Budget Director (WMS 4) - Financial Services Division | Olympia, WA | Internal Applicants Only

Persons requiring reasonable accommodation in the application process or requiring information in an alternative format may contact the recruitment team at HREmployment@atg.wa.gov. Those with a hearing impairment in need of accommodation are encouraged to contact the Washington Relay Service at 1-800-676-3777 or www.washingtonrelay.com.

Budget Director (WMS Band 4)
Financial Services Division – Washington State Office of the Attorney General
Olympia, Washington | Full-Time | Permanent | Non-Represented

This position is open to only current, permanent, employees of the Washington State Office of the Attorney General.

Position Overview
Lead budget strategy within an agency that touches the lives of every resident in this state.

The Washington State Office of the Attorney General (AGO) is seeking an experienced Budget Director (WMS Band 4) to oversee agency-wide budget strategy, advise core leadership, and ensure that the AGO’s budget reflects the office’s priorities and needs in providing legal services to the state.

Success in this role requires the incumbent to integrate their expertise in state budget matters, communicate complex issues, and manage all operational aspects of the AGO’s budget.

This role reports directly to the Chief Financial Officer and oversees a high-performing team of seven full-time employees while providing strategic guidance and service to all AGO leadership and divisions on budget matters.


Salary and Compensation

• Annual salary range: $127,000 - $155,000/annually
• Washington Management Service structure position: Band 4
• Growth and development salary range (not available at initial hire): $158,100/annually

The base pay offered takes into account internal equity and may vary depending on the preferred candidate’s job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The following stipends may apply based on position requirements:

• Incumbents assigned to a position designated as requiring dual language skills will receive a 5% Dual Language Requirement Pay stipend.

Excellent Benefits
Washington State offers one of the most competitive and comprehensive benefits packages in the nation, including:

• Medical/dental/vision for employees and dependent(s)
• Vacation, sick, and other leave
• 11 paid holidays each year
• Employee recognition leave
• Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) plans
• Life insurance
• Dependent Care Assistance
• Flexible spending accounts
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility
• Tuition waiver programs
• Deferred compensation options

We also offer support through:

• Flexible schedules and telework options
• A wellness program and the Employee Assistance Program
• Numerous employee affinity groups centralized on community and connection

Position Description
The Budget Director is responsible for the AGO’s budget, influences agency financial positioning, and ensures agency optimization of financial resources.

Understanding of the big picture state financial position, knowledge of relevant statutes, interactions with federal funds and federal processes, and awareness of specific financial issues related to legal services and the function of the AGO office are the most important skills and characteristics needed to succeed in this role. Key responsibilities include:

• Direct and manage the budget unit, which is responsible for requesting funding, budget development and monitoring, fiscal notes, position and appointment analysis, and other aspects of a state agency budget.
• Oversee planning, development, and implementation of budget strategies that address AGO priorities.
• Manage and mentor staff as they develop budget needs, implement budgets, and provide timely and accurate data and recommendations to internal and external customers.
• Liaise with the AGO Core Leadership Team, Financial Services Division managers, division leadership teams, AGO employees, state agencies, Office of Financial Management, and the Legislature to coordinate and respond to budget issues, strategies, and needs.
• Advise on financial and budget related policy, proposed legislation, and management initiatives.
• Resolve actions related to billing, revenue, interagency agreements, and client payments as they arise.
• Ensure fund management and optimal use of each fund type to cover program expenditures.
• Closely coordinate with Accounting, Grants, Contracts and Human Resources to ensure compliance with state and federal rules and regulations.

About the Financial Services Division
The Financial Services Division (FIS) provides support and accountability for agency financial and budgetary decisions and practices. Its primary goal is to protect and enhance the financial health and resources of the Office of the Attorney General, including providing efficient, centrally located accounting, budgeting, payroll, contracts and grant services and management. We produce top quality work in a manner that contributes to the AGO’s mission to be the best public law office. We conduct the business of the Financial Services Division in a professional and cooperative manner, recognizing the contribution of each team member. FIS ensures that the reporting and transmission of agency financial information is complete, accurate, and timely. FIS is also responsible for agency budget development and monitoring in addition to accounting, payroll, contracts, and purchasing functions. FIS contains three main sections: Accounting, Contracts, and Budget.

