Contracts, Grants, Loans, and General Accounting Manager (WMS Band 1)

Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen

The Department of Ecology is hiring a Contracts, Grants, Loans, and General Accounting Manager (WMS Band 1)within Financial Services.

Location:

• Headquarters Office in Lacey, WA.
• Upon hire, you must live within a commutable distance from the duty station.

Schedule:

• This position is eligible for telework and flexible schedule options.
• A minimum of one day per week is required in the office.
• Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change.

Application Timeline: 

• Apply by June 9, 2026.
• Applications submitted after the date above may be reviewed only if additional qualified applicants are needed.

Duties

In this role, you will provide senior-level financial analysis, consulting, policy and procedure development, and agency-wide communication and implementation strategies on financial/budget issues having agency-wide impact to ensure financial integrity, stability, and accountability for the agency. You will analyze new or updated statewide financial systems and policies administered by the Office of Financial Management, the Office of the State Treasurer, Federal Agencies, and others to determine the impact to Ecology, and provide implementation recommendations. You will also analyze agency business and financial practices that impact the financial infrastructure of Ecology, make recommendations for improvements, and implement final recommendations. All of which assists Ecology in providing its customers, both internal and external, with the highest level of integrity and confidence in the agency’s financial practices and information.

What you will do:

• Responsible for the financial administration of Ecology grant, contract, and loan agreements that protect, preserve, and enhance Washington’s environment, and promote the wise management of our air, land, and water for the benefit of current and future generations.
• Exercise authority to guide and influence the agency in the compliance and financial monitoring of federal grants, and ensure that grant regulations, rules, and policies are followed.
• Provide expert-level advice, consultation, and technical support to all agency programs, ensuring compliance with both state and federal requirements for agency contract, grant, and loan agreements.
• In collaboration with agency budget staff, is responsible for developing the agency chart of accounts to ensure the integrity and transmission of agency financial data are complete and accurate for state and federal compliance and reporting.
• Supervise and direct a well-trained, professional team in providing the best accounting resources for the agency.

Qualifications

For detailed information on how we calculate experience and responses to other frequently asked questions, please visit our Recruitment website.

Required Qualifications:

Eight (8) years of experience and/or education as described below:

Experience: Accounting, auditing, budgeting, including three (3) years of supervising or leading teams.

Experience must include demonstrated competence in the following skill sets: 

• Advanced Knowledge of State Accounting – Ability to understand and effectively use state accounting systems, laws, policies, and procedures to ensure all financial activities are accurate, compliant, and aligned with state and federal requirements.
• Communication and Collaboration – Ability to explain financial information clearly and work effectively with all levels of management and staff to support understanding, informed decision-making, and coordinated action.
• Budget System Knowledge – Ability to understand state budget systems and work collaboratively with budget managers and staff to ensure financial information is accurate, consistent, and aligned with budget decisions.
• Process Improvement – Ability to analyze existing processes, identify gaps or inefficiencies, and design improved approaches to increase the accuracy, consistency, and effectiveness of financial operations.
• Workload and Time Management – Ability to plan, prioritize, and organize work to meet deadlines and manage multiple responsibilities effectively.
• Confidentiality – Ability to use sound judgment and maintain confidentiality to support trusted and reliable fiscal operations.
• Leadership – Ability to guide, support, and develop staff to build a high performing unit that meets agency financial and compliance obligations.

Education: involving a major study in a financial related field, certification as a Public Accountant, Internal Auditor, Certified Governmental Financial Manager, or Management Accountant, Any degree which includes 18 quarter or 12 semester hours in accounting, auditing, or budgeting.

Examples of how to qualify:

• 8 years of experience.
• 7 years of experience AND 30-59 semester or 45-89 quarter college credits.
• 6 years of experience AND 60-89 semester or 90-134 quarter college credits (Associate’s degree).
• 5 years of experience AND 90-119 semester or 135-179 quarter college credits.
• 4 years of experience AND a Bachelor’s degree.
• 2 years of experience AND a Master’s degree.
• 1 years of experience AND a Ph.D.

