Senior Accountant

Full Job Description

Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is recruiting a Senior Accountant for its General Ledger and Cost Accounting group.

This position will be a technical expert for the complex functions with the City’s financial system, PeopleSoft.

Responsibilities will include performing complex data analysis, developing queries, balancing large volume of data, recommending process improvement, and assistance in the preparation of SPU’s three audited financial statements.

This position will work closely with four Principal Accountants, Budget, Rates staff and assists Accountants with reconciliation and sophisticated journals.

The position will report to the Accounting Manager in SPU’s Financial & Risk Services Branch.

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 1.5 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), check out the:

• SPU Website
• SPU Workplace Expectations (Download PDF reader)
• 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.

Why join us?

We know work isn't only about what you do it’s also about who you work for and with! SPU provides a fun and family-friendly work environment that supports a work life balance, including:

• Hybrid work schedule opportunities
• Family-friendly and multicultural work environment
• Generous benefits package
• Free Orca Pass
• City pension plan with employer/employee contributions
• Growth potential and advancement opportunities

Requirements

• Understand the functions within the PeopleSoft financial system.
• Prepare monthly journal entries.
• Develop complex reconciliation procedures.
• Handle day-to-day work along with frequent inquiries from other accountants and management.
• Reconcile PeopleSoft modules and side systems to the financial system.
• Partner with other City departments to coordinate coding for costs.
• Understand financial statements and cash flow.
• Prepare supporting schedules for annual financial statement audit.
• Assist with developing and implementing accounting policy and procedure.
• Review and analyze contracts and regulatory pronouncements and provide summary interpretations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

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.

Qualifications

Experience: Three (3) years of experience in general or governmental accounting, auditing, financial analysis, or other relevant experience.

Education: 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 substitutions allowed)

Experience/Education Equivalency: A combination of education/experience/training which provides an equivalent background required to perform the work of the class.

The ideal candidate may possess:

• Proven understanding of accounting for an enterprise fund.
• Experience with PeopleSoft or other large ERP financial system.
• Demonstrated leadership skills in accounting matters.
• Ability to function optimally in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.
• Ability to exercise professional judgment in decision making and recommendations.
• Demonstrated ability to tackle challenges and work to solve them.
• Ability to clearly communicate accounting information in non-technical terms.
• Strong analytical and research skills.
• A continuous improvement mindset.
• Excellent customer service.
• Experience working with a team environment, ability to build and maintain effective working relationships across different departments and workgroups and working effectively within a multi-cultural workforce serving a diverse customer base.

Additional Information

Application Requirement(s): A full City of Seattle online application including resume, cover letter and supplemental questionnaire must be fully completed for consideration.

Your cover letter should address why you are interested in this position and how your education, knowledge and experience qualify you for the position.

Pre-Employment/Pre-Placement Requirements:

• Due to the fiduciary responsibilities of the position, a job offer is contingent on review of background check including criminal history as well as information provided by the applicant as a part of the application process.
• This hiring process involves a background check of conviction and arrest record in compliance with Seattle’s Fair Chance Employment Ordinance, SME 14.17. Applicants will be provided an opportunity to explain or correct background information.

Workplace Environment/Telework Expectations: This position will work mainly in an office setting environment (hybrid opportunities are available, with a minimum three days in the office per week)

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

Benefits: 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/employees-and-covered-family-members/most-employees-plans

Who may apply: The City of Seattle 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.

This position is open to all qualified candidates that 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.

If you have any questions, please contact Uma Suseelan at Uma.Suseelan@seattle.gov
Learn more about Seattle Public Utilities at our web page www.seattle.gov/util/