Salary: $48.07 - $55.96 Hourly
Location : Seattle Municipal Tower, 700 5th Ave., Seattle, WA
Job Type: Classified Civil Service, Regular, Full-Time
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number:
Department: Seattle Department of Human Resources
Opening Date: 09/25/2026
Closing Date: 10/13/2026 4:00 PM Pacific
Language Premium: Yes

Position Description
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

OR

• 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

OR

• 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.

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: Please select an option under the "Most Employee Benefits" heading.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

Please submit your application at no later than 4:00pm Pacific Time on Tuesday, October 13, 2026To 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 , which may be used as a resource as you prepare to apply and interview for positions with the City of Seattle.

01

Provide a time you identified a financial discrepancy or trend that others missed. How did you analyze it, and what was the outcome?
02

How do you prioritize issues when multiple variances or discrepancies arise at the same time?
03

Tell me about a time you analyzed a significant variance in a governmental fund. What factors did you consider (timing, accruals, grants, interfund activity)?
04

Please tell us how you have applied a racial equity lens to your work and the impact it has had.
05

To be considered for this position, you must attach both a cover letter and resume to your application. Have you attached these items? (NOTE: If you imported your resume into the application fields, you must still attach it)
06

This position offers the flexibility of a hybrid work schedule. Employees will be expected to be in-office three times a week. Please confirm your understanding and ability to meet the needs of this position.
07

Where/how did you hear about this position?
Required Question