Accountant - General Accounting

About the role

Seattle City Light, a department of the City of Seattle, is one of the nation’s largest municipally owned utilities in terms of the number of customers served. Over the years we have worked very hard to keep Seattle's electricity affordable, reliable, and environmentally sound. Today, City Light is a recognized national leader in energy efficiency and environmental stewardship. Seattle City Light’s Accounting Division is seeking a qualified and motivated Accountant to join our General Accounting Team. In this role, you will perform a range of professional accounting duties, working collaboratively with senior and principal accountants to support the accuracy and integrity of the utility’s financial records. You will play a key role in ensuring efficiency, reliability, and compliance of the division’s financial processes. This position reports to the General Accounting Manager.

Responsibilities

• Prepare monthly journal entries and tax returns, ensuring accuracy and completeness of all supporting documentation.
• Reconcile accounts across multiple systems and investigate discrepancies to maintain accurate financial records.
• Prepare accounts payable payment requests for tax and bond-related obligations, ensuring proper coding and timely processing.
• Collaborate with senior and principal accountants to support ongoing accounting operations and special projects.
• Assist with external audits by preparing clear, organized, and accurate work papers.
• Conduct accounting research and contribute to the development and implementation of enhanced procedures and best practices.
• Analyze financial data to identify trends, resolve discrepancies, and recommend opportunities for process improvement.
• Perform other related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting (or a combination of education and/or training and/or experience which provides an equivalent background required to perform the work of the class).

Desired Qualifications:

• Two years of professional accounting experience, preferably within large and complex financial systems.
• A combination of general ledger and tax accounting experience is highly desirable.
• Proficiency in computer applications, with advanced skills in Microsoft Excel and financial software; experience with PeopleSoft is considered an asset.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities, with exceptional attention to detail.
• Excellent customer service skills, along with effective interpersonal, verbal, and written communication abilities.
• Demonstrated ability to perform effectively in a fast-paced, high-pressure, and deadline-driven environment.
• Proven initiative in identifying challenges and implementing practical solutions.
• Commitment to supporting and promoting a diverse, inclusive, and collaborative team environment.

Benefits

• Vacation, holiday, and sick leave
• Medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents

Pay

The full salary range for this position is $44.19 to $51.46 per hour.