Senior Accountant

Class Summary

Performs advanced professional accounting tasks, including creating, reviewing, auditing, and analyzing fiscal records and reports, as well as simultaneous coordination of several complex, varied functions, programs, or projects.

Examples Of Job Functions

This description was prepared to indicate the kinds of activities and levels of work difficulty required of positions in this class. It is not intended as a complete list of specific duties and responsibilities.

• Manages specialty areas in accounting work and financial transaction systems. Communicates with and advises department directors and client departmental staff.
• Guides complex purchasing activities involving multiple accounts or excessive costs. Performs complex financial calculations and analysis involving manipulation of large amounts of data, which may be taken from multiple systems.
• Reviews and audits complex financial records and transactions; identifies and researches discrepancies, and resolves or makes recommendations for corrective actions. Consults with client groups to resolve accounting discrepancies and guide decision making.
• Addresses and resolves problems where interpretation of guidelines, data or procedures is necessary. Interprets and evaluates financial reporting requirements for various funding sources.
• Evaluates and audits internal controls to ensure accuracy of financial reporting and accounting processes.
• Reconciles complex discrepancies and reporting errors related to journal and accounting transactions, documents corrections within accounting systems, and performs or guides others through corrective actions required. Trains and alerts staff on proper procedures and use of financial systems.
• Performs debt accounting and reporting activities, including maintaining financial systems and records with regard to bonds and capitalized lease transactions and records.
• Develops annual budgets, analyzing any revenue by source. Provides cost analysis, and confirms budget detail in cooperation with program staff. Maintains and adjusts budgets through transfers.
• Manages financial aspects of grant funds received by client groups. Provides review and analysis of financial details related to grant funds and the grants management process; creates reports and gives updates, including providing analyses for management review.
• Analyzes financial performance, prepares financial reports according to required schedules, forecasts expenditures, guides management in fiscal compliance and analytical planning, and anticipates potential problems. Assists client groups with data submissions and compliance reporting.
• Prepares various financial statements such as balance sheets, revenue and cash flow statements, workpapers on capital assets, investments and debt positions, and working with client groups to ensure financial statements and activities are accurate. Prepares sections of the City's Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR).
• Prepares budget-to-actual reports and other analyses as requested by client departments.
• Prepares specialized and ad-hoc financial reports, briefing papers, spreadsheets, and statements. Prepares comprehensive financial and accounting studies, and conducts assigned special projects related to financial procedures and processes.
• Works with external auditors to support the annual audit process.
• Performs related work as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Open Entry Requirements:

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Accounting.
• Experience: Three years of full performance professional level accounting experience.
• Equivalency: We may accept different combinations of education and experience. We welcome job seekers with relevant backgrounds to apply.

Licenses and Certifications:

• None

EXAMINATION DETAILS

Applicants must first meet the minimum qualifications to be invited to take the examination. Those who pass the examination will then go on the hiring list.

The examination will consist of multiple-choice questions.

Possible Subjects Covered In The Examination

• General Accounting
• Computer Skills

This is an online examination that will require a computer.

If you do not have access to a computer, please notify Civil Service so that one may be provided.

Computer reservations can also be made through your local public library.

Examination instructions and links will be emailed to qualified applicants on July 22nd, 2026\. The testing window is July 23rd - July 27th.

Please note:

The email will come from

City of Spokane (

[email protected]

).

For information on what to expect with the hiring process, a test information guide, and frequently asked questions, please visit our website.

Upon request, at time of application, City of Spokane will provide alternative accessible tests to individuals with disabilities that impair manual, sensory, or speaking skills needed to take the test, unless the test is intended to measure those skills.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity within our organization. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, familial status, genetic information, veteran/military status, or disability status. As a Fair Chance Employer, City of Spokane does not conduct initial background screening for non-public safety positions.

Benefit Compensation Value

In addition to a salary, The City of Spokane provides a generous benefits package valued between $31,097 - $38,667\.

Insurance Benefits

Eligibility:

Coverage begins for new hires and their dependents on the first day of the month following 30 consecutive days of employment.

Eligible Dependents:

Spouse or Domestic Partner, birth, adopted children or children placed for adoption, Domestic Partner's children, step-children who live with employee, and any child for whom employee is legal guardian or for whom coverage is required by a Qualified Medical Support Order. Adult children under age 26 are eligible.

Medical

Qualified employees may select from two health carrier options; a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) administered by Kaiser Permanente or a Preferred Provider Option (PPO) administered by Premera Blue Cross. The monthly premium varies dependent upon plan and coverage level selected.

Vision

Vision coverage is included in the medical plan selected. Costs for eye exams and hardware; lenses, frames or contacts varies depending on the medical plan selected.

Dental

Dental insurance is provided by Delta Dental of Washington. The monthly premium is minimal for employee

and

eligible dependents.

Life Insurance - Employee Only

Basic Term Life Insurance is provided at one-and-a-half times the employee's annual base salary to a maximum of $150,000\. The City pays the monthly premium in full.

Life Insurance - Eligible Dependent(s)

Basic Term Life Insurance is provided at $7,500 for spouse/domestic partner and $3,000 for each child. The City pays the monthly premium in full.

Long-Term Disability Insurance

Long-Term Disability Insurance is provided by The Standard. The City pays the monthly premium in full.