About the Washington State Office of the Attorney General
We serve more than 230 state agencies, boards, commissions, colleges and universities, the Legislature, the Governor, and other separately elected state officials. The Office is comprised of nearly 700 attorneys and 800 professional staff, all working together to deliver the highest quality professional legal services to Washington state officials, agencies, and entities. This includes:

• Economic justice and consumer protections (safeguarding consumers, protecting youth, seniors, and other vulnerable populations)
• Social justice and civil rights (addressing discrimination, environmental protection, and veteran and military resources)
• Criminal justice and public safety (investigative and prosecutorial support, financial crimes)
• Our agency also has national reach, representing the State of Washington before the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeals, and trial courts in all cases that involve the state’s interest. If you want to make a difference, we may be the perfect fit for you! Learn more about the AGO here.

Required Qualifications

• Ten years* of budget experience with increasing levels of responsibility

AND

• At least 3 years of supervisory experience
  

*A Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, or allied field may substitute for 2 years of budget experience.

Preferred Qualifications and Skills
The ideal candidates will be proactive and professional. They will be problem solvers that lead with curiosity and possess expertise and situational awareness related to statewide financial systems, financial services management, and planning. They will demonstrate the following knowledge and abilities.

Knowledge of:

• State budgeting laws, budgeting, and interactions between separately elected officials, the Attorney General’s Office, the Office of Financial Management, Legislature, and state agencies
• Statewide financial systems – understanding the use of and outputs of financial and budgeting information and systems, reports, coding structures, and processes
• Performance management, training, supervision, and team recognition

Ability to:

• Apply critical thinking and creatively use judgement to determine appropriate meaning, form conclusions, and develop recommendations necessary to resolve situations, problems, or issues
• Clearly and effectively communicate, even while responding to difficult, stressful, or sensitive matters
• Organize, prioritize, and manage multiple projects, resources, and diversified work groups with competing priorities
• Provide effective, efficient, and timely customer service to clients inside and outside the agency with complete follow-through
• Build and support a diverse, inclusive, and collaborative work environment that empowers employees to contribute their knowledge, creativity, and expertise to further the agency's mission of providing excellent, ethical, and professional legal services

Application Instructions
In addition to completing the online application, applicants must submit the following attachments:

• A letter of interest, describing your specific qualifications for the position; and
• A current resume detailing experience and education.

Supplemental Information

• You may not reapply to this posting for 30 days.
• The initial screening of applications will be solely based on the contents and completeness of the "work experience" and "education" sections of your application in www.careers.wa.gov.
• A resume will not substitute for completing the "work experience" section of the application.
• Please be sure to remove private information such as your Social Security number, date of birth, etc.
• All information may be verified and documentation may be required.
• The Washington State Office of the Attorney General 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.

Commitment to Diversity
Diversity is critical to the success of the mission of the AGO and we are committed to building an anti-racist and equitable agency. It is our goal to identify, discuss, and challenge racial inequity in the workplace and the impact it has on our employees, and, within our authority, combat racism that impacts the people of the State of Washington. This means recognizing, respecting, and appreciating all cultures and backgrounds - and fostering the inclusion of differences between people. Appreciating, valuing and implementing principles of diversity permits AGO employees to achieve their fullest potential in a professional, inclusive, respectful environment.

Our commitment to employee wellness is reflected in earning the 2025 "Zo8 Washington Wellness Award".

Equal Employment Opportunity and Accommodations Requests
Honoring diversity, equity and inclusion means that as an agency, and as individuals, we are committed to ensuring that all employees and volunteers enjoy a respectful, safe and supportive working environment. Only by fostering the inclusion of people from all backgrounds, cultures and attributes, can AGO employees and volunteers achieve their fullest potential and best advance the goals and mission of the AGO. The AGO is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation/gender identity, age, disability, honorably discharged veteran or military status, retaliation or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability.

For questions regarding this recruitment or if information is required in another format, please contact:HREmployment@atg.wa.gov.

If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing or completing your application, please call NEOGOV toll-free at 855-524-5627 or support@neogov.com.

Salary

• $127,000 - $155,000/year

Benefits

More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave
Leave Sharing
Parental Leave
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 01-07-2026