Senior Accountant

City of Seattle•Seattle, WA

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Office of Economic Development (OED) is seeking a Senior Accountant to provide complex accounting services and strengthen its financial operations. The role supports general ledger activities, accounts payable and receivable processes, policy compliance, internal controls, and financial analysis. The successful candidate will bring technical accounting expertise, a customer-service mindset, strong communication skills, and the ability to work independently and collaboratively. This is a full-time, civil-service position classified as an Accountant, Senior. It is eligible for overtime and offers a hybrid schedule, with employees expected to work in the office three days per week. Individual schedules are agreed upon with the supervisor and may change. The full pay range is $48.07 to $55.96 per hour; new employees begin at Step 1, at $48.07 per hour. Current City employees’ starting pay is determined by Personnel Rules regarding promotions. The position requires one of the following: at least 24 semester hours or 36 quarter credit units in accounting and five years of professional experience in general or governmental accounting; an associate’s degree in accounting or a related field, including the specified accounting credits, and four years of such experience; or a bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field, including the specified accounting credits, and three years of such experience. No substitution is allowed for the accounting credit requirement. The City offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave, as well as medical, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents. Applicants must submit a complete online application, a cover letter describing relevant qualifications, and a current resume. Applicants must also successfully pass a background check conducted in accordance with Seattle’s Fair Chance Employment Ordinance.

Requirements

Satisfactory completion of at least 24 semester hours or 36 quarter credit units in accounting, with no substitution allowed, and five years of professional experience in general or governmental accounting; OR an associate’s degree in accounting or a related field with the specified accounting credits and four years of relevant experience; OR a bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field with the specified accounting credits and three years of relevant experience.
Strong foundation in accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger, and corrective transactions such as journal entries.
Strong understanding of GAAP and GASB principles.
Excellent communication skills and an internal customer-service focus, including the ability to explain accounting concepts clearly and support staff with varying levels of familiarity.
Ability to work independently in a self-directed manner, exercise judgment in ambiguous situations, and proactively seek clarification when needed.
Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.

Nice To Haves

Proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
Familiarity with PeopleSoft.
Experience in government or public accounting.
An approachable and human-centered communication style.

Responsibilities

Perform complex accounting adjustments and journal entries in compliance with GAAP and GASB standards.
Monitor accounts payable and accounts receivable activity for accuracy, complete grant reporting, and process interdepartmental agreement transactions.
Review and approve invoice payments, PeopleSoft purchase order payments, and contract encumbrances to ensure compliance with City policies and accounting standards.
Conduct financial and revenue analyses using Excel and PeopleSoft queries, including forecasting, trend analysis, year-end projections, and budget tracking.
Partner with the Finance & Accounting Manager and Finance & Operations Director to support budgeting processes and effective cost tracking.
Implement, update, and monitor internal controls, policies, and procedures supporting grant and contract operations.
Ensure compliance with fiscal policies, fund source requirements, and accounting standards.
Participate in developing and maintaining comprehensive desk manuals and standardized procedures.