Flexible Spending Account

The City offers two optional Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) - Health Care FSA and Dependent Care FSA. The Health Care FSA allows an employee to use pre-tax dollars to receive reimbursement for eligible medical, dental, and vision expenses. The Dependent Care FSA allows an employee to receive reimbursement for eligible daycare expenses for dependent children up to age 13 and other eligible dependents as defined by IRS Code.

AFLAC

Supplemental insurance is optional and is provided by AFLAC to help pay benefits that major medical insurance does not cover. The employee pays 100% of the monthly premium.

AudioNet Hearing Aid Benefit

AudioNet Hearing Aid Benefit is optional. The City of Spokane has partnered with AudioNet America to offer a discounted Hearing Aid Program with fixed out-of-pocket costs.

LegalShield/ID Shield

Prepaid legal services and/or prepaid identity theft programs are optional. These programs pay for a limited number of documents to be reviewed, limited trial defense representation, the preparation of a standard will, identity theft consultation, restoration and monitoring according to terms of contract.

Pet Insurance

Get cash back on the everyday care your pet needs to stay healthy! Nationwide/Voluntary Pet Insurance is an optional plan in which City of Spokane Employees can enroll.

Voluntary Term Life Insurance

Voluntary Term Life Insurance is optional and is provided through The Standard Insurance Company and is subject to application review and approval. Additional coverage up to $300,000 is available for employees and their spouse/domestic partner. Dependent children can be insured for up to $10,000 each. The employee pays 100% of the monthly premium.

Continued Medical/Dental Insurance

Employees separating from City service have the option to continue medical and/or dental insurance benefits in accordance with the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA). The employee pays 100% of the monthly premium in addition to a small monthly administrative fee.

Retirement Benefits

Spokane Employees' Retirement System

The Spokane Employees' Retirement System (SERS) is a defined benefit pension plan covering non-uniformed, permanent employees. As a participant, you contribute 11% of your salary toward your retirement. Contributions and earnings are tax-deferred. The City also contributes 11% of your salary toward your retirement. Employees hired on or after January 1, 2015 become vested (eligible for a monthly benefit at retirement age) at seven years of service.

Deferred Compensation

Enrollment in the City-sponsored 457 Deferred Compensation Plan administered by MissionSquare Retirement allows participants, on a voluntary basis, to defer a portion of their salary on a before or after tax basis. Contributions and associated earnings contributed on a before tax basis are eligible to receive City matching contributions and are tax deferred (not taxed until taken out). You can also choose to participate in the 457 Roth (after tax) contribution option. You may enroll in the 457 plan or change your contribution at any time. Minimum contribution is $15 per paycheck up to and is subject to the IRS annual limitations. The City will match employee contributions up to $150/month.

PAID TIME OFF

Official Holidays

The City observes seven official holidays as paid. An official holiday that falls on a Saturday will be observed on the preceding Friday. An official holiday that falls on a Sunday will be observed on the Monday immediately following. The City observes Martin Luther King Jr's birthday but has not declared that day as an official holiday. For this reason, employees hired before the third Monday of January receive an additional eight hours of floating holiday time to be used in accordance with Spokane Managerial and Professional Association Collective Bargaining Agreement provisions.

Floating Holidays

48 hours of Floating Holidays to be used as of January 1st. Floating holiday hours may not be carried over into the next year and any unused hours will not be paid at termination.

Vacation Leave

Employees earn paid vacation hours each pay period. The number of hours earned depends upon the employee's length of employment and the number of hours in a pay status. Vacation accrual ranges from 12 days per year for a new employee to 20 days per year after 11 years of employment. Unused vacation hours carry over each year but are subject to maximum accrual amounts in accordance with Spokane Managerial and Professional Association Collective Bargaining Agreement provisions.

Sick Leave

Sick leave accrues at a rate of six (6) hours per biweekly pay period. Employees must be in paid status for 80% of that pay period to accrue sick leave. Unused sick leave hours carry over each year.

Other Leaves

The City also provides several other paid and unpaid leaves, such as: bereavement leave, Family and Medical Leave, maternity leave, jury duty, and military duty leave.

WORK/LIFE PROGRAMS

Employee Assistance Program

The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a referral and counseling service administered by Deer Oaks. It provides a myriad of services to employees and their household members. Services include receiving confidential assistance for personal issues, such as managing stress, depression, parenting, alcohol/drugs, grief, etc. Each household member is eligible to receive up to eight counseling sessions per issue per year at no charge. There is also a benefit relating financial or legal concerns in addition to Worklife/Convenience services and online tools.

Employer Sponsored Bus Pass (ESBP) Program

The City of Spokane encourages employees to use alternatives to driving alone to work and participates in the ESBP Program offered by Spokane Transit Authority (STA). The program provides a bus pass for unlimited rides free of charge.

Revised March 15, 2022

01

Are you a current, non-probationary City employee?

• Yes
• No

02

Do you have a bachelor’s degree in Accounting?

• Yes
• No

03

To meet the education requirements for this position, you must provide your college transcripts. (You may go back and attach them now, returning to this question when you are done.) Have you attached your college transcripts to your application? If your answer is “no” your application is incomplete and will not be considered.

• Yes
• No

04

How many years of full performance professional level accounting experience do you have? NOTE: You must show where you gained this experience in your Work Experience details of this application in order to be accepted. An attached resume or other documents cannot be accepted in lieu of completing the online application form.

• Less than 1 year
• At least 1 year, but less than 2 years
• At least 2 years, but less than 3 years
• 3 years or more
• Required Question