JOB
Financial Strategy and Support Consultant (WMS 2)At the Department of Commerce we strive to be creative, collaborative, and trusted. We identify opportunities to deliver critical funding and services to strengthen communities and aim to promote equity in all aspects of our work. We believe that a diverse and inclusive workforce is essential to our success, and we work to foster an environment where all individuals are valued and respected. We cultivate an environment in which we continuously learn, and we own our work. We invite all candidates to join us in our mission to create a diverse and equitable workplace that reflects the richness of the communities we serve. Together, we can build a brighter and more inclusive future.The Financial Services Division (FSD) provides professional accounting, budget, contracting, and internal control services that support Commerce’s financial health and compliance objectives. Serving all agency employees, vendors, contractors, and by extension communities across Washington, FSD is critical to Commerce’s effectiveness, efficiency and success.The Financial Strategy and Support Consultant, reporting to the Deputy Chief Financial Officer, provides specialized support for Commerce’s budget and accounting activities, with emphasis on budget development, legislative session activities, FSD policies, and other projects as assigned.The Financial Strategy and Support Consultant primarily serves as principal coordinator and liaison for legislative session activities to include decision package development, fiscal notes, monitoring and responding to external inquiries from the Office of Financial Management (OFM), and legislative support staff regarding Commerce activities. Ultimately responsible for effectively monitoring relevant legislative activities and requests for information, coordinating timely and complete responses, and collaborating with agency staff at all levels to advance Commerce’s policy and financial health goals.Following the direction of the Deputy Chief Financial Officer, this position also provides consultation, research, and ad hoc support in the management of FSD policies, initiatives, and agency-wide projects.
EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
Legislative Session Support and Information Management: • Monitor communication and requests for information exchanged between Commerce program staff and legislative fiscal staff, providing reasonable timelines for Commerce responses. • Gather, assess, and coordinate Commerce responses to budget related questions to the Office of Financial Management (OFM), and legislative non-partisan budget staff during budget development activities. • Collect, analyze and provide recommendations to the Deputy Chief Financial Officer, and Chief Financial Officer regarding agency-wide issues, concerns and errors arising from various budget releases in a clear, concise manner. Fiscal Note Process Coordination and Oversight: • Provide broad support for Commerce’s fiscal note processes which includes; • Providing training and resources to various staff members.• Communicating with OFM the need for fiscal note assignments, fiscal note assignment cancellations, providing periodic updates on the progress toward completing outstanding fiscal notes, and communicating revision requests to programs and assigned budget managers. • Conduct quality assurance reviews on fiscal notes with an emphasis on format, grammar, reasonable assumptions, and accuracy of calculations. • Coordinate and support timely revision requests with program and budget staff at the request of OFM. • Report to Commerce policy and legislative coordinators fiscal notes that may be high-profile or politically sensitive. Budget Development Support: • Conduct quality assurance reviews on decision packages with an emphasis on complete, accurate, reasonable assumptions and information that are compelling, succinct and plain-talked. • Coordinate meetings with OFM and respond to questions regarding decision packages submitted. • Develop, in collaboration with the agency budget director, fiscal impact statements for ballet measures impacting Commerce. • Assists agency budget director in coordinating meetings and disseminating information regarding agency one-time and ongoing funding. Division Policy Support: • At the direction of the Deputy Chief Financial Officer and in partnership with Financial Services Division leadership team members, provide broad technical and administrative support in the review, development and implementation of division policies that impact agency-wide operations. This includes: • Attending Organizational Policy Action Team (OPAT) representing Financial Services Division, • Conducting research and process reviews to assist with policy development and implementation, • Providing assistance with stakeholder engagement activities and policy after action reviews. Division and agency-wide initiatives and project support: • Provide technical and general administrative assistance as assigned in support of division and agency-wide initiatives and projects with significant strategic value. This includes: • Collaboration with project managers and other assigned staff to identify and carryout steps necessary for successful execution. • Providing assistance with stakeholder engagement activities and project after action reviews. • Conducting research and providing recommendations that inform division and agency strategy.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Work from Anywhere in Washington State This position may be located anywhere within Washington State though occasional travel to a Commerce office building or in-state travel to attend events or meetings may be required. If selected, you will need to travel to pick up equipment and receive instruction. Many Commerce employees work remote or have a hybrid schedule. This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies over the next 60 days.Technical support is provided by NEOGOV, 855-524-5627 (can't log in, password or email issues, error messages). DES job seeker support may answer general questions regarding the recruiting system at careershelp@des.wa.gov. Our Commitment to Equal Opportunity The Washington State Department of Commerce 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, veterans or people with military status, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply. Persons needing accommodation in the application, testing, or interview process or this job announcement in an alternative format may email Human Resources at Human.Resources@commerce.wa.gov. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388. Department of Commerce also offers a competitive benefits package including: medical and dental insurance benefits, retirement and deferred compensation plans, 11 paid holidays each year, 14-25 vacation days per year (depending on length of employment), 8 hours of sick leave per month (if full time employed), bereavement leave, an employee assistance program, as well as other benefits. Please see the Benefits Tab for more details.