Marine Biological Laboratory
Staff Accountant, Revenues and Grant Reporting
Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole, Massachusetts, us, 02543
Description
JOB SUMMARY:
The Staff Accountant is responsible for performing post award accounting, compliance, and billing for grants and contracts, gift and pledge accounting, and other revenue and general accounting as necessary.
MAJOR DUTIES:
Grant Accounting
Set up awards and budgets in the financial system
Perform cash drawdowns and reconcile to the financial accounting system
Calculate cost transfers for review and enter approved transfers into financial system
Prepare and record all necessary accounting entries (transactions and journals) related to sponsored projects and restricted funds to ensure grant and budget compliance
Prepare and distribute invoices/billings, monitor receivables, and record payments in support of grant agreements
Adjust and reconcile grant related balance sheet accounts (receivables and deferrals)
Perform closeout process for completed awards
Liaise with Office of Sponsored Programs and Research Administrators regarding grant management and accounting
Gift and General Accounting
Perform gift accounting, including: review coding of gifts received, liaise with Development department and program staff regarding gift accounting, enter Development gifts in the financial system, and reconcile financial records to Development donor database.
Maintain working knowledge of revenue recognition policies and documentation supporting endowed and restricted revenue recognition and deferrals.
Reconcile balance sheet accounts related to gifts and monthly adjustments pertaining to gift restrictions.
Performs duties within revenue accounting areas as needed, including revenue recognition and adjustments for faculty commitments, service center functions, and other activities when identified.
Works collaboratively with the Accounts Receivable Specialist, including cross training of transactional tasks within the revenue accounting cycle.
Audit
Support financial statement audit, Uniform Guidance audit, and all other audits, generally in areas of job responsibility, including schedules and reconciliations, particularly in the areas of grants and gifts and related financial statement disclosures.
Perform financial close-out audits of completed awards and subcontracts
Policy Review and Interpretation:
Maintain high level knowledge and oversight of institutional financial accounting system with respect to grant accounting including treatment of program income, application of indirect cost allocations, and reconciliation of periodic billings
Maintain understanding of federal and non-federal sponsor policies and regulations pertaining to cost allowability and allocation
Review and understand stated terms and conditions on award notices
Execute institutional financial policies and accounting procedures as directed
Maintain working knowledge of institutional payroll, purchasing and payment systems
Record Management and Reporting:
Update and maintain grant and gift financial records as directed
Assist in the preparation of internal reporting requirements as directed
Other Duties:
Serve as a resource to the MBL research community; interface with other central administrative offices and administrative matters related to sponsored programs.
Assist in the development and maintenance of the institutional grant accounting policies and procedures handbook
Attend professional development training opportunities as appropriate or required
Perform all other duties as assigned
SKILLS REQUIRED:
Knowledge of financial accounting systems, spreadsheet functionality, and financial reporting
Ability to promptly develop a working knowledge of federal regulations and guidelines pertaining to grants and contracts
Understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and ability to apply them to operational activities
Ability to prepare required audit documents and respond to audit inquiries
Ability to integrity check and verify data
Self-directed in learning new procedures and methodologies, particularly around utilization of computerized systems and applications
Demonstrated interpersonal skills and ability to exercise high levels on confidentiality, discretion, and good judgment
Ability to multitask and meet deadlines
Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills
Ability to work flexibly, independently and as a contributing member of a team
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:
Bachelor of Science degree in Accountancy preferred.
New graduates with Bachelor of Science degree in Accountancy are encouraged to apply.
Experience in post award accounting at a nonprofit or academic research institution desired, but not required.
Candidates with an Associate of Science degree in Accountancy and relevant accounting experience will also be considered.
LOCATION:
On-campus/hybrid preferred. Willing to consider 100% remote for New England region experienced candidates.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
None.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
This position requires sedentary work (exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to move objects). Worker must be able to stand, walk, sit, reach, push, pull, use fingertips, grasp, talk, hear, and perform repetitive motions. Worker is required to have close visual acuity to perform activities such as preparing and analyzing data and figures, viewing a computer terminal, and extensive reading. This position is not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions.