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

Employee must read, sign, and abide by the Financial Services/Fiscal Office Agreement on Confidential Information (Part A), Internal Control Responsibility (Part B), Safeguarding and Preventing Misuse of Ecology’s Data (Part C).

Desired Qualifications:

• Change Management – Demonstrated ability to guide staff through process changes and system transitions to improve unit performance and maintain operational stability.
• Advanced Data Analysis – Demonstrated ability to use analytical techniques and data visualization tools to identify trends, improve reporting accuracy, and support decision-making.
• Continuous Improvement Mindset – Demonstrated ability to evaluate existing processes to identify opportunities for streamlining, automation, and elimination of redundant steps.

If you are excited about this role and meet the required qualifications, we encourage you to apply. Desired qualifications reflect additional knowledge, skills, or experience that are nice to have but not required. Studies have shown that some applicants, especially women and people of color, are less likely to apply unless they meet every listed qualification. At the Department of Ecology, we are dedicated to building a diverse and authentic workplace centered in belonging, and we welcome applicants with varied backgrounds and unique perspectives.

Supplemental Information

Ecology 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.

Application Process

Ecology seeks diverse applicants: We view diversity, equity, inclusion, and respect through a broad lens including race, ethnicity, class, age, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, immigration status, military background, language, education, life experience, physical disability, neurodiversity, and intersectional identities. Qualified job seekers from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

How to Apply

Click “Apply” at the top of this page. Complete the entire application, including full work history and responses to all supplemental questions, and attach:

• Cover letter, describing your interest in and qualifications for this position
• Resume

Because we base our selection on the information you provide, it is in your best interest to complete the application thoroughly. A resume will not substitute for the “work experience” section of the application or vice versa. Applications with blank fields or supplemental question responses with comments such as “see resume” may be considered incomplete.

For detailed application information, please visit our Recruitment website.

Application Attestation: By submitting an application, you are affirming that the information contained in your application and on all attachments is complete and truthful. The state may verify this information, and any false or misleading answers may result in rejection of your application or dismissal if employed.

Need an Accommodation?

If you need reasonable accommodation during the application and/or screening process, including this job announcement in an alternate format:

• Please contact us at 360-407-6186 or careers@ecy.wa.gov
• If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 711 or 1-800-833-6384.

Questions?

• For specific questions about the position location options, schedule, or duties, please contact Beth Swanson at Beth.Swanson@ecy.wa.gov 
• If you need assistance applying for this job, are inquiring about the status of your application, would like to request the full position description, or have any other questions, please contact the Recruitment Team atcareers@ecy.wa.gov

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Respect (DEIR) are core values central to Ecology's work. We strive to be a workplace where we are esteemed for sharing our authentic identities, while advancing our individual professional goals and collaborating to protect, preserve, and enhance the environment for current and future generations.

We believe that DEIRis both a goal and an action. We are on a journey, honoring our shared humanity and taking steps to demonstrate our commitment to a vision where each of us is heard, seen, and valued.

Ecology employees may be eligible for the following: Medical/Dental/Vision for employee & dependent(s), Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), Vacation, Sick, and other Leave, 11 Paid Holidays per year, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, Tuition Waiver, Long Term Disability & Life Insurance, Deferred Compensation Programs, Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP), Flexible Spending Arrangement (FSA), Employee Assistance Program, Commute Trip Reduction Incentives,Combined Fund Drive, SmartHealth *Click here for more information

To learn more about Ecology, please visit our website, explore Working at Ecology, check out our Strategic Plan, and connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, or our blog.

Equal Opportunity Employer:The Washington State Department of Ecology 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, military spouses or people with military status, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.

Note: This recruitment may be used to fill other positions of the same job classification across the agency.