What are the responsibilities and job description for the Principal Accountant - GL position at City of Seattle?
Position Description
About Seattle Parks and Recreation:
Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR) is a national leader and innovator in the services and programs we provide to our residents who enjoy our public spaces such as parks, community centers, specialty gardens and swimming pools. Our mission is to equip employees and the public for well-being as we support healthy people, a thriving environment and vibrant community. We provide safe and accessible spaces for residents and visitors to work, recreate, rejuvenate and enhance quality of life and wellness for children, teenagers, adults and seniors. Delivering excellent customer service to all is a core value.
Equity & Inclusion
Seattle Parks and Recreation commits to advancing equity and social justice in our department and in every neighborhood by growing a dynamic and diverse workforce, developing strong investments, growth opportunities and beneficial partner strategies as we acknowledge and pledge to close disparities created by historical practices which often hindered workforce development, environmental justice, access to quality open spaces, programs, and facilities. #OneSeattle
About the Finance Division
Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR) is looking for an accounting professional who will ensure General Ledger (GL) and Project Cost (PC) accounting transactions adhere to Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) and city policies.
As part of Seattle Parks and Recreation’s (SPR’s) Finance and Administration Services Division, the Principal accountant is responsible for supervising a team of three within the GL/PC team. This position reports to the Accounting Manager.
Job Responsibilities
- Be responsible for general ledger, cost accounting, fixed asset, financial reporting and tracking of monthly expenditures, revenues, GL/PC, AP/GL, Revenue/GL reconciliations.
- Prepare, distribute and present both standard and ad hoc financial and analytical information to senior level staff. Assist in the preparation and monitoring of operating and Capital Improvement Project (CIP) budgets.
- possess strong, proven leadership skills to effectively engage and work with three accounting team members, in a matrix reporting role, to continuously improve effectiveness and efficiency of the team and business processes.
- Effectively manage the GL/PC team including hiring, coaching and delivering individual employee development plans.
- Review and approve journal entries, lead and coordinate month and year-end closing activities to resolve exceptions, carryovers and meet city deadlines. Process adjusting entries, coordinate budget lapses and encumbrances
- Set up contracts, fund distribution rate sets and rate plans. Monitor various accounting functions including fund, grant and revenue accounting. Maintain financial records and fund correspondences.
- Manage fixed assets system. Ensure assets are tracked in accordance with accounting standards, city policies and grant/contract requirements.
- Monitor the city’s legislative process for new ordinances. Evaluate and interpret new ordinances to determine their effect on department operations.
- Research, evaluate and recommend new accounting procedures, system revisions and modifications and control procedures. Assist with updating and drafting policies and desk procedures related to accounting and business operations.
- Direct and oversee the work of financial and budget analysis technical support. Supervise and train accounting staff in new accounting policies and procedures.
- Satisfactorily maintain positive working relations with internal and external customers.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications: In addition to the skills and experience mentioned below, a successful applicant will have experience that reflects a commitment to creating fair and equitable outcomes and has:
Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Business Administration or related field (requires satisfactory completion of at least 24 semester hours or 36 quarter credit units in accounting with no substitution allowed) and/or professional certification as a CPA, plus four years professional experience in accounting, auditing, financial analysis, or related work with one year experience equivalent to a Senior Accountant (or a combination of education and/or training and/or experience which provides an equivalent background).
Desired Qualifications - You will be successful if you have the following experience, skills, and abilities:
- Four years of experience in General Ledger and Project Cost Accounting
- Strong analytical and organizational skills, creative problem-solving skills, and proven ability to work collaboratively.
- Efficiently meet deadlines. Ability to work under pressure, multi-task, change priorities and meet rapidly changing deadlines in a fast-paced technical environment. Promptly, research and problem solve accounting issues while showing exceptional decision-making and judgment.
- Proficient in Excel and Word. Advanced Excel skill set, ability to manage and manipulate large data sets.
- Extensive knowledge of an Enterprise financial system.
- Proven management, supervisory, or leadership skills.
- Successful experience contributing to a diverse team with different backgrounds.
Additional Information
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.
The full salary range for this position is $52.13 to $60.71 per hour.
Application Process
Please submit the following with your 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.
Who May Apply: This position is open to all candidates that meet the qualifications. Seattle Parks and Recreation 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 Parks and Recreation 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.
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 14.17and the City of Seattle Personnel Rule 10.3 (Download PDF reader). 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.
The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation time, 12 paid holidays, 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: https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits/employees-and-covered-family-members/most-employees-plans.
Want to know more about Parks and Recreation? Check out our web page: Seattle Parks and Recreation - Parks | seattle.gov
SPR’s Core Competencies are:
Accountability & Action: Holding yourself accountable for achieving goals, completing tasks, and delivering quality work. Demonstrating thoughtful initiative in actions and decision-making, and promoting high quality standards.
Equity and Inclusion: Supporting the goals of the Race and Social Justice Initiative and the City's commitment to workforce equity.
Communication: Sharing and exchanging information and ideas with people in a variety of ways to help them understand and remember the information.
Service: An ongoing commitment to base decisions and actions on the needs and priorities of the City.
Teamwork: Participating as an engaged member of a team to achieve group goals. Effectively working with internal and external people to complete tasks and achieve work group goals.
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.
Salary : $52 - $61
