Accountant - Federal and State Funds Reconciliation (Remote within WA State)

Position Overview

Seattle District is seeking an Accountant-Federal & State Funds Reconciliation in the District Finance Department. Under the supervision of the Director of Accounting, you will be responsible for drawing and reconciling federal and state funds—including financial aid and federal grants—and performing complex financial reconciliations, analysis, and internal control risk assessments.

Salary Range: $70,488 to $97,339 annually (depending on experience). This is a full-time position (40 hours per week, Monday through Friday, primarily from 8am to 5pm) that is 100% remote within the State of Washington and governed by a collective bargaining agreement with representation by AFT-SPS.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform accounting activities in compliance with the Washington State Office of Financial Management, the federal government, and the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges.
• Establish and monitor fiscal data systems, databases, and spreadsheets; review fiscal records and implement corrective actions.
• Investigate discrepancies and resolve differences in accounting entries within the general ledger (G/L).
• Review, analyze, and reconcile drawdowns from the Department of Education for financial aid and other federal grants on a monthly basis.
• Review, analyze, and reconcile drawdowns from the Washington Student Achievement Council monthly.
• Provide management with reports and analysis of drawdowns, receipts, and expenditures related to financial aid and grants.
• Research accounting transactions and prepare necessary corrections and adjustments.
• Assist with general ledger entries, financial aid item types troubleshooting, and creation.
• Coordinate with the Executive Director for year-end closing activities and complete delegated sections of annual federal and state disclosure reports.
• Interpret fiscal policies and procedures; recommend improvements for computerized financial management systems and processes.
• Assist with audits, including preparation of responses to audit inquiries.
• Perform risk assessments and monitor internal controls, preparing an annual report for management.
• Provide training to staff on financial and internal control processes.
• Handle monthly and year-end accounting closing processes and serve as backup for 1098-T student tax form processing and troubleshooting.
• Maintain accurate financial information in the ctcLink finance pillar and student financials module.
• Respond to HelpDesk tickets as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance (with a minimum of 18 quarter or 12 semester hours in accounting, auditing, or budgeting).
• At least three years of progressively responsible experience in general accounting, including recording, reconciling, analyzing, and reporting.
• Strong general accounting skills with a thorough understanding of accounting standards and internal controls, paired with excellent attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently with federal funds and complex trial balance reconciliations while maintaining positive relationships with clients and colleagues.
• Experience working with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) integrated software.
• Proven ability to interpret and apply accounting principles, rules, and regulations governing federal funds.
• Expert level proficiency with Office 365, especially in advanced spreadsheeting.
• Strong problem-solving skills and demonstrated ability to recognize and resolve accounting and business challenges.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with district and campus administrators and staff.
• Experience working in a diverse, multicultural, and collaborative environment with a demonstrated commitment to equity and inclusion.

Benefits & Perks

• Competitive Pay Rates
• Promotional Opportunities
• Great Medical, Dental, and Retirement plans
• Paid Sick and Vacation Leave
• Transportation benefits
• Tuition Waivers
• PEBB Wellness Plan
• Washington State Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)