Position Description

The City of Seattle believes in the diversity of our people, ideas, and experiences and is committed to building an inclusive culture that is representative of the community we serve. Seattle Human Resources (SHR) provides services for our diverse workforce to ensure employees are recruited equitably, managed fairly, are well-trained, supported, and assigned job duties to accomplish City’s goals. We constantly pursue excellence to best meet the needs of our clients and ensure we are taking care of the City's greatest asset: its people. We are looking for a Senior Accountant to join our team with these values in mind.

Job Responsibilities

Your Top 3 Priorities In This Role Will Be

Ensuring continuity and accuracy of financial operations
Maintaining compliance and financial controls
Effectively managing cash flow, payables, and receivables

Your Responsibilities Will Include

Researching, analyzing, preparing, and reviewing journals for financial transactions within the established guidelines of the Department/City and according to generally accepted accounting practices, procedures, and methods
Reviewing the work of team members to ensure compliance with appropriate procedures and reporting requirements
Preparing complex and detailed financial accounting reports, statements, and schedules (i.e. fund reports, etc.)
Performing and reviewing monthly/quarterly/annual reconciliations; reconciling financial data and accounting systems to other subsidiary systems
Identifying, researching, and resolving outstanding issues with transactions (invoices, payments, refunds, etc.) through various data sources
Reviewing, developing, and modifying internal accounting control policies, procedures, and practices
Performing month-end and year-end reconciliations and correcting journal entries
Developing, modifying, and implementing accounting systems, standards, procedures, and financial controls
Performing technical accounting research
Analyzing complex financial data, including expenditures, revenues, and year-over-year variances
Assisting management in interpreting and understanding fiscal and accounting policies, procedures, operations, and controls
Identifying, researching, and resolving problems
Working on special projects and other duties as assigned

You will be most successful in this role with a combination of the following:

The ability to work independently and exercise good judgement under limited supervision
Strong knowledge of GAAP, GASB, and FASB accounting principles and standards
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite
Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel
Experience in reporting from an HRIS system (preferably Workday)
Experience with PeopleSoft or other similar software suite
Strong analytical skills and attention to detail
Excellent communication skills
Learning mindset with an interest in process improvement
CPA certification

Qualifications

In addition to the ability to perform the tasks described above, you will need to possess the below required qualifications:

A Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, or a related field (requires satisfactory completion of at least 24 semester hours or 36 quarter credit units in accounting with no substitution allowed)
Three years of professional experience in general or governmental accounting, or a related field

An Associate Degree in Accounting, or a related field (requires satisfactory completion of at least 24 semester hours or 36 quarter credit units in accounting with no substitution allowed)
Four years of professional experience in general or governmental accounting, or a related field

A Master’s Degree in Accounting, or a related field (requires satisfactory completion of at least 24 semester hours or 36 quarter credit units in accounting with no substitution allowed)
Two years of professional experience in general or governmental accounting, or a related field

Additional Information

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

The first round of interviews for this position are tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, October 28 and/or Thursday, October 29, 2026. Second interviews will take place on Wednesday, November 4, 2026. These interviews will take place virtually over Microsoft Teams.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact Lindsey King at Lindsey.King@seattle.gov to request accommodation.

This position offers the flexibility of a hybrid work schedule. Employees will be expected to be in-office three days a week. Individual schedules will be based on agreement between the employee and their supervisor.

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.

Individuals selected to fill this position may be eligible to receive Language Premium Pay (SMC 4.20.360), which provides a $200.00 monthly stipend to qualified bilingual employees who are properly evaluated and assigned to provide direct communication in-language, interpretation, or translation services to the public on behalf of the City of Seattle.

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. Please select an option under the “Most Employee Benefits” heading.

Why work at the City?

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

Please submit your application at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/seattle/no later than 4:00pm Pacific Time on Tuesday, October 13, 2026. To be considered for this position, in addition to completing your application fully, please attach:

A PDF of your current resume which illustrates your related skills, experience, and abilities
Cover Letter explaining your interest in this opportunity with Seattle Human Resources and capability to perform in this role

We encourage you to review the City of Seattle’s Application and Interviewing Tips Guide, which may be used as a resource as you prepare to apply and interview for positions with the City of Seattle.

This position is open to all applicants 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, medical condition, or pregnancy. 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 experiences. If you have questions, please contact Lindsey King at Lindsey.King@seattle.gov.

City of Seattle

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