Job Description

The salary range for this position is: $9,543 - $12,725 monthly.

Thurston County Auditor’s Office is recruiting for a Financial Services Manager to provide overall leadership and management of the Financial Services Division within the Thurston County Auditor’s Office. This position directs a diverse team of professional Accountants and Financial Analysts, ensuring the effective administration of the County’s financial operations. Areas of oversight include accounting, accounts payable, payroll, grants management, budget monitoring, capital assets, project costing, and compliance with countywide financial guidelines. The Financial Services Manager is also responsible for the preparation and oversight of the County’s Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR), cost allocation plan, and the State Auditor’s Office (SAO) required reporting. This role serves as a key advisor and partner to elected officials, department directors, and external agencies, fostering collaborative relationships and providing strategic financial guidance.

This at-will position is appointed by, and serves at the pleasure of, the elected County Auditor

Essential functions may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Manage operations of the Financial Services division to achieve goals within budgeted funds and available personnel.
• Provide planning leadership and direction; develop strategic short- and long-range goals and objectives for efficient operations.
• Plan and organize workloads and staff assignments, review progress, and adjust priorities to ensure efficient work performance.
• Ensure the effective implementation, ongoing updates, and continuous improvement of the Oracle Cloud Fusion ERP system and related accounting processes.
• Investigate employee issues, grievances, and complaints; implement resolutions or take disciplinary actions as appropriate.
• Control, monitor, and administer the financial accountability of the County in recording and reporting financial data, including the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR), Indirect Cost Plan, and other required reports.
• Ensure accounting and financial systems comply with BARS, Governmental Auditing and Accounting Principles, RCWs, local ordinances, and applicable state/federal regulations.
• Ensure the County’s fiscal position is accurately represented to management and in public reports.
• Provide consulting services to departments, advisory groups, and the Board of County Commissioners; lead or participate in accounting task teams.
• Serve as ex officio member and secretary to the Financial Management Committee and Internal Audit Committee.
• Collaborate with County departments to establish priorities for departmental accounting personnel.

To view the full job classification, click here:  Financial Services Manager

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work Environment – Quiet office setting located in Olympia, Washington. Work is primarily performed at a desk or workstation using a computer and standard office equipment. Hybrid and remote work options are available based on business needs and performance.
• Schedule – Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Occasional extended hours may be required to meet critical deadlines. Alternative work schedules may be available.
• Travel Requirements – Limited travel may be required to attend meetings, trainings, or provide onsite support to other offices and departments.
• Customer Interactions – Regular interaction with internal customers, including elected officials, department staff, and other government agencies. Communication occurs via phone, email, virtual meetings, and in-person consultations.

WHO WE ARE:

The Auditor’s Office is a leader in implementing innovative solutions, a trusted source of financial information, and a catalyst for positive change. We are committed to embracing new technologies, delivering exceptional customer service, supporting ongoing employee development, and fostering open, honest, and respectful communication.

Our core values guide how we work and collaborate with others:

• Communication – We prioritize active listening and clear messaging to ensure consistent communication and managed expectations.
• Integrity and Accountability – We uphold the highest standards, honoring our commitments and taking responsibility for our actions by providing transparent, honest, and impartial services.
• Teamwork – We value collaboration and the collective contributions of all team members, fostering a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to achieve shared goals.
• Respect – We honor diverse perspectives and treat everyone with civility and dignity, seeking common ground in all interactions.
• Excellence – We are dedicated to achieving excellence through professionalism, integrity, and enthusiasm in all that we do.
• Efficiency and Effectiveness – We continuously seek innovative, resourceful solutions that enhance our services while ensuring fiscal responsibility.
• Customer Service – We are committed to providing courteous, responsive, and reliable service, sharing our expertise to support and empower our customers.

As a vital part of Thurston County’s public service infrastructure, we support a broad array of stakeholders, including county departments, the Board of County Commissioners, citizens and taxpayers, other governmental agencies, vendors, financial institutions, and special districts.

