Budget Manager (WMS2)

About WSDOTWashington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is a multimodal organization with a global reputation for excellence! Our dedicated workforce is responsible to plan, design, build, and operate an integrated transportation system that safely and efficiently moves people and goods throughout the state. In addition to maintaining over 18,000 lane miles of state highway and 4,100 bridges, WSDOT manages the world's longest floating bridge, executes an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, holds a record for the world's widest tunneling project, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!The OpportunityWSDOT’s Budget & Financial Analysis Division Central Budget Office is seeking a self-motivated financial professional with excellent analytical and customer service skills to take on the role of Budget Manager in our Headquarters Budget Office. As one of six Budget Managers in the office, this position is part of a team of committed, knowledgeable staff to provide guidance to WSDOT’s programs at an advanced level in matters pertaining to the agency’s budget, fiscal analysis, and other policy-oriented budget tasks. The HQ Budget Office requires fast-paced work and attention to multiple deadlines, including internal and from the Office of Financial Management (OFM) and the Legislature. This position reports to one of two Assistant Directors of Budget and must be able to work effectively as part of a team as well as work independently with minimal supervision. The successful applicant must be able to confidently assist in the Division’s core work to act as stewards of the department’s financial integrity and credibility. This requires advanced understanding of the state’s legislative and budget processes, as well as advanced budgeting expertise to facilitate effective financial decision-making. If you are an individual who has a similar background and you are excited to take on a challenging role such as this, then we strongly encourage you to apply today!What to ExpectTo build resiliency in the HQ Budget office, all Budget Managers cover each other, and there is potential for periodic rotation to other programmatic assignments. These include highway improvements and preservation, rail, information technology, public-private partnerships, facilities, administrative functions, transportation operations, ferries, public transportation, planning, tolling, bicycle/pedestrian projects, and local projects. In this capacity, the position will become a subject matter expert and will counsel, assist, and influence program professionals in various stages of policies and operational activities, consistent with the department’s strategic plan and Governor’s and legislative direction.Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Budget Manager will:• Serve as the agency’s HQ Budget Office subject matter expert for programs as assigned.• Implement short and long-term budget strategies, which require understanding the priorities of the Governor, the Secretary, and the Legislature.• Provide training, mentoring, and one-on-one technical assistance to program professionals on developing and implementing the biennial and supplemental budgets, as well as coordinating or developing allotments and detailed spending plans, writing fiscal notes, decision packages, and other communications.• Provide strategic direction or recommendations to the Assistant Director of Budget and other executives on program budget matters.• Review, analyze, and monitor spending plans for assigned programs; coordinate with program staff to investigate and resolve budget related issues.• Prepare, review, analyze and coordinate budget-related documents such as agency request decision packages to ensure information is accurate, complete, and consistent.• Investigate, develop, and provide recommendations for responses to inquiries from legislative staff, legislators, executive staff, and other entities as they pertain to assigned programs.• Develop comprehensive, strategic, and detailed budget information in response to inquiries within the framework of department policies, state law, and general budgeting practices.QualificationsTo be considered for this opportunity, the following are required:• Bachelor’s degree or higher in business, economics, finance, public administration, or allied field.• Five (5) years of experience in business, economics, finance, public administration, or allied field.OR• High school diploma.• Seven (7) years of experience in business, economics, finance, public administration, or allied field.In addition, the following is also required:• High-level understanding of state budgeting processes and financial systems.• Advanced knowledge in the development of Excel spreadsheet models for use in financial projection and analysis.• Strong customer service focused to understand and assist customers in a professional and courteous manner.• Excellent interpersonal skills to facilitate effective partnerships and build trust with various offices and stakeholders.• Strong analytical skills to conduct high level accurate analysis of data, budget proposals, and legislation.• Oriented toward team performance and flexibility, with a willingness to consider different perspectives, and find new, creative ways to accomplish work.It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:• Experience working specifically in state government budgeting.• Demonstrated competence with statewide financial systems such as AFRS, ABS, SPS, Fiscal Note System and TALS.• Experience with communicating with staff of the Legislature and the Office of Financial Management (OFM) or similar entities in other jurisdictions.• Competence with WSDOT-specific financial systems.• To review the full Position Description, please follow the directions in the Contact Us section of this posting.Important Notes• This position is eligible for remote work up to 100%, per supervisor approval. Schedule flexibility and/or additional hours may be required during peak work periods, such as budget development and allotment preparation and legislative session.• 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.• 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• 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.• Paid Leave – In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees may earn up to 25 paid vacation days per year!• 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.• 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 ApplyApplications 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:• An attached Resume outlining (in reverse chronological order) your experience to date.• An attached Cover Letter that further explains your qualifications and indicates why you believe you are a viable candidate for this role.• Contact details for a minimum of three (3) individuals who can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job-related competencies. NOTE: This information may 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 via email.Contact UsFor inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter, Rachel Giese at Rachel.Giese@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 24DOT-HQ-0W214 in the subject line.