Principal Accountant

Principal Accountant 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. 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. 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. 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: 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. Hybrid work schedule at home and in office; 9/80 or 4/10 work schedule available. 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. 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. 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.