Deputy Chief Financial Officer; WMS

Deputy Chief Financial Officer (WMS
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At the Department of Commerce, we’re reimagining what’s possible in government. We’re builders, thinkers, and change-makers, working at the intersection of innovation, community, and impact. From unlocking critical funding to fueling inclusive economic growth, we’re turning big ideas into real‑world solutions that uplift people and places.

Our agency’s strength lies in the diversity of our workforce and the breadth of the lived experiences and perspectives employees bring to the work. We believe equity is not just a value but a practice, which is reflected in how we design programs, engage communities, and deliver outcomes. We foster a workplace culture where curiosity is encouraged, bold thinking is welcomed, and collaboration drives our impact.

The Financial Services Division (FSD) is responsible for the Commerce Department’s consolidated accounting and budgeting functions, and for leading the agency’s fiscal policy. This position reports directly to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO). The Deputy CFO serves as Acting CFO during the CFO’s absence and makes decisions on behalf of the CFO. The Deputy CFO recommends and implements agency‑wide fiscal policy and ensures execution of federal, state, and local funds in accordance with state and federal laws.

The Deputy CFO administers and oversees agency‑wide projects with significant political impact and provides leadership to FSD staff. The Deputy CFO is a subject matter expert in budgeting, accounting, project management, process improvement, and communication.

• Coordinate processes and activities that span multiple financial disciplines, including coordination between FSD and the programs it supports.
• Act as the CFO’s designated backup and make decisions regarding compliance with statewide budget laws and policies.
• Provide recommendations to the CFO to establish, create, and direct the department’s policy activities and lead in internal controls, operations, project management, and financial management practices.
• Guide staff in navigating complex financial services for grants, loans, and contracts managed by the Department.
• Advise executive management and shape decisions to maintain effective internal controls, policy, and budget management throughout the 700+ programs.
• Influence and oversee the agency budget operations and help develop staff based on best practices.

• 10 years of combined experience and education as described below.
• A minimum of 2 years of supervisory or lead experience.
• Bachelor’s degree in business, finance, public administration, or closely aligned field.

• Strategic Leadership and Planning Skills.
• Effective communication and collaboration to resolve complex issues.
• Understanding complex fiscal and budget information and translate it to actionable insight.
• Understanding of Washington State Operating and Capital budget process, legislative procedures, fiscal analysis and policy impacts.
• Knowledge of AFRS, Workday, and/or other related financial management tools.
• Work with Office of Financial Management partners, legislative fiscal committees, and other state agencies.
• Strong written, verbal, and presentation skills.

• Strong interpersonal skills including relationship building, problem solving and teamwork.
• Clear and accurate communication and effective collaboration with staff, other divisions, stakeholders and the public.
• Intuitive anticipation of problems and the impact of potential changes.

• Experience working with the Washington state budget cycle.
• Experience working with the Washington state legislature.
• Experience with Washington state financial applications such as Workday, AFRS, TALS, Enterprise Reports, Salary Projection System, Agency Budget System, Capital Budget System, etc.
• Advanced skills in standard Microsoft Office products such as Word, Excel, Teams, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

• A complete and detailed online application.
• A cover letter (enter online).
• At least three professional…