Cost Accountant Jobs in Washington
Cost Accountant jobs in Washington are consistently active, with demand concentrated in aerospace manufacturing, technology, retail operations, and healthcare across a range of levels from entry-level cost analysts through senior cost accounting managers. The strongest hiring is in the Seattle metro, Bellevue, and Tacoma, where anchor employers like Boeing, Amazon, and Providence Health have ongoing needs for cost accounting professionals. Product costing, standard costing systems, and inventory valuation are the specialties showing up most in Washington postings. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 6+ Cost Accountant jobs
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.
City Light’s Accounting Division has a temporary opportunity for a Senior Cost Accountant. This is a key position, playing a significant role in accomplishing the mission of the Cost Accounting team to accurately account for approximately $6 billion of Utility Plant Assets and $400 million in annual capitalized additions. Under limited supervision, the Senior Accountant performs complex professional accounting work in the maintenance, control, analysis and development of financial records, reports and systems. In this position, you will maintain accounting records in the general ledger and other financial systems, prepare and analyze accounting/financial and investment data and reports, perform account reconciliations and research and interpret accounting standards and regulations. This position reports to the Cost Accounting Manager.
Job Responsibilities
- Work with power generation, energy conservation, information technology, engineering & administrative business units or functional areas to understand their operations and assist them with proper cost tracking processes.
- Monitor work-in-process to ensure that completed work is appropriately classified and that completed assets are accurately recorded in a timely manner. Review asset records to record asset retirements and ensure accuracy of annual depreciation expense.
- Assist with grant cost reporting, accounting journals, and reimbursement requests.
- Record amortization for intangible assets, prepare year end depreciation reports.
- Lead Time & Material Final Bill Cost process including the preparation of final bill packets. This data controls and tracks status of Large Time and Material jobs from beginning to end (“final bill”).
- Perform accounting and financial research, reconciliations, analysis and reporting on financial, accounting and budget issues and problems.
- Ensure conformance with applicable accounting standards including GASB, GAAP, and compliance with regulatory requirements including FERC.
- Deliver reporting of performance metrics and key operating statistics.
- Continue refinement of related accounting processes and policies.
- Deliver management via the maintenance of current reports, design of new reports and writing of ad-hoc reports as required.
- Advise and assist management in interpreting and understanding fiscal and accounting policies, procedures, operations and controls.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
In addition to the skills and experience mentioned below, a successful applicant will have experience that reflects a commitment to creating fair and equitable outcomes and has:
Bachelor's Degree in Accounting or related field (requires satisfactory completion of at least 24 semester hours or 36 quarter credit units in accounting with no substitution allowed) plus three years’ professional experience in general or governmental accounting (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 - You will be successful if you have the following experience, skills, and abilities:- Advanced knowledge of accounting principles, practices and methods in accordance with GAAP, GASB and FERC
- In-depth knowledge of PeopleSoft, WAMS, Excel, and related financial data
- Ability to select data and create SQL, Excel, Tableau data pulls
- Ability to work independently as well as team centered.
- Strong interpersonal, verbal and writing skills.
- Strong organizational skills and ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
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.
Emergency Response Commitment:
Seattle City Light is committed to reliable service during emergencies. Through our Emergency Response Program, each employee is assigned a role—usually aligned with their regular duties—to support emergency operations. Your participation is required and vital to helping the utility stay prepared and serve our community when it matters most.
Additional Information
The full salary range for this position is $48.07 to $55.96 per hour.
Application Process
Please submit the following with your online application:
- A cover letter in which you clearly describe how your knowledge, experience, skills, and abilities prepare you for the job responsibilities and qualifications outlined in the job announcement
- A current resume of your educational and professional work experience.
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.
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 the Seattle’s Fair Chance Employment Ordinance, SMC 14.17 and the City of Seattle Personnel Rule 10.3. A driving history review may be conducted in compliance with SMC 4.79.020. Applicants will be provided an opportunity to explain or correct background information.
The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents. More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at: https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits.
Want to know more about Seattle City Light? Check out our web page: https://www.seattle.gov/city-light/about-us/careers.
The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents.
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.
City Light’s Accounting Division has a temporary opportunity for a Senior Cost Accountant. This is a key position, playing a significant role in accomplishing the mission of the Cost Accounting team to accurately account for approximately $6 billion of Utility Plant Assets and $400 million in annual capitalized additions. Under limited supervision, the Senior Accountant performs complex professional accounting work in the maintenance, control, analysis and development of financial records, reports and systems. In this position, you will maintain accounting records in the general ledger and other financial systems, prepare and analyze accounting/financial and investment data and reports, perform account reconciliations and research and interpret accounting standards and regulations. This position reports to the Cost Accounting Manager.
Job Responsibilities
- Work with power generation, energy conservation, information technology, engineering & administrative business units or functional areas to understand their operations and assist them with proper cost tracking processes.
- Monitor work-in-process to ensure that completed work is appropriately classified and that completed assets are accurately recorded in a timely manner. Review asset records to record asset retirements and ensure accuracy of annual depreciation expense.
- Assist with grant cost reporting, accounting journals, and reimbursement requests.
- Record amortization for intangible assets, prepare year end depreciation reports.
- Lead Time & Material Final Bill Cost process including the preparation of final bill packets. This data controls and tracks status of Large Time and Material jobs from beginning to end (“final bill”).
