Principal Accountant, General Accounting

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 to keep Seattle's electricity affordable, reliable, and environmentally sound. Today, City Light is a recognized national leader in energy efficiency and environmental stewardship.

About the role

The General Accounting Unit provides accurate, timely, and quality financial reporting and accounting services to the Department. General Accounting is responsible for accounting for retail electric revenues, bonds, bond issues, power transactions, wholesale power billings, month- and year-end closing of the books, external audit coordination, preparation of annual financial statements and reports, research and implementation of accounting standards, and tax administration.

In this role, you will serve as a lead for a team responsible for the preparation of complex monthly and annual financial statements (statements of net position, statements of revenues, expenses, and changes in net position), and related annual financial statement disclosures/footnotes in accordance with GASB. This position will report to the General Accounting Manager.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate monthly and annual financial close across accounting units.
• Supervise retail revenue accounting and ensure accurate and timely billing and reporting.
• Prepare complete and accurate monthly financial statements under management direction.
• Coordinate and prepare monthly variance analysis, ensuring clear explanations for key drivers and trends.
• Coordinate the annual audit including preparing audit schedules, responding to information requests, and serving as a primary liaison with external auditors.
• Ensure compliance with financial controls.
• Plan and lead the coordination, preparation, and review of annual financial statements in compliance with GAAP and GASB requirements under management direction.
• Plan and supervise research of accounting standards and financial impact of operational changes for department implementation.
• Develop, recommend, and implement accounting standards, policies, and procedures in response to new programs and government regulations.
• Prepare and review key account reconciliations to ensure accuracy and completeness.
• Maintain FERC accounts within ERP.
• Maintain system financial statements using financial reporting tools and the ERP.
• Identify and implement process improvements.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Business Administration or related field (requires satisfactory completion of at least 24 semester hours or 36 quarter credit units in accounting with no substitution allowed) and/or professional certification as a CPA.
• Four years professional experience in accounting, auditing, financial analysis, or related work with one year experience equivalent to a Senior Accountant (or a combination of education and/or training and/or experience which provides an equivalent background).

Qualifications

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) highly desirable.
• Five or more years’ accounting experience in a large or medium-size business or utility.
• Advanced knowledge of accounting principles, including GAAP, GASB, and FASB.
• Experience preparing complex financial statements; and proficiency using large, complex financial systems.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, delegate, and work cooperatively with others.
• Experience using financial reporting and business intelligence tools.
• Demonstrated initiative, adaptability, strong documentation skills, and attention to detail; able to work independently and as part of a team.
• Experience researching and implementing GAAP, including GASB or FASB standards, and applicable industry regulatory requirements, including Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).
• Proven ability to manage time effectively and meet tight deadlines.
• Demonstrated advanced skills in Excel and the ability to manage data in a variety of formats.
• Demonstrated ability to handle multiple assignments concurrently and to successfully meet deadlines.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret and communicate complex financial data.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills and the ability to work effectively with all levels throughout the organization.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to lead cross-functional initiatives.

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.

Pay

The full salary range for this position is $54.01 to $62.90 per hour.

Additional Information

Seattle City Light is committed to reliable service during emergencies. Through our Emergency Response Program, each employee is assigned a role—usually aligned with their regular duties—to support emergency operations. Your participation is required and vital to helping the utility stay prepared and serve our community when it matters most.

Job offers are contingent on the verification of credentials and other information required by the employment process, including the completion of a background check. The background check will involve a criminal history check, which includes conviction and arrest records in compliance with the Seattle’s Fair Chance Employment Ordinance, SMC 14.17 and the City of Seattle Personnel Rule 10.3. A driving history review may be conducted in compliance with SMC 4.79.020. Applicants will be provided an opportunity to explain or correct background information.