Senior Accountant

City of Seattle; Seattle (WA); Hybrid; USD 66,000 - 77,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work schedule

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

The City of Seattle’s Office of Economic Development is seeking a Senior Accountant to support GAAP/GASB‑compliant accounting, general ledger, AP/AR, and grant reporting. This hybrid role emphasizes accuracy, collaboration, and strong communication.

You will analyze financial data using Excel and PeopleSoft, manage journal entries, monitor payments, and help maintain internal controls and desk manuals. The ideal candidate has government accounting experience and can work independently or with a

Qualifications

• Satisfactory completion of at least 24 semester hours or 36 quarter credit units in accounting with no substitution allowed AND five (5) years professional experience in general or governmental accounting.
• An Associate’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 AND four (4) years professional experience in general or governmental accounting.
• A 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 AND Three (3) years professional experience in general or governmental accounting.

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 adherence to 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 ensure 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.

Skills

GAAP knowledge

GASB principles

Excel

PeopleSoft

Public sector accounting

Communication skills

Independent work

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting or related field

Associate’s Degree in Accounting or related field

Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting or related field with 3 years experience

Tools

PeopleSoft

Excel

Job description

The Office of Economic Development (OED) supports a vibrant, inclusive economy by increasing access to economic opportunities, reducing racial wealth gaps, and supporting innovation and growth in Seattle. Our Finance & Accounting team plays a critical role in maintaining fiscal integrity, supporting operational success, and ensuring compliance with City policies and accounting standards.

We are seeking a Senior Accountant to provide complex accounting services and help strengthen OED’s financial operations. This position supports general ledger activities, AP/AR processes, policy compliance, internal controls, and financial analysis.

A successful candidate will bring strong technical accounting expertise, a customer-service mindset, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively.

In this role, you will:

• 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 adherence to 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 ensure 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.

You will be most successful if you bring a combination of the following skills, experience and abilities:

• A strong foundation in accounting across AP, AR, general ledger, and corrective transactions, such as journal entries.
• Strong understanding of GAAP and GASB principles.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and familiarity with PeopleSoft (preferred, not required).
• Experience in government or public accounting.
• Excellent communication skills with an emphasis on internal customer service - able to explain accounting concepts clearly and support staff with varying levels of familiarity.
• An approachable and human-centered communication style.
• 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.

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.

In addition to the qualities mentioned above, you will need to possess the following required qualifications:

Satisfactory completion of at least 24 semester hours or 36 quarter credit units in accounting with no substitution allowed AND five (5) years professional experience in general or governmental accounting.

OR

An Associate’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 AND four (4) years professional experience in general or governmental accounting.

OR

A 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 AND Three (3) years professional experience in general or governmental accounting.

This full-time, civil-service position is eligible for overtime and is classified as an Accountant, Senior. The full pay range for this step-progression position is $48.07 to $55.96 per hour. New employees begin at Step 1 of the pay progression, which is $48.07 hourly. Current City employees’ starting rate of pay will be based on Personnel Rules regarding promotions.

Work Environment: This position offers the flexibility of a hybrid work schedule. Employees are expected to be in-office 3 days per week. Individual schedules will be based on agreement between the employee and their supervisor and are subject to change.

Benefits: A comprehensive benefits package includes 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 here: https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits

Why work at the City of Seattle? At the City of Seattle, public service is more than a job; it’s a chance to shape the future and make a meaningful difference in the lives of everyone who works, lives, or plays in our city. With 12,000 employees across 40+ departments and 1,100 job titles, we are united by a common purpose: to create a Seattle that is vibrant and welcoming for all. Whatever your role, you’ll help power a forward-looking city that leads by example—inclusive, innovative, equitable, and community-focused—while joining a diverse team committed to solving challenges and making a lasting impact together. Join us in building a Seattle where everyone thrives.

Application Process: Here are some informational-only tips on applying and interviewing with us.

Please note: The Office of Economic Development does not use artificial intelligence (AI) or automated tools to screen or evaluate applications. Every application is reviewed by a member of our hiring team to ensure an equitable and human-centered process.

Hiring Timeline: First interviews will take place the week of November 16th and will be conducted by video conferencing using Microsoft Teams. The target start date is December 9th.

Pre-employment procedures: Applicants must successfully pass a background check, which will be conducted in accordance with Seattle’s Fair Chance Employment Ordinance, SMC 14.17. Applicants will have the opportunity to explain or correct background information and provide verifiable information of good conduct and rehabilitation.

Who May Apply: This position is open to all applicants who meet the minimum qualifications. The City of Seattle 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. The City encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experience.

Accommodations Request & Recruiting Contact: Reasonable accommodations will be provided for individuals with disabilities to participate in the application or interview process, perform essential job functions, and access other employment benefits and privileges. Please get in touch with [e-mail] to request accommodation or with any questions.