General Accounting Intern

Position Overview

Seattle City Light, a department of the City of Seattle, is one of the nation’s largest municipally owned utilities in terms of customers served. Over the years, the organization has worked hard to keep Seattle's electricity affordable, reliable, and environmentally sound. General Accounting, a unit within the Financial Services Business Unit, is responsible for monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports, recording financial transactions (including bonds), coordinating external audits, and maintaining policies and procedures. The accounting intern will gain hands-on experience with accounting processes, standards, research, financial reporting and analysis, and account reconciliations — all within the context of electric utility operations.

Schedule: Intern will work up to 20 hours/week during school sessions and up to 40 hours/week during school breaks, with hours scheduled between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm.

Salary: $29.30 per hour.

Location: Seattle, WA (Hybrid work with a minimum of 3 days onsite; must reside in Washington State).

Internship Duration: Year-long internship with a start date in May or June 2026.

Key Responsibilities

• Responsibilities: Prepare assigned reconciliations to ensure accounts are current and well documented within two weeks after monthly closing.
• Responsibilities: Prepare assigned journal entries and complete documentation within the monthly closing schedule.
• Responsibilities: Perform variance analysis by researching variances and documenting findings within a week after monthly closing.
• Responsibilities: Document key accounting procedures and identify efficiencies in daily operations.
• Responsibilities: Assist in the creation of the annual report and supporting schedules.
• Responsibilities: Conduct accounting research on identified issues to ensure that Seattle City Light’s policies withstand audit scrutiny.

Required Qualifications

• Accounting Students: Undergraduate Accounting students must maintain a 2.5 GPA or above throughout the internship.

Preferred Qualifications

• Enrolled in an accredited certificate, 2-year, or 4-year program during the internship.
• Pursuing an academic program in Accounting, Finance, Economics, or a related field.
• Experience with Microsoft products – particularly Excel, along with Word, Email, and Teams.
• Strong Excel skills and a solid understanding of basic accounting principles.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Must be at least a sophomore at the start of the internship.

Benefits & Perks

• Interns receive a subsidized ORCA pass and accrue sick time (usable after 90 days of employment).
• Benefits: Access to professional and educational development opportunities, including city-sponsored training sessions, networking events, and mentorship programs.
• Additional perks include commuting benefits such as car share discounts, ride matches, and paid sick and safe leave (after 90 days).