Principal Accountant — GAAP & Audit Leader (Utilities)

Chapter 13 Trustee Middle District of Alabama; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 112,000 - 131,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits

Paid time off

Job summary

Seattle City Light seeks a Principal Accountant to lead the monthly and annual financial close, supervise retail revenue accounting, and prepare comprehensive GAAP/GASB statements. The role coordinates audits, ensures strong internal controls, and drives accounting policy improvements across the General Accounting Unit.

Ideal candidates have a CPA or higher, 5+ years in large-scale accounting, and advanced Excel and ERP proficiency to support complex financial reporting and analysis.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Business Administration or related field and/or CPA certification; four years of professional accounting/financial analysis experience; Senior Accountant equivalence.
• CPA highly desirable; five+ years accounting experience in a large/medium business or utility.
• Advanced knowledge of GAAP, GASB, and FASB.
• Experience preparing complex financial statements and using large financial systems.
• Strong communication, initiative, and team collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead monthly and annual financial close across accounting units.
• Supervise retail revenue accounting and ensure accurate billing and reporting.
• Prepare monthly financial statements under GAAP and GASB guidance.
• Coordinate monthly variance analysis with clear explanations of drivers.
• Coordinate annual audit with external auditors and prepare schedules.
• Ensure compliance with financial controls and accounting policies.
• Develop and implement accounting standards and procedures for new programs.
• Maintain reconciliations and ensure accuracy of ERP financial statements.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements and data management.

Skills

Leadership

Time management

Communication

Analytical thinking

Attention to detail

Project management

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Business

CPA certification (desirable)

Tools

Microsoft Excel

ERP systems

Financial reporting tools

Job description

Seattle City Light seeks a Principal Accountant to lead the monthly and annual financial close, supervise retail revenue accounting, and prepare comprehensive GAAP/GASB statements. The role coordinates audits, ensures strong internal controls, and drives accounting policy improvements across the General Accounting Unit.

Ideal candidates have a CPA or higher, 5+ years in large-scale accounting, and advanced Excel and ERP proficiency to support complex financial reporting and analysis.