Cost Accounting Intern - Seattle City Light

Position Description

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

Are you ready to apply your academic knowledge in a real-world setting and kickstart your career in accounting? Join the Cost Accounting unit at Seattle City Light for a dynamic, hands-on internship experience. This is a fantastic opportunity to make meaningful contributions, enhance your accounting knowledge, and work in beautiful downtown Seattle. If you're ready to embark on an exciting learning journey, we want to hear from you.

Learning Objectives:

• Real-World Experience: Apply classroom learning to actual accounting functions, gaining hands-on experience with accounting systems and processes.
• Exposure to Industry Best Practices: Learn from experts in the field and gain insight into how a billion-dollar utility operates and accounts for its assets, revenue, and expenses.
• Skill Development: Develop a broad range of accounting skills including project costing, journal entries, reconciliations, and financial reporting. You'll also enhance your proficiency in ERP systems and accounting software.
• Professional Growth: Gain exposure to audit processes, accounting policies and more. This internship provides a comprehensive understanding of utility accounting and will set you up for success in your future career.
• Networking Opportunities: Build relationships with professionals across departments, allowing you to expand your network within the accounting and utility industries.
  
  

Job Responsibilities

Project(s) Scope:

• During this one-year internship, you will work alongside a diverse and highly skilled team while gaining exposure to critical accounting systems such as PeopleSoft ERP, Work Order System, and Fixed Asset System.
• As a member of the team, you will be deeply involved in the operations of a billion-dollar utility, gaining invaluable insights into accounting practices at a leading public utility.
• You will collaborate with a variety of professionals across departments, learning from experts in the field while honing your accounting skills.
• This position reports to the Cost Accounting Manager and is part of a collaborative team of 8 members. Don't miss the chance to gain real-world accounting experience in one of Seattle's most prominent and respected departments.
  
  

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

Undergraduate Accounting students will need to maintain a 2.5 GPA or above throughout the internship.

Preferred Areas Of Study

• Enrolled in an accredited certificate, 2-year or 4-year program during their internship.
• Be enrolled in an academic program in Accounting, Finance, Economics, Business or related field.
  
  

Desired Qualifications

You will be successful if you have the following experience, skills, and abilities:

• Experience with Microsoft products – most notably Excel, additionally Word, Email, Teams.
• Prior work experience with basic accounting principles
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
  
  

Additional Information

The full salary range for this position is $28.28 - $29.19 per hour.

Application Process

To complete your application, submit the online form with the following attachments:

• Resume
• Cover letter explaining how your coursework, activities, and experience qualify you for this internship.
• Your unofficial transcript - including current coursework, next term registration (if available at the time of application), and cumulative GPA.
  
  

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Internship Duration and Hours: Year-long: The timeframe of this internship will be one year in duration, with either a May (semester schools) or June (quarter schools) 2025 start date. Working hours are up to 40 per week during the summer, and a max of 20 per week during the academic year.

Hybrid Work: The City has the expectation that interns will be readily available to report to onsite at work in Seattle in accordance with the current Mayoral mandate of a minimum of 3 days per week. Additional in-person work requirements are based on business need and determined by the hiring authority.

Interns must have a Washington State address and live in Washington State at the time of hire and for the duration of their employment.

Benefits: Interns do not receive benefits but can obtain a subsidized ORCA pass and accrue sick time that can be used after 90 days of employment.

Background Check: 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.

Who May Apply: This position is open to all candidates that meet the qualifications. Seattle City Light values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Seattle City Light encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQIA , people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences.

Want to know more about Seattle City Light? Check out our web page: https://www.seattle.gov/city-light/about-us/careers.