Senior Quality Assurance Analyst (Accountant, Principal)

About the role

The Human Services Department (HSD) of the City of Seattle funds and operates programs that meet the basic needs of vulnerable community members, including low‑income families, children, victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, people experiencing homelessness, seniors, and persons with disabilities. This position is part of the Quality Assurance Team (QAT) within the Finance Division and serves as a subject‑matter expert in fiscal compliance, sub‑recipient monitoring under 2 CFR 200, and fraud risk management to ensure strong stewardship of federal and general funds invested in community‑based human service providers.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive fiscal and operational reviews of HSD‑funded agencies to ensure compliance with contractual obligations, accounting standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Lead sensitive assignments as directed, including special investigations, whistle‑blower investigations, and other investigations alleging potential fraud.
• Implement proactive fraud detection and monitoring measures, including data analytics and anomaly identification; escalate concerns through established protocols.
• Conduct investigative fact‑finding interviews, as needed.
• Perform detailed analysis of agency audits, financial statements, and IRS Form 990 filings; identify discrepancies and evaluate associated corrective actions.
• Review and assess financial statements and budget proposals during RFP/RFI processes to evaluate financial health, soundness, and risk exposure.
• Develop and maintain risk assessment frameworks, including risk‑scoring models, to prioritize monitoring.
• Provide subject‑matter expertise on internal controls, compliance standards, audit practices, fraud risk management, and financial management to department staff supporting partner agencies.
• Support federal, state, and city audits by preparing documentation and serving as a compliance SME for QAT monitoring activities.
• Prepare clear, concise written reports summarizing findings, outcomes, and recommendations for leadership and partner organizations.
• Conduct racial equity analysis in all compliance and monitoring activities; integrate equity metrics into financial review processes and reporting.
• Assist the Operations team with the development of training materials as a department SME in fiscal reviews, compliance monitoring, and internal‑control best practices.
• Develop and track performance metrics (KPIs) for QA activities; contribute to quarterly compliance dashboards for leadership transparency.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field, with at least 24 semester hours (or 36 quarter credit units) in accounting and no substitution allowed; and/or professional certification as a CPA.
• Experience: Four years of professional experience in accounting, auditing, financial analysis, or related work, including at least one year at a Senior Accountant level (or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience).

Desired Qualifications

• Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) or CPA who is Certified in Financial Forensics (CFF); if not currently certified, must obtain certification within twelve (12) months of hire (out‑of‑pocket expense).
• Five years of non‑profit finance and/or operational management experience.
• Three years of experience managing fraud investigations and/or forensic audits, including performing forensic interviews.
• Ability to work independently, multitask under minimal supervision, and efficiently manage time and workload.
• Knowledge and application of race and social‑justice principles and how they impact the communities HSD serves.
• Knowledge of uniform guidance requirements, generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), generally accepted auditing standards (GAAS), generally accepted government auditing standards (GAGAS), Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) standards, proper audit procedures, and internal controls.
• Ability to conduct reviews, exercise sound judgment, and apply problem‑solving skills to make reasonable business decisions and recommendations.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and safeguard sensitive information.
• Proficiency in recommending creative and innovative resolutions to internal‑control weaknesses.
• Strong written, oral, negotiation, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to communicate with tact and diplomacy to staff, community‑based organizations, and elected officials.
• Proficiency with Windows‑based software, including Internet, Adobe Acrobat, and Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.).

Additional Information

Position Classification: Accountant, Principal (20003). The full salary range for this position is $54.01 – $62.90 per hour.

The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package that 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 on the City’s website.

Applicants must submit a completed NEOGOV online application, a current résumé, a cover letter describing how their skills and experience align with the stated responsibilities and qualifications, and any required supplemental questionnaire responses.

Offers of employment are contingent on verification of information provided by the applicant, which may include a detailed background check, pre‑placement physical exam, and/or a full driver’s abstract, depending on the position.