Interim Temporary or Out-of-Class (OOC) Principal Accountant

Seattle Public Utilities; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Seattle Public Utilities seeks a Principal Accountant for the General Accounting team to own major areas like the general ledger, fixed assets, debt and leases. The role involves producing monthly financial reports, improving accounting processes, and guiding staff through complex GAAP/GASB compliance.

The temporary position lasts up to 11–12 months, open to internal and external candidates. External hires will receive premium pay in lieu of benefits and may be non-benefited at start.

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of GAAP and GASB standards.
• Experience with monthly and annual close processes.
• Solid understanding of internal controls and financial risk management.
• Experience leading accounting teams and reviewing workpapers.
• Ability to interpret accounting pronouncements and apply them to reports.

Responsibilities

• Oversee monthly/annual close and ensure strong internal controls (identifying high-risk transactions).
• Manage daily accounting operations and develop/implement accounting policies for consistent application.
• Interpret and apply GASB guidelines while delivering financial reports meeting business needs.
• Lead & review audit workpapers, perform complex reconciliations, and manage a team of accountants.
• Conduct research on complex accounting issues, prepare audit schedules/analyses, and ensure adherence to GAAP, GASB, and City practices.

Skills

GAAP knowledge

GASB knowledge

Internal controls

Financial reporting

Leadership

Job description

Position Description

Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) has an exciting opportunity for professional Accountants, within our Finance & Risk Management Branch. We're seeking a Temp (External) or Out-of-Class (OOC Internal) Principal Accountant to join our General Accounting team as a primary owner for significant areas such as the general ledger, fixed assets, debt, leases and other key business cycles. You'll be responsible for producing monthly financial reports, making recommendations to improve accounting processes and systems, interpreting accounting pronouncements, complying with policies and procedures, and providing critical support and guidance to the team and management.

This Temporary (external)/OOC (internal) position is expected to last up to 11 or 12 months and is open to all regular City of Seattle employees, as well as external candidates. External candidates will [initially] be non-benefited and will receive premium pay in lieu of benefits.

About Seattle Public Utilities:

Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is a community-centered utility that delivers vital services to Seattle residents and businesses including drinking water, drainage and wastewater, and garbage/recycling/compost. SPU also provides drinking water for 1.6 million customers in the region. SPU’s work includes system maintenance and improvements and keeping Seattle clean. Over 1,400 SPU employees work with our community to provide affordable and equitable stewardship of our water and waste resources for future generations.

For more information about Seattle Public Utilities (SPU), checkout the:

• SPU Website
• SPU Workplace Expectation
• Strategic Business Plan

SPU commits to Our City Values and Race and Social Justice as core principles that guide our work. We actively take steps to dismantle systemic racism and increase service equity. We value diverse life experiences and strive to create a workplace that is welcoming to all. We take steps to be inclusive and equitable in our recruiting, hiring and promotional opportunities.

Job Responsibilities

Primary Job Responsibilities

• Oversee accurate financial statements (monthly/annual close) and ensure strong internal controls (identifying high-risk transactions).
• Manage daily accounting operations efficiently and develop/implement accounting policies for consistent application.
• Interpret and apply new accounting guidelines (GASB) while designing & delivering financial reports meeting business needs.
• Lead & review audit workpapers, perform complex reconciliations, and manage a team of accountants (providing guidance & support).
• Conduct research on complex accounting issues, prepare audit schedules/analyses, and ensure adherence to GAAP, GASB, and City practices.