteran (example: 2025-1234 – Biologist 1 – Veteran)
- Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Employer
As part of WDFW’s efforts to advance respectful and inclusive work environments, the Agency expects inclusivity as part of our professional interactions and communications. Therefore, we want to ensure that all individuals feel welcome, are treated fairly and respectfully. All staff are empowered to fully contribute to serving their work unit, Agency, and the citizens of Washington.
The Department of Fish and Wildlife 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, disabled and Vietnam era veterans and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.
Request an accommodation: Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format please contact Jayme Chase by phone 360-902-2278 or email Jayme.Chase@dfw.wa.gov, or the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at 800-833-6388.
Technical Difficulties: If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, please call NEOGOV toll-free at (855) 524-5627 or support@neogov.com.
Other questions: If you have other questions regarding this position, please reach out to kaila.daudt@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2025-09247.