Qualifications
Education
Preferred
Associate Degree or better in Accounting
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)
JOB SUMMARY:
The Staff Accountant is responsible for performing post award accounting, compliance, and billing for grants and contracts, gift and pledge accounting, and other revenue and general accounting as necessary.
MAJOR DUTIES:
Grant Accounting
Set up awards and budgets in the financial system
Perform cash drawdowns and reconcile to the financial accounting system
Calculate cost transfers for review and enter approved transfers into financial system
Prepare and record all necessary accounting entries (transactions and journals) related to sponsored projects and restricted funds to ensure grant and budget compliance
Prepare and distribute invoices/billings, monitor receivables, and record payments in support of grant agreements
Adjust and reconcile grant related balance sheet accounts (receivables and deferrals)
Perform closeout process for completed awards
Liaise with Office of Sponsored Programs and Research Administrators regarding grant management and accounting
Gift and General Accounting
Perform gift accounting, including: review coding of gifts received, liaise with Development department and program staff regarding gift accounting, enter Development gifts in the financial system, and reconcile financial records to Development donor database.
Maintain working knowledge of revenue recognition policies and documentation supporting endowed and restricted revenue recognition and deferrals.
Reconcile balance sheet accounts related to gifts and monthly adjustments pertaining to gift restrictions.
Performs duties within revenue accounting areas as needed, including revenue recognition and adjustments for faculty commitments, service center functions, and other activities when identified.
Works collaboratively with the Accounts Receivable Specialist, including cross training of transactional tasks within the revenue accounting cycle.
Audit
Support financial statement audit, Uniform Guidance audit, and all other audits, generally in areas of job responsibility, including schedules and reconciliations, particularly in the areas of grants and gifts and related financial statement disclosures.
Perform financial close-out audits of completed awards and subcontracts
Policy Review and Interpretation:
Maintain high level knowledge and oversight of institutional financial accounting system with respect to grant accounting including treatment of program income, application of indirect cost allocations, and reconciliation of periodic billings
Maintain understanding of federal and non-federal sponsor policies and regulations pertaining to cost allowability and allocation
Review and understand stated terms and conditions on award notices
Execute institutional financial policies and accounting procedures as directed
Maintain working knowledge of institutional payroll, purchasing and payment systems
Record Management and Reporting:
Update and maintain grant and gift financial records as directed
Assist in the preparation of internal reporting requirements as directed
Other Duties:
Serve as a resource to the MBL research community; interface with other central administrative offices and administrative matters related to sponsored programs.
Assist in the development and maintenance of the institutional grant accounting policies and procedures handbook
Attend professional development training opportunities as appropriate or required
Perform all other duties as assigned
SKILLS REQUIRED:
Knowledge of financial accounting systems, spreadsheet functionality, and financial reporting
Ability to promptly develop a working knowledge of federal regulations and guidelines pertaining to grants and contracts
Understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and ability to apply them to operational activities
Ability to prepare required audit documents and respond to audit inquiries
Ability to integrity check and verify data
Self-directed in learning new procedures and methodologies, particularly around utilization of computerized systems and applications
Demonstrated interpersonal skills and ability to exercise high levels on confidentiality, discretion, and good judgment
Ability to multitask and meet deadlines
Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills
Ability to work flexibly, independently and as a contributing member of a team
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:
Bachelor of Science degree in Accountancy preferred.
New graduates with Bachelor of Science degree in Accountancy are encouraged to apply.
Experience in post award accounting at a nonprofit or academic research institution desired, but not required.
Candidates with an Associate of Science degree in Accountancy and relevant accounting experience will also be considered.
LOCATION:
On-campus/hybrid preferred. Willing to consider 100% remote for New England region experienced candidates.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
None.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
This position requires sedentary work (exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to move objects). Worker must be able to stand, walk, sit, reach, push, pull, use fingertips, grasp, talk, hear, and perform repetitive motions. Worker is required to have close visual acuity to perform activities such as preparing and analyzing data and figures, viewing a computer terminal, and extensive reading. This position is not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions.
Qualifications
Education
Preferred
Associate Degree or better in Accounting
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)