Thurston County values the diversity of the people it hires and serves. Inclusion to us means fostering a workplace in which individual differences are recognized, appreciated, and responded to in ways that fully develop and utilize each person’s talents and strengths. We are dedicated to recruiting and developing a talented workforce from various cultures, lifestyles, backgrounds, and perspectives who are committed to our vision and core values.  Thurston County Racial Equity and Inclusion Webpage

WHAT WE OFFER OUR EMPLOYEES:

• 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.
• Plan For Your Future: As a member of our team, you will enjoy great employee benefits, including a retirement plan, pre-tax savings accounts, as well as comprehensive health care and dental/vision care for you and your family. Please visit  Thurston County Employee Benefit Plans for more information.
• Paid Leave: Full-time regular employees earn paid vacation in addition to paid  holidays
• Robust Training Program: Employees are encouraged to attend County paid training to help them further their career, learn new skill sets, and stay on top of emerging trends in our industry. We also encourage our staff to participate in professional organizations and attend conferences.
• Flexible Work Schedules: Some of the options that employees may take advantage of include alternative or compressed schedules and/or remote working.
• Deferred Compensation: The County offers 3 voluntary deferred compensation plans for employees who would like to set aside additional deferred tax dollars into a retirement savings plan.
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)  Employees can take advantage of Section 125 flexible spending accounts for out-of-pocket health care and daycare expenses with pre-tax dollars.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness: This is a federal program which allows full-time public service employees who have made qualifying payments for certain loans, to get their student loans repaid.  Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

Why you’ll love it here: Thurston County is located between Seattle and Portland in Western Washington’s South Puget Sound Region. Perched in between the mountains and the ocean, the area boasts the perfect blend of year-round outdoor activities including boating, hiking, skiing, and more. The region is also home to the state capitol city of Olympia, known for its many restaurants, microbreweries, coffee shops, farmer’s markets, kids’ activities, history, and art events. Discover more about life in Thurston County at  Experienceolympia.com

Message to potential applicants: We understand that some potential applicants are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the functions or skills listed in a job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and we understand that may be someone who will learn some of these skills on the job. If you are interested in this position, and meet the minimum qualifications, we encourage you to go ahead and apply! Feel free to think about how you will bring your own set of skills to the role and tell us about the potential that you hold. 

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration or a closely related field.
• Four (4) years of increasingly responsible experience in government finance, accounting, auditing, and financial reporting, with two (2) years of supervisory experience and three years of budget management or experience in managing a professional accounting office.
• Advanced and comprehensive working knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, Governmental Accounting Standard Board's pronouncements (statements, interpretations, technical bulletins, and exposure drafts), Financial Accounting Standards Board pronouncements, Generally Accepted Auditing Standards, and other pronouncements of nationally recognized accounting and auditing organizations.
• Ability to utilize a personal computer and related software packages to perform word processing, analysis, information retrieval and tracking.

DESIRED SKILLS: 

• Seven (7) or more years of experience leading an accounting function in a large governmental organization.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in the State of Washington.
• MBA or MPA in finance, accounting, management, business administration, or equivalent.
• Experienced in the preparation of an Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR).
• Experience working Oracle’s Fusion Cloud Platform (ERP).
• Advanced and comprehensive working knowledge of designing, developing and implementing automated financial information systems.
• Advanced knowledge of GAAP, GASB pronouncements, and Financial Accounting Standards.
• Advanced and comprehensive knowledge of federal and state grant regulations and other cost accounting standards related to indirect cost plans.
• Advanced knowledge of Washington State’s Budgeting, Accounting, and Reporting System (BARS) for local governments.
• Excellent facilitation and written communication skills.

OTHER RELATED RECRUITMENT INFORMATION:

Questions about this recruitment? Please contact:  Brandon Weber, Chief Deputy Auditor, at (360) 490-4211 or brandon.weber@co.thurston.wa.us 

This position is:

• Not represented by a Union
• At-Will
• Not eligible for overtime under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
• Eligible for benefits
• Required to pass a background check

Items requested for consideration:

• Application
• Resume
• Letter of Interest

Please note: Information in this announcement is subject to change without notice at any time during the length of the job advertisement.

THURSTON COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Thurston County is committed to provide equal opportunity to all persons seeking or having access to its employment, services and activities, which is free from restriction based on race, sex, marital status, color, creed or religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, including gender expression or identity, pregnancy, status as an honorably discharged veteran or military status, genetic information, or the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability, unless based upon bona fide occupational qualifications. Applicants with disabilities who need accommodation with the application or selection process should contact Thurston County’s Human Resources, at (360) 786-5498. Those who are deaf, deaf-blind, hard of hearing or speech impaired may use the statewide relay system to reach Thurston County offices and departments to conduct their business telephonically. Relay users can simply dial 7-1-1 (or 1-800-833-6388) to connect with Washington Relay.