Principal Accountant
City of SeattlePosition Description
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About Seattle Parks and Recreation:
Equity & Inclusion:
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.
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.About The Position:
Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR) is looking for a Principal Accountant with strong leadership skills to work in a matrix role to improve business process efficiently and effectively. This lead person is responsible for managing the Accounts Payable operations and oversee c-cards, employee travel and training.
The position supervises Accounts Payable team, ensuring the high volume of transactions is processed timely, accurately and in compliance with internal controls and policies. The position reports to the Accounting Manager and works directly with internal customers at all levels and with outside vendors.
Job Responsibilities
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Here is what you will be doing:
Monitor financial controls around the accounts payable function including proper signature authorization, related account reconciliations, verification of the accuracy of materials received, and other processes. Review/approve and post accounts payable vouchers to ensure appropriateness of purchases and timeliness of payments.
Supervise credit card program including authorization of new card issuance and ongoing oversight of existing cards.
Manage processing of purchase requisitions, purchase orders, consultant contracts, construction contracts, employee travel, invoices, encumbrances, retainage, wire transfer payments, taxes, and others.
Monitor the accounts payable at the month-end and year-end process to ensure all vendor payments are processed in the correct accounting period and meet the City’s closing deadlines.
Manage the A/P team effectively, including hiring, coaching, and delivering individual employee development plans
Respond to frequent information requests from vendors, internal customers, auditors, and other requestors.
Develop and manage A/P policies and procedures to ensure compliance and operational consistency.
Qualifications
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Minimum Qualifications:
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 required to perform the work of the class).Desired Qualifications:
You will be successful if you have the following experience, skills, and abilities:
- In-depth understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and (Governmental Accounting Standards Board) GASB related to accounts payable
- Extensive knowledge of Peoplesoft 9.2, particularly in Accounts Payable
- Experience in management, supervisory, or leadership capacity
- Excellent written and verbal skills, high attention to detail and accuracy.
- Proactive and independent work attitude. Track record with meeting deadlines.
- Ability to maintain a positive working relationship in a multi-cultural workplace with a diverse customer base, and as part of a team.
Special Working Conditions and Work Schedule:
Hybrid work schedule at home and in office; 9/80 or 4/10 work schedule available.
Additional Information
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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 $54.01 to $62.90 per hour.
Application Process
Please submit the following with your online application:
- A complete application with past work history.
- 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 14.17 and 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.
We recognize that artificial intelligence (AI) tools, such as chatbots, automated response generators, or language models, can be helpful during the job search process. If you choose to use them, please carefully review all materials before submission to ensure accuracy, as you will be required to affirm that your responses are true and correct during the application process. Submitting inaccurate or misleading information may result in disqualification. Please also note that relying on AI to complete text-based supplemental questions or during interviews may not accurately represent your skills and experiences, which are critical to applicant success. In some cases, you may be instructed not to use AI tools during the selection process. Learn more about the City of Seattle AI Policy here.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.