Senior Accounting Specialist

* This job listing will be removed once we have received the first 100 qualified applications.

** EarthScope Consortium Inc. is not able to sponsor applicants for work authorization within the United States.

Job Title: Senior Accounting Specialist

Reports to: Controller

Employment Status: Full-Time/Exempt

Remote Work: Yes, National, United States

Travel Requirements: Up to 10%

Salary Range: $77,748 – $116,622 (based on experience)

Position Summary:

The Senior Accounting Specialist, under the guidance of the Controller and exercising independent judgment, executes a diverse array of accounting functions, from hands-on tasks to leading projects. This role involves advanced and specialized accounting responsibilities, often dealing with intricate and confidential information. The Specialist gathers and evaluates financial data to create reports, statements, and recommendations. This position also provides mentorship to other accounting personnel, coordinates activities, and collaborates with other technical experts to achieve objectives.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assists in gathering financial data and preparing journal entries based on thorough analysis, including internal allocations.
• Engages in assessments of technical financial reporting solutions from various sources, including consultants and accounting software, utilizing sound technical insight into accounting principles.
• Contributes to the development of meeting dashboards, report graphics, and presentation materials of financial data with a high degree of accuracy and design aptitude.
• Conducts financial reporting in accordance with sponsor requirements, monitoring awards for allowability, allocability, and reasonableness of all charges, investigating variances, and approving expenses to ensure proper project billings.
• Collaborates with Project Managers on project status, identifying opportunities for additional billing and remaining funding on a monthly basis.
• Assists in the creation of special reports for reconciliations, internal control processes, and financial management as requested.
• Works closely with programs and managers to identify and respond to information needs by designing and implementing new reports and tools.
• Supports bi-weekly payroll processing in the absence of colleagues, ensuring accurate payment for all employees and reconciling records with the organization's accounting system.
• Reconciles payroll journal entries within the accounting software.
• Ensures compliance with generally accepted accounting principles and company policies.
• Reviews, investigates, and rectifies errors and inconsistencies in financial entries, documents, and reports.
• Researches and suggests modifications to accounting systems and control procedures.
• Recommends improvements for the organization's accounting operations.
• Ensures proper retention of accounting documents and financial reports.
• Other duties may be assigned as necessary for the effective operation of the organization.

Leadership and Interaction:

• This position does not include supervisory responsibilities.
• Interacts effectively with EarthScope staff, community, and partner organizations.
• Promotes a professional culture through strong interpersonal skills and effective communication.
• Communicates clearly with team members to ensure timely completion of tasks following best practices.

Qualifications:

Minimum Education & Experience Requirements:

Tier 1 – Salary $77,748 - $97,080.50

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• At least four (4) years of experience in a senior accountant role or higher.
• A minimum of three (3) years of grant management or federal award accounting experience.
• At least three (3) years of hands-on experience with Deltek CostPoint 8 (Candidates will be tested).
• Proficient in MS Excel and accounting software.

Preferred Skills:

• Deltek CostPoint User Certification.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA).

Tier 2 – Salary $97,000 - $116,622

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• A minimum of five (5) years of experience in a senior accountant role or higher.
• At least four (4) years of grant management or federal award accounting experience.
• At least four (4) years of hands-on experience with Deltek CostPoint 8 (Candidates will be tested).
• Proficient in MS Excel and accounting software.

Preferred Skills:

• Deltek CostPoint User Certification.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA).
• Experience in a government contracting or grant environment, including project accounting.

Additional Position Summary:

Positions in Finance & Administration include specific addenda that clarify additional responsibilities pertinent to the role, in addition to the general Position Description requirements associated with the job title.

Additional Essential Duties:

• Assists in the month-end, quarter-end, and year-end financial close processes.
• Prepares journal entries.
• Supports the budgeting process.
• Reviews and reconciles cash receipts.
• Tracks fixed assets.
• Coordinates work with others where responsibilities intersect.
• May interact with community members regarding supported projects.
• Engages with suppliers and business partners for areas of expertise and project assignments.
• Performs other analysis or accounting tasks as directed by the Controller.
• Other duties may be assigned as necessary for the effective operation of the organization.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

• To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability for the position:
• Experience working within guidelines of GAAP, OMB Circular A-110, A-122, A-133.
• Skills in applying accounting principles and practices in a project accounting environment.
• Ability to collect, research, and analyze data and make sound decisions based on data.
• Ability to organize and prioritize work schedules.
• Working knowledge of federal grant requirements, including procurement standards and allowable costs.
• Ability to design workflows and procedures.
• Strong attention to detail and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Skills and confidence in financial reporting design and management.
• Ability to understand complex problems and collaborate on alternative solutions.
• Ability to compute, analyze, and interpret data.

Other Requirements:

• Availability consistent with EarthScope established practices; hours may exceed 40 hours per week, particularly when traveling.

Work Environment:

Physical Setting and Requirements:

• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

• Frequently required to stand, walk, and sit.
• Utilizes hand and finger dexterity.
• Frequently required to talk or hear.
• Noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.
• Occasionally lifts up to 10 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

EarthScope's Mission: EarthScope Consortium is dedicated to supporting transformative global geophysical research and education.

Equal Opportunity Employer: EarthScope Consortium is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.