Accountant - General Accounting

NACBA; Seattle, Northern (WA, KY); Hybrid; USD 6,088,000 - 7,089,000; Full time

Job summary

Seattle City Light is seeking an Accountant to join the General Accounting Team. In this role, you will perform a broad range of professional accounting duties, ensure accuracy of financial records, and support efficiency, reliability, and compliance of the division's processes.

You will report to the General Accounting Manager. Responsibilities include preparing journal entries, reconciling accounts, assisting with audits, and contributing to process improvements in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting or equivalent background required.
• Two years of professional accounting experience, preferably in large and complex financial systems.
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel and financial software; PeopleSoft is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Prepare monthly journal entries and tax returns with complete supporting documentation.
• Reconcile accounts across multiple systems and investigate discrepancies.
• Prepare accounts payable payment requests for tax and bond-related obligations with proper coding.
• Collaborate with senior and principal accountants on operations and special projects.
• Assist with external audits by preparing clear, organized work papers.
• Conduct accounting research and contribute to improved procedures and best practices.
• Analyze financial data to identify trends and opportunities for process improvement.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Skills

Excel

PeopleSoft

Analytical skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Problem solving

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Accounting

Tools

Excel

PeopleSoft

Job description

Position Description

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's Accounting Division is seeking a qualified and motivated Accountant to join our General Accounting Team. In this role, you will perform a range of professional accounting duties, working collaboratively with senior and principal accountants to support the accuracy and integrity of the utility's financial records. You will play a key role in ensuring efficiency, reliability, and compliance of the division's financial processes. This position reports to the General Accounting Manager.

Job Responsibilities

Here is more about what you'll be doing:

• Prepare monthly journal entries and tax returns, ensuring accuracy and completeness of all supporting documentation.
• Reconcile accounts across multiple systems and investigate discrepancies to maintain accurate financial records.
• Prepare accounts payable payment requests for tax and bond-related obligations, ensuring proper coding and timely processing.
• Collaborate with senior and principal accountants to support ongoing accounting operations and special projects.
• Assist with external audits by preparing clear, organized, and accurate work papers.
• Conduct accounting research and contribute to the development and implementation of enhanced procedures and best practices.
• Analyze financial data to identify trends, resolve discrepancies, and recommend opportunities for process improvement.
• Perform other related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

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 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:

• Two years of professional accounting experience, preferably within large and complex financial systems. A combination of general ledger and tax accounting experience is highly desirable.
• Proficiency in computer applications, with advanced skills in Microsoft Excel and financial software; experience with PeopleSoft is considered an asset.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities, with exceptional attention to detail.
• Excellent customer service skills, along with effective interpersonal, verbal, and written communication abilities.
• Demonstrated ability to perform effectively in a fast-paced, high-pressure, and deadline-driven environment.
• Proven initiative in identifying challenges and implementing practical solutions.
• Commitment to supporting and promoting a diverse, inclusive, and collaborative team environment.

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.

Additional Information

The full salary range for this position is $44.19 to $51.46 per hour.

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 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.