- Perform accounting and financial research, reconciliations, analysis and reporting on financial, accounting and budget issues and problems.
- Ensure conformance with applicable accounting standards including GASB, GAAP, and compliance with regulatory requirements including FERC.
- Deliver reporting of performance metrics and key operating statistics.
- Continue refinement of related accounting processes and policies.
- Deliver management via the maintenance of current reports, design of new reports and writing of ad-hoc reports as required.
- Advise and assist management in interpreting and understanding fiscal and accounting policies, procedures, operations and controls.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
In addition to the skills and experience mentioned below, a successful applicant will have experience that reflects a commitment to creating fair and equitable outcomes and has:
Bachelor's Degree in Accounting or related field (requires satisfactory completion of at least 24 semester hours or 36 quarter credit units in accounting with no substitution allowed) plus three years’ professional experience in general or governmental accounting (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 - You will be successful if you have the following experience, skills, and abilities:- Advanced knowledge of accounting principles, practices and methods in accordance with GAAP, GASB and FERC
- In-depth knowledge of PeopleSoft, WAMS, Excel, and related financial data
- Ability to select data and create SQL, Excel, Tableau data pulls
- Ability to work independently as well as team centered.
- Strong interpersonal, verbal and writing skills.
- Strong organizational skills and ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
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.
Emergency Response Commitment:
Seattle City Light is committed to reliable service during emergencies. Through our Emergency Response Program, each employee is assigned a role—usually aligned with their regular duties—to support emergency operations. Your participation is required and vital to helping the utility stay prepared and serve our community when it matters most.
Additional Information
The full salary range for this position is $48.07 to $55.96 per hour.
Application Process
Please submit the following with your online application:
- A cover letter in which you clearly describe how your knowledge, experience, skills, and abilities prepare you for the job responsibilities and qualifications outlined in the job announcement
- A current resume of your educational and professional work experience.
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.
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 the Seattle’s Fair Chance Employment Ordinance, SMC 14.17 and the City of Seattle Personnel Rule 10.3. A driving history review may be conducted in compliance with SMC 4.79.020. Applicants will be provided an opportunity to explain or correct background information.
The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents. More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at: https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits.
Want to know more about Seattle City Light? Check out our web page: https://www.seattle.gov/city-light/about-us/careers.
The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents.
See All 6 Cost Accountant Jobs in Washington
Find roles in Washington that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Cost Accountant JobsCost Accountant Jobs by City in Washington
Where Washington roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Cost Accountant Job Market in Washington
A snapshot from current Washington openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Agriculture & Farming
What Washington Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in cost accountant jobs across Washington.
- Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or a closely related field required
- CPA credential or active CMA certification strongly preferred by Washington employers
- Proficiency with ERP systems such as SAP, Oracle, or Microsoft Dynamics
- Hands-on experience with standard costing, variance analysis, and cost allocation
- Solid understanding of GAAP as it applies to manufacturing or service cost structures
- Advanced Excel skills including pivot tables, VLOOKUP, and financial modeling
Cost Accountant Jobs in Washington: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a cost accountant in Washington?
Most cost accountant roles in Washington require a bachelor's degree in accounting or finance, and many employers prefer candidates who hold or are pursuing a CPA or Certified Management Accountant credential. Washington CPAs are licensed through the Washington State Board of Accountancy, which oversees the licensing exam and continuing education requirements. The CMA, administered by the Institute of Management Accountants, is widely recognized in Washington's manufacturing and technology sectors as the most relevant credential for cost-focused roles.
How much do cost accountants make in Washington?
Cost accountants in Washington earn a median of about $96,550 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $66,330 for the lowest 10% to over $152,310 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire cost accountants in Washington?
Employers hiring cost accountants in Washington right now include Blue Origin, Safran Cabin, and City of Seattle, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Washington's concentration of aerospace, technology, and large healthcare systems means cost accountants here often work within complex multi-site organizations that run ongoing recruitment for these positions.
Which Washington cities have the most cost accountant jobs?
Seattle, Pasco, and Everett have the most cost accountant openings in Washington. Seattle and Bellevue drive volume through their dense concentration of technology firms, corporate headquarters, and large healthcare networks, while Tacoma adds steady demand from manufacturing, logistics, and port-adjacent operations that rely heavily on product and inventory costing functions.
Are there remote cost accountant jobs in Washington?
Yes, and more than most fields. About 100% of cost accountant openings tied to Washington are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting how much of the work centers on financial systems, reporting, and analysis that can be done off-site. Month-end close support and system-based variance analysis are the functions most likely to appear in fully remote postings.
How can I get hired as a cost accountant in Washington with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is an accounts payable, accounts receivable, or general ledger associate role at a Washington manufacturer or large retailer, where internal transfers into cost accounting are common once you understand the business's inventory cycle. Boeing, Providence Health, and Costco Wholesale all run structured finance rotation or new-graduate programs that place early-career candidates into cost-adjacent roles. Earning the CMA or sitting for the CPA exam while in a junior finance role signals commitment and accelerates the move into dedicated cost accounting positions.
Where can I find and apply to cost accountant jobs in Washington?
You can find and apply to cost accountant jobs in Washington on Migrate Mate, which lists current Washington openings updated regularly. Find the roles that fit your background and experience level and apply directly from the listing.
See All 6 Cost Accountant Jobs in Washington
Find roles in Washington that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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