Job Description

Summary: Prepares various accounting statements, reports and transactions to maintain the integrity of the general ledger. Utilizes accounting policies and procedures in performing and reviewing the accounting transactions of others. Reviews and verifies the accuracy of journal entries and accounting classifications assigned to various records. Builds relationships with program units, technical staff, and other teams. Areas of activity may include accounts receivable, general ledger entries, financial report preparation and reconciliation, and bank statements.

Working under general supervision, incumbent applies professional knowledge and education to provide innovative solutions to solve problems requiring the identification and analysis of various factors. Uses independent judgment and discretion to recommend best course of action. Incumbent proceeds on own initiative in compliance with policies, procedures, and practices, but receives guidance or expertise from supervisor or higher-level staff when needed. Assists with establishing processes and/or procedures to ensure the effective and efficient operation of assigned functions.

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ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES:

Prepares monthly journal entries to the general ledger, while reconciling with source documents/transactions to ensure accuracy and resolve discrepancies.

Reviews, analyzes, reconciles, and balances numerous general ledger accounts (asset, liability, and expense) monthly, including but not limited to Cash and Accounts Payable.

Ensures the integrity of accounting records for completeness, accuracy, and compliance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).

Administers the National Academy of Sciences post-award monitoring of its US-based not-for-profit subrecipients.

Serves as the primary liaison for the financial accounting for the National Academies Press (NAP) division. In this capacity, prepares schedules and journal entries such as publication sales, inventory adjustments, etc. and reconciles NAP GL accounts after each month-end close.

Maintains open and direct communications with internal and external customers including National Academies Press (NAP) staff and other program financial management on inquiries of cash receipt and expense transactions and to resolve reconciling items for financial reporting purposes.

Responds timely to inquiries from all internal and external customers.

Supports internal and external customers through ad-hoc data collection, reporting, analysis, and special projects.

Performs additional general ledger account analysis and reconciliation in preparation and support of month-end/ annual closings.

Recommends and supports implementation of ideas and innovations to improve upon existing systems, work processes and procedures affecting the monthly and quarterly financial close.

Provides support to internal and external audits.

Maintains an appropriate standard of confidentiality. When handling secure, privileged, sensitive, or confidential information and matters, maintains strict confidence and exercises care to prevent disclosure to others. Accesses confidential information for work-related reasons only following the policies and procedures of the organization. Ensures that any privileged, sensitive, or confidential information is securely stored, disposed of, and transmitted according to the Institutional guidance.

NONESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES

Related duties and special projects as assigned.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Knowledge of basic accounting and financial principles. Proficiency in Microsoft Excel. Working knowledge of Workday and Smartsheet desired. Ability to solve problems using selection and application of rules, procedures, and precedents. Ability to use appreciable latitude for independent judgment and action. Must be reliable. Strong work ethic. Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines. Ability to be pro-active and follow up. Strong attention to detail and highly organized. Ability to manage and maintain privileged, sensitive, and confidential information and matters appropriately. Ability to work successfully in a team environment. Ability to develop relationships with co-workers and employees in other National Academies departments through effective communication. Excellent communication skills with a proven ability to effectively interact with all levels of employees.

Minimum Education/Training Requirements: Bachelors Degree in Accounting or related field, or equivalent knowledge.

Minimum Experience: Two years of related professional experience.

Physical Capabilities: Ability to work at a computer for extended periods of time.

Required Licenses, Certification or Registration: None.

Supervisory Responsibilities/Controls: Reports to Manager/Director. Sets objectives with supervisor.

Work Environment: Hybrid Office/Telecommute environment, expected onsite percentage 20%, with occasional travel between National Academies facilities and to off-site meeting/sponsor locations.

Compensation Range: The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine support equity, fairness, and transparency in our compensation programs. An estimated compensation range for this position is $54,240 - $74,575. Compensation offered to the selected candidate will be based on the candidates relevant knowledge, skills, and work experience, commensurate with compensation of current employees in comparable positions with similar knowledge, skills, and work experience, and subject to budget parameters. Note it is not typical for a candidate to be hired at the higher end of the range.

Any qualification to be considered equivalent, in lieu of stated minimum, requires the prior approval of the Office of Human Resources.

The National Academies Statement on Diversity and Inclusion:

To promote diversity and inclusion in the sciences, engineering, and medicine, we are committed to increasing the diversity of the National Academies staff, members, and volunteers to reflect the populations we serve. We pledge to cultivate an environment and culture that promotes inclusion and values respectful participation of all individuals who help advance the mission of the institution.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

It is the policy of the National Academies to recruit, hire, transfer, compensate, and promote people in all job categories and to administer all other personnel actions, terms and conditions of employment in a manner that is consistent with equal employment, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, religion, disability, medical condition for which a person has been rehabilitated or cured, marital status, family responsibilities, genetic information, political affiliation, personal appearance, matriculation, unemployment status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws. It is also the institution's policy to recruit, hire, promote, and provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities and covered veterans who are otherwise qualified.

Any qualification to be considered equivalent, in lieu of stated minimum, requires the prior approval of the Office of Human Resources.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. Some functions in this description may be specific to a particular unit of the National Academies and not applicable to other units.

Job Family: ACCT

Employee Type: Employee

Scheduled Weekly Hours: 37.5

City/State: Washington, District of Columbia

National Academy of Sciences