Are you a talented leader with a strong background in finance and accounting? Would you enjoy supporting an outstanding team dedicated to the responsible management of Washington State public employees' retirement funds? Do you value working in a culture of diversity, inclusion, accessibility and belonging? If your answers are Yes, the role of Trust Accounting Manager at the Department of Retirement Services may be the ideal opportunity for you!
This recruitment will remain open until filled. Applicants who apply by October 6, 2024, will get first consideration. The hiring manager reserves the right to make a hiring decision at any time during the recruitment process.
The Opportunity:
Reporting to the Fiscal Manager in the Administrative Services Division (ASD), the Trust Accounting Manager provides leadership and direction for all cash receipting and defined contribution activities, as well as cash flows of all defined benefit trust funds administered by the agency. In this role, you will oversee, lead and direct the Trust Accounting Team in ensuring accurate and efficient cash receipting and accounting of retirement funds on behalf of the members of the eight retirement systems, 15 retirement plans, and the Deferred Compensation Program administered by the Department of Retirement Systems (DRS).
Some of what you’ll do includes:
- Providing leadership and direction for all agency cash reporting operations. Serving as the key advisor on cash handling, providing strategic and tactical guidance in ensuring the financial resources entrusted to DRS are safeguarded through precise accounting for retirement funds.
- Planning, leading, organizing, controlling, and directing the work performed by the Trust Accounting team to ensure accurate and effective cash receipting and accounting of retirement funds as well as appropriate and optimum use of the team’s resources.
- Enhancing and supporting the effectiveness of team members through timely performance appraisals, setting of performance expectations, professional development opportunities, and by serving as a resource.
- Managing the overall collection of approximately $6 billion annually in retirement contributions and transfer of over $1.25 billion annually in defined contributions for investment with the agency’s record keeper.
- Directing the cash flow communications and quarterly projections for all eleven of the agency's trust funds, which are provided to the State Investment Board to facilitate maximized investment of the $170 billion retirement trust funds, while retaining balances necessary to pay pension benefits as they are due.
- Developing and maintaining critical relationships with the State Investment Board, the State Treasurer’s Office, and the agency’s record keeper, to ensure high quality service and communication is provided to partners and customers of the retirement systems.
What we’re looking for (required qualifications):
- Proven experience providing leadership and direction for accurate and effective cash management and accounting of funds to ensure the safeguarding of financial resources. (This is typically gained from a minimum of five (5) years of full-time experience overseeing a professional accounting program. A Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or closely allied field may substitute for up to two (2) years of experience.)
- Proven experience providing supportive and engaged leadership for a high performing team, including setting goals and expectations, providing effective direction and feedback, promptly addressing issues, and conducting timely performance appraisals (This is typically gained through a minimum of two (2) years of professional experience.)
- Demonstrated experience with the state’s Agency Financial Reporting System (AFRS) is highly desirable.
- Demonstrated knowledge and use of spreadsheet software (e.g., Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, etc.).
- Demonstrated proficiency in the following competency areas:
Customer FocusDedicated to meeting the expectations and requirements of customers. Delivers high quality services and products. Establishes and maintains effective customer relationships. Committed to continuous improvement and always acts with the customer in mind.
AnalysisStudies and reviews documents and information closely; readily identifies information that is not pertinent and understands when additional or verifying information is needed. Uses data and information in a clear and rational thought process to assess and understand issues, evaluate options, form accurate conclusions, and make recommendations/decisions.
Leading OthersProvides for and fosters a work environment that emphasizes the coaching, development, motivation, recognition and accountability of others. Sets clear goals and expectations, delegates work appropriately, and values and uses feedback; demonstrates the courage to address performance problems and issues promptly. Treats team members equitably.
CommunicationEffectively conveys information in writing and through the spoken word, using language that is appropriate to both the complexity of the topic and the knowledge and understanding of the audience. Sees communication as a vital component of high performing teams.
Fiscal AccountabilityResponsibly and accurately handles the public's money in processing financial transactions and committing fiscal resources. Consistently follows applicable fiscal guidelines, regulations, principles and standards and produces work within limits and standards of accuracy.
Ethics, Integrity, Values, and TrustEarns the trust, respect and confidence of others through consistent honesty, forthrightness, and professionalism in all interactions. Keeps confidences and admits mistakes. Is seen as being direct and truthful in all situations. Displays extremely high standards of integrity and ethical conduct and models the behaviors expected of others in the organization.
Commitment to DiversityRecognizes the value of diversity. Helps maintain an environment that embraces and supports diversity, equity and inclusion.
To be considered, please attach the following to your online application:
- A cover letter clearly describing how your knowledge, skills and abilities align with the job duties and qualifications of this position and why this position interests you.
How to Apply:
Interested applicants who meet the qualifications and competencies in this announcement are encouraged to apply. Be sure to complete all sections of the online application and answer all supplemental questions. The work history section of the online application should be completed fully. Application fields that say "see resume/attachment" will not be considered. Only those applicants whose background and experience most closely matches the desirable qualifications and competencies of this position will be considered for this opportunity.
References, Personnel File Review, and Background Checks
- If you are the preferred candidate for this position, a professional reference from your current or most recent supervisor will be required;
- If you are current or recent state employee, we will also review your personnel file as part of our selection process;
- A job offer is contingent upon completion of a background check that includes a criminal record review.
Work Authorization
- Candidates who are offered a job with DRS must possess work authorization that does not require sponsorship by the employer for a visa now or in the future;
- DRS complies with the employment eligibility verification requirements of the federal employment eligibility verification form, I-9. The selected candidate must be able to provide proof of identity and eligibility to work in the United States consistent with the requirements of that form on the first day of employment.
- DRS does not use E-Verify; therefore, we are not eligible to extend STEM-Optional Practice Training (OPT). For information, please visit www.uscis.gov.
Why Work for DRS?
At DRS, we are one team. We administer eight public retirement systems, 15 retirement plans, and the Deferred Compensation Program, and we serve over 930,000 current and former public employees in Washington. Our customers include fire fighters, teachers and school employees, state and local government employees, and public safety and law enforcement officers.
Regardless of what our specific duties may be, we are all dedicated to one purpose: ensuring our members have the information, tools, expertise and services that ensure they receive the retirement benefits earned while in public service. We foster a diverse and inclusive environment where team members are fully engaged and supported in meeting (and exceeding) our customers’ expectations. All DRS leaders are focused on providing the coaching, mentoring, resources and support that team members need to be successful.
At DRS, team members enjoy:
- Flexible work schedules
- Free parking
- Commute Trip Reduction Program
- Infants at Work Program
- Tuition reimbursement
- Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness
- Opportunities for professional growth
- Subscription to LinkedIn Learning
- Commitment to team member safety and wellness
- Community involvement/charitable giving
Veteran's Preference: Applicants wishing to claim Veteran's Preference should attach a copy of their DD214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22, or signed verification of service letter from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs to their application. Please remove or redact any personally identifiable information such as social security numbers and year of birth. For additional information on Veteran's Preference and guidance on how to determine if you are eligible, click here.
The Washington State Department of Retirement Systems is an equal opportunity employer supporting diversity, equity and inclusion. DRS does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, race, creed, color, national origin, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability.
If you need assistance with the online application or have questions regarding the recruitment, please contact Human Resource office at drs.recruitment@drs.wa.gov. Persons of disability needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this announcement in an alternate format, may call the Human Resources Office at (360) 664-7208 or TTY Relay Service at 711.
Come join the DRS team!
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