DSHS ESA Internal Control and Operations Manager

About the role

We are seeking an experienced Internal Controls & Operations Program Manager to lead strategic initiatives that strengthen internal controls, improve operational efficiency, and support organizational excellence for the Division of Finance and Financial Resources (DFFR) part of the Economic Services Administration (ESA) within the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS).

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement and maintain internal control and operational strategies that support agency priorities and ensure compliance with federal and state laws including 2 CFR 200.
• Evaluate compliance with federal grant requirements, state fiscal policies, and internal financial controls and lead efforts to resolve and audit findings and manager risk exposure.
• Monitor and respond to internal and external audits findings, manage corrective action plans and ensure that findings are addressed in a timely and thorough manner.
• Lead cross functional business process improvement initiatives across budget, accounting and procurement functions operations.
• Lead interdepartmental teams and ensuring alignment of internal control and operational policies.
• Facilitate business process mapping, identifying bottlenecks and recommending and implementing systemic operational solutions.
• Oversee development and tracking of performance metrics, dashboard and reports that support strategic planning and decision making.
• Cook up DFFR operational initiatives serving as the division’s liaison for cross agency efforts that require collaboration with other DSA divisions, DSHS administration and external partners.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to define key performance indicators, aligning operational outcomes with strategic ESA goals and improving accessibility and reliability of financial operational data.
• Leverage Microsoft 365 technologies including SharePoint, Power BI, Power Apps, and Power Automate to digitize workflows and automate business processes.
• Lead training efforts to improve staff capacity in systems such as Microsoft 365 Power Platform, SharePoint, Excel, and support professional development aligned with DSHS equity and leadership goals.
• Support DFFR Deputy Director in organizational change management efforts including managing communication plans, stakeholder engagement and culture transformation efforts aimed at fostering accountability, customer service and continuous improvement.
• Design dashboards and performance reporting tools that provide operational insights and support strategic decision-making.
• Analyze staffing levels and material needs to ensure operational effectiveness and review contracts and procurement documents to assess alignment with policies and strategic objectives.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree which includes 50 quarter or 33 semester hours in public administration, business or operations management or finance.
• Experience 8 years of progressively responsible experience in internal controls, financial operations, business process improvement or organizational management within a complex governmental or regulatory environment.
• Experience interpreting and applying federal and state laws, including 2 CFR 200, Revised Code of Washington, and Washington Administrative Code for large government organizations.
• Demonstrated professional experience leading cross-functional teams or projects involving finance, procurement, budget, and performance management for large government organizations.
• Expert level proficiency using Microsoft applications including SharePoint, Excel (Power Query, Power Pivot), Power BI, Power Apps, and Power Automate for process or systems improvement.

Skills

• Ability to apply internal control principles and conduct financial risk management.
• Experience coordinating responses to audits from state or federal oversight agencies.
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills with experience developing reports and delivering presentations to executive leadership.
• Ability to manage projects independently, solve complex problems and implement sustainable solutions.
• Demonstrated understanding of strategic planning, performance metrics, and continuous improvement frameworks (e.g. lean, results Washington).
• Advanced skills in data visualization, workflow automation and collaborative project management tools.
• Demonstrated ability to lead culturally change efforts, including influencing resistant teams or navigating challenging organizational dynamics.
• High emotional intelligence, resilience and discretion when dealing with politically sensitive or high-risk situations.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and influence stakeholders without direct supervisory authority.