Senior Accountant, General Accounting

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.

As a key member of the General Accounting team, in this role you will oversee financial reporting, electric services accounting, wholesale power accounting, tax filings, and debt service activities. Your other responsibilities include researching, interpreting, documenting and implementing new accounting standards to ensure ongoing compliance. This position reports to the General Accounting Manager.

Here is more about what you’ll be doing

• Perform complex professional electric services accounting and analysis of financial records, reports and systems (Customer Care Billing (CCB)).
• Maintain accounting records in the general ledger and other financial systems, prepare and analyze accounting data and reports, perform research and interpret accounting standards and regulations.
• Exercise professional judgment in providing analysis and recommendations to management.
• Research, analyze, and prepare journals for electric services accounting.
• Prepare Financial Statements schedules and tables.
• Assist in the development and modification of internal accounting control policies, procedures, and practices.
• Research, document and implement proposed transactions and new accounting standards.
• Assist in executing the month-end close process, including preparing and reviewing journal entries, account reconciliations, and variance analyses.
• Support the year-end close process by ensuring all financial transactions are accurately recorded and deadlines are met.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to gather financial data, resolve discrepancies, and improve accounting workflows.
• Assist with external audit activities by preparing schedules, responding to auditor requests, and ensuring audit readiness.

In addition to the skills and experience mentioned below, a successful applicant will have experience that reflects a commitment to creating fair and equitable outcomes and has:

Bachelor's Degree in Accounting or related field (requires satisfactory completion of at least 24 semester hours or 36 quarter credit units in accounting with no substitution allowed) plus three years professional experience in general or governmental accounting (or a combination of education and/or training and/or experience which provides an equivalent background required to perform the work of the class).

Desired Qualifications - You will be successful if you have the following experience, skills, and abilities:

• Working knowledge of accounting principles and practices in accordance with GAAP, GASB and FERC
• CPA or CMA
• Advanced Excel user
• Strong interpersonal/communication skills (verbal and written)
• Skilled at managing competing priorities with potentially conflicting deadlines
• Attention to detail
• Experience with PeopleSoft or similar large-scale, data-intensive financial system
• Experience implementing internal controls and documenting and applying policies and procedures.

Please note this job advertisement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Emergency Response Commitment

Seattle City Light is committed to reliable service during emergencies. Through our Emergency Response Program, each employee is assigned a role—usually aligned with their regular duties—to support emergency operations. Your participation is required and vital to helping the utility stay prepared and serve our community when it matters most.

The full salary range for this position is $48.07 to $55.96 per hour.

Application Process

Please submit the following with your online application

• A cover letter in which you clearly describe how your knowledge, experience, skills, and abilities prepare you for the job responsibilities and qualifications outlined in the job announcement
• A current resume of your educational and professional work experience.

Incomplete applications may not be accepted.

Who May Apply: This position is open to all candidates that meet the qualifications. Seattle City Light values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

Seattle City Light encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQIA+, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences.

Job offers are contingent on the verification of credentials and other information required by the employment process, including the completion of a background check.

The background check will involve a criminal history check, which includes conviction and arrest records in compliance with the Seattle’s Fair Chance Employment Ordinance, SMC 14.17 and the City of Seattle Personnel Rule 10.3. A driving history review may be conducted in compliance with SMC 4.79.020.Applicants will be provided an opportunity to explain or correct background information.

The City of Seattle 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. More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at: https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits.

Want to know more about Seattle City Light? Check out our web page: https://www.seattle.gov/city-light/about-us/careers.