Senior Accountant

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.

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, People Soft purchase order payments, and contract encumbrances to ensure adherence to City policies and accounting standards.
• Conduct financial and revenue analyses using Excel and People Soft 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 People Soft (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.

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…