Principal Accountant, General Accounting

City of Seattle•Seattle, WA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Seattle City Light, a department of the City of Seattle, is one of the nation’s largest municipally owned utilities in terms of the number of customers served. Over the years we have worked very hard to keep Seattle's electricity affordable, reliable, and environmentally sound. Today, City Light is a recognized national leader in energy efficiency and environmental stewardship. Seattle City Light is seeking candidates for the position of Principal Accountant in the General Accounting Unit. The General Accounting Unit provides accurate, timely, and quality financial reporting and accounting services to the Department. General Accounting is responsible for accounting for retail electric revenues, accounting for bonds, assistance with bond issues, accounting for power transactions, wholesale power billings, month- and year-end closing of the books, external audit coordination, preparation of annual financial statements, preparation of annual reports, the research, documentation and implementation of accounting standards, and tax administration. In this role, you will serve as a lead for a team responsible for the preparation of complex monthly and annual financial statements (statements of net position, statements of revenues, expenses, and changes in net position), and related annual financial statement disclosures/footnotes in accordance with GASB. This position will report to the General Accounting Manager.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Business Administration or related field (requires satisfactory completion of at least 24 semester hours or 36 quarter credit units in accounting with no substitution allowed) and/or professional certification as a CPA, plus four years professional experience in accounting, auditing, financial analysis, or related work with one year experience equivalent to a Senior Accountant (or a combination of education and/or training and/or experience which provides an equivalent background required to perform the work of the class).
Experience that reflects a commitment to creating fair and equitable outcomes.

Nice To Haves

Certified Public Accountant (CPA) highly desirable.
Five or more years’ accounting experience in a large or medium-size business or utility.
Advanced knowledge of accounting principles, including GAAP, GASB, and FASB.
Experience preparing complex financial statements; and proficiency using large, complex financial systems.
Demonstrated ability to lead, delegate, and work cooperatively with others.
Experience using financial reporting and business intelligence tools.
Demonstrated initiative, adaptability, strong documentation skills, and attention to detail; able to work independently and as part of a team.
Experience researching and implementing GAAP, including GASB or FASB standards, and applicable industry regulatory requirements, including Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).
Proven ability to manage time effectively and meet tight deadlines.
Demonstrated advanced skills in Excel and the ability to manage data in a variety of formats.
Demonstrated ability to handle multiple assignments concurrently and to successfully meet deadlines.
Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret and communicate complex financial data.
Excellent oral and written communication skills and the ability to work effectively with all levels throughout the organization.
Strong project management skills with the ability to lead cross-functional initiatives.

Responsibilities

Lead and coordinate monthly and annual financial close across accounting units.
Supervise retail revenue accounting and ensure accurate and timely billing and reporting.
Under management direction, prepare complete and accurate monthly financial statements.
Coordinate and prepare monthly variance analysis, ensuring clear explanations for key drivers and trends.
Coordinate the annual audit including preparing audit schedules, responding to information requests, and serving as a primary liaison with external auditors.
Ensure compliance with financial controls.
Under management direction, plan and lead the coordination, preparation, and review of annual financial statements in compliance with GAAP and GASB requirements.
Plan and supervise research of accounting standards and financial impact of operational changes for department implementation.
Develop, recommend and implement accounting standards, policies and procedures in response to new programs and government regulations.
Prepare and review key account reconciliations to ensure accuracy and completeness.
Maintain FERC accounts within ERP.
Maintain system financial statements using financial reporting tools and the ERP.
Identify and implement process improvements.