Senior Accountant

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: Office of Economic Development
Opening Date: 10/20/2026
Closing Date: 11/3/2026 4:00 PM Pacific

Position Description
The Office of Economic Development (OED) supports a vibrant, inclusive economy by increasing access to economic opportunities, reducing racial wealth gaps, and supporting innovation and growth in Seattle. Our Finance & Accounting team plays a critical role in maintaining fiscal integrity, supporting operational success, and ensuring compliance with City policies and accounting standards.

We are seeking a Senior Accountant to provide complex accounting services and help strengthen OED's financial operations. This position supports general ledger activities, AP/AR processes, policy compliance, internal controls, and financial analysis.

A successful candidate will bring strong technical accounting expertise, a customer-service mindset, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively.

Job Responsibilities
In this role, you will:

• Perform complex accounting adjustments and journal entries in compliance with GAAP and GASB standards.
• Monitor Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable activity for accuracy; complete grant reporting; and process interdepartmental agreement transactions.
• Review and approve invoice payments, PeopleSoft purchase order payments, and contract encumbrances to ensure adherence to City policies and accounting standards.
• Conduct financial and revenue analyses using Excel and PeopleSoft queries, including forecasting, trend analysis, year-end projections, and budget tracking.
• Partner with the Finance & Accounting Manager and Finance & Operations Director to support budgeting processes and ensure effective cost tracking.
• Implement, update, and monitor internal controls, policies, and procedures supporting grant and contract operations.
• Ensure compliance with fiscal policies, fund source requirements, and accounting standards.
• Participate in developing and maintaining comprehensive desk manuals and standardized procedures.

You will be most successful if you bring a combination of the following skills, experience and abilities:

• A strong foundation in accounting across AP, AR, general ledger, and corrective transactions, such as journal entries.
• Strong understanding of GAAP and GASB principles.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and familiarity with PeopleSoft (preferred, not required).
• Experience in government or public accounting.
• Excellent communication skills with an emphasis on internal customer service - able to explain accounting concepts clearly and support staff with varying levels of familiarity.
• An approachable and human-centered communication style.
• Ability to work independently in a self-directed manner, exercise judgment in ambiguous situations, and proactively seek clarification when needed.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.

Please note this job advertisement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Qualifications
In addition to the qualities mentioned above, you will need to possess the following required qualifications:

Satisfactory completion of at least 24 semester hours or 36 quarter credit units in accounting with no substitution allowed AND five (5) years professional experience in general or governmental accounting.

OR

An Associate's Degree in Accounting or related field (requires satisfactory completion of at least 24 semester hours or 36 quarter credit units in accounting with no substitution allowed AND four (4) years professional experience in general or governmental accounting.

OR

A Bachelor's Degree in Accounting or related field (requires satisfactory completion of at least 24 semester hours or 36 quarter credit units in accounting with no substitution allowed AND Three (3) years professional experience in general or governmental accounting.

Additional Information
This full-time, civil-service position is eligible for overtime and is classified as an Accountant, Senior. The full pay range for this step-progression position is $48.07 to $55.96 per hour. New employees begin at Step 1 of the pay progression, which is $48.07 hourly. Current City employees' starting rate of pay will be based on Personnel Rules regarding promotions.

Work Environment: This position offers the flexibility of a hybrid work schedule. Employees are expected to be in-office 3 days per week. Individual schedules will be based on agreement between the employee and their supervisor and are subject to change.

Benefits: A comprehensive benefits package 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 here:

Application Process: Here are some informational-only tips on applying and interviewing with us.

Please submit your application at by the listed deadline. To be considered, you must submit the following with your complete online application:
• A cover letter in which you clearly describe how your knowledge, experience, skills, and abilities prepare you for the job responsibilities and qualifications outlined in the job announcement
• A current resume of your educational and professional work experience

Please note: The Office of Economic Development does not use artificial intelligence (AI) or automated tools to screen or evaluate applications. Every application is reviewed by a member of our hiring team to ensure an equitable and human-centered process.

Hiring Timeline: First interviews will take place the week of November 16th and will be conducted by video conferencing using Microsoft Teams. The target start date is December 9th.

Pre-employment procedures: 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.

Have you completed at least 24 semester hours or 36 quarter credits in accounting?

• Yes
• No

Can you provide documentation of satisfactory completion of at least 24 semester hours or 36 quarter credit units in accounting?

• Yes
• No

Please describe your knowledge and use of PeopleSoft or other comparable systems.
Please describe your knowledge and use of the Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB).
This position offers the flexibility of a hybrid work schedule. Employees will be expected to work in-office a minimum of three days a week. Individual schedules will be based on agreement between the employee and their supervisor. Moderate local travel and possible regional travel will be required, as well as occasional evening and weekend in-person meetings. Please confirm your understanding of and ability to meet these requirements.
To be considered for this position, you must attach a PDF of your resume and a cover letter. Have you attached these documents? (Please Note: Even if you have imported your resume into the application fields, you must still attach it)

• Yes
• No

Required Question