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.
General Accounting is the unit within Seattle City Light’s Financial Services Business Unit responsible for monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports and analysis. Other functions include the recording of all financial transactions including bonds, coordination of external audit, and maintenance of policies and procedures. General Accounting also administers sundry billings. Each year General Accounting produces the Annual Financial Report, which is the official record of the financial statements and associated notes.
The accounting intern will learn from hands-on experience with accounting processes, procedures, documentation, accounting standards, research of emerging issues, financial reporting and analysis, and account reconciliations, as well as electric utility-specific guidelines and standards. From skills learned at City Light the student can gain a more concrete understanding of theoretical textbook knowledge by observing it practical application. This understanding can be applied to college assignments, as well as enabling the student to be well prepared to study and sit for the CPA exam. Also, strong foundation in accounting skills will be gained that will be beneficial to the student’s accounting career.
Job Responsibilities
• Prepare assigned reconciliations. Goal is to maintain account reconciliations current and well documented. Objective is for completion of account reconciliations two weeks after monthly closing.
• Prepare assigned journal entries. Goal is to ensure assigned journal entries are completed and well documented. Objective is for completion within the monthly closing schedule.
• Perform assigned variance analysis. Goal is to ensure assigned variance analyses are researched and well documented. Objective is to complete within a week after monthly closing and to assist in identifying issues and possible adjustments.
• Perform assigned documentation of procedures. Goal is to document key processes and maintain current. Objective is to identify efficiencies in daily operations.
• Assist in creation of annual report and supporting schedules.
• Perform assigned accounting research for issues and transactions that are identified. Goal is to ensure accounting issues are identified and researched. Objective is to ensure Seattle City Light accounting issues and related policies are well documented that ensures passing audit scrutiny.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications
Accounting Students: 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 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.
• Strong Excel skills
• Solid basic understanding of accounting principles
• Demonstrates strong written and verbal communication skills
• Are a sophomore or above at the start of the internship.
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.
Additional Information
Schedule: Intern will work up-to 20 hours/weeks while school is in session. Up-to 40 hours/week during school breaks. Work hours can be scheduled between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm.
Salary: Undergraduate students will be paid $29.30 - $29.30 an 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).
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) 2026 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.
Other Benefits Includes
Professional and educational development
• Meaningful and educational opportunities that compliment your academic program.
• Establish effective networking relationships with professional staff, which may be beneficial to future career development.
• Access to City sponsored trainings and professional development modules.
• Diverse array of work experiences, responsibilities, and opportunities to help make Seattle a great place to live, work, and play.
• Working for the city builds your career and your community.
Competitive Pay And Benefits
• Commuting benefits including ORCA passes, car share discounts, and ride matches.
• Paid sick and safe leave (after 90 days of employment).
• Access to the City's Flash Mentorship program.
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 theSeattle’s Fair Chance Employment Ordinance,SMC 14.17and theCity of Seattle Personnel Rule 10.3. A driving history review may be conducted in compliance withSMC 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.
