About WSDOT
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is a multimodal agency with a global reputation for excellence. Our dedicated workforce plans, designs, builds, and operates an integrated transportation system that safely and efficiently moves people and goods throughout the state. In addition to maintaining over 20,000 lane miles of state highway and 4,100 bridges, WSDOT leads an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, manages the world’s longest floating bridge, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!
The Opportunity
WSDOT’s Accounting & Financial Services Division (AFS) is seeking an experienced and collaborative leader to serve as the Assistant Director of Payroll and Financial System Operations in Lacey, Washington. In this critical leadership role, you will help guide statewide payroll operations and large-scale financial system modernization efforts that support WSDOT’s mission of delivering safe, reliable, and cost-effective transportation solutions for Washington communities. Reporting to the Deputy Director of Accounting & Financial Services, this position provides strategic direction and expert oversight for payroll operations, financial systems implementation, maintenance and operations, regulatory compliance, and agency-wide financial reporting. A strong candidate will bring demonstrated expertise in complex financial systems, project and change management, governmental accounting principles, cross-functional leadership, and operational problem-solving, along with the ability to communicate effectively, build strong partnerships, and lead teams through high-impact organizational transformation.
What to Expect
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Assistant Director of Payroll and Financial System Operations will:
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Lead and manage the Financial & Systems Consulting Services and Payroll teams, including performance management, training, and development of accounting and information technology professionals.
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Ensure WSDOT employees are paid accurately, timely, and in compliance with all applicable regulations and collective bargaining agreements.
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Serve as a key advisor to the AFS Director and Deputy Director on financial system implementation, modernization, stabilization and maintenance operation efforts.
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Act as a liaison between AFS leadership and project teams to support implementation activities, including team resourcing, customer support, reconciliations, issue resolution, and operational readiness.
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Address critical system failures and complex financial system issues during maintenance and operations to ensure compliance, operational continuity, and resolution of risks impacting financial reporting and internal controls.
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Develop, administer, and modify statewide accounting and financial policies to ensure alignment with agency business needs, system design, GAAP standards, and federal and state regulations.
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Lead system analysis, testing, implementation, and training activities related to complex financial regulations, policies, and statewide financial system modernization initiatives.
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Collaborate with AFS leadership, project teams, and agency stakeholders to identify business needs, coordinate statewide training, prioritize system enhancements, and support successful implementation and long-term maintenance of financial systems.
Qualifications
To be considered for this opportunity, the following competencies are required:
Technical and Professional Expertise
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Demonstrated ability to apply advanced principles of business administration, accounting, or information technology to solve complex financial or operational challenges.
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Proven expertise in navigating and supporting complex financial systems, including system development, configuration, testing, implementation, and troubleshooting.
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Demonstrated ability to lead and coordinate teams through all phases of financial system implementation, with increasing responsibility across multiple projects or workstreams.
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Ability to manage technical projects using formal project management methodologies, tools, and practices, ensuring deliverables meet scope, timeline, and quality standards.
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Ability to conduct sophisticated data and system analysis to identify issues, interpret results, and recommend effective solutions.
Leadership and Management
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Skill in leading cross-functional teams through change, with the ability to motivate, coordinate, and guide team members to achieve project and organizational goals.
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Ability to plan, prioritize, and manage multiple complex projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.
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Ability to work independently, make informed decisions, and exercise sound judgment with minimal supervision.
Communication and Interpersonal Skills
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Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate technical information for non-technical audiences and prepare clear, concise documentation.
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Strong relationship-building skills, with the ability to engage effectively with customers, stakeholders, and team members through written, verbal, and in-person interactions.
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Demonstrated ability to provide high-quality customer service, including the ability to understand customer needs, offer guidance, and maintain positive working relationships through on-site and remote support.
Behavioral and Workplace Skills
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Ability to perform effectively under pressure, managing competing priorities and adapting to rapidly changing requirements.
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Strong organizational skills, including attention to detail, time management, and the ability to track and coordinate multiple work activities.
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Demonstrated commitment to teamwork and collaboration, contributing to a positive, productive, and inclusive work environment.
Growth Mindset
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Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
Service-Oriented
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Takes action to meet the needs of others.
It is preferred that qualified candidates also demonstrate:
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Project Management Framework Expertise: Advanced knowledge of project management and framework.
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Collective Bargaining Agreements Knowledge: Advanced knowledge of WSDOT collective bargaining agreements.
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Financial Systems Implementation Experience: Advanced experience implementing financial systems.
To review the full Position Description, please follow the directions in the Contact Us section of this posting.
Important Notes
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This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
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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 Collective Bargaining Agreements. Information on other compensation types for non-represented positions can be found in Chapter 357-28 of the Washington Administrative Code.
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This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
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WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system, therefore we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov.
Why WSDOT
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Work-Life Balance – We are committed to ensure that our staff experience the reward of public service, while also sustaining a routine that suits each individuals’ lifestyle. As such, there are a number of flexible schedule options available, including telework options for eligible positions.
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Paid Leave – In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees may earn up to 25 paid vacation days per year!
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Tuition Assistance – Permanent employees have several options for assistance with education expenses, including tuition reimbursement programs, government discounts at participating colleges throughout the state, and eligibility for federal student loan forgiveness.
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Plan For Your Future – WSDOT offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes a variety of healthcare options. Employees also have their choice of state retirement programs, and much more. Go to State Benefits for more information.
Check out this video to learn more: Why WSDOT?
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:
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An attached Resume outlining (in reverse chronological order) your experience to date.
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An attached Cover Letter that further explains your qualifications and indicates why you believe you are a viable candidate for this role.
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Contact details for a minimum three (3) individuals who can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job-related competencies. This information can 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.
WSDOT is an equal opportunity employer. We value the importance of creating an environment in which all employees can feel respected, included, and empowered to bring unique ideas to the agency. Our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds and viewpoints while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace. All persons, regardless of race, ethnicity, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, and/ or gender identity, are encouraged to apply. Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the listed Recruiter.
WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system, therefore we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov
Contact Us
For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at [email protected] . Please be sure to reference 26DOT-HQ-0W698 in the subject line.
