Staff Accountant III

US-NJ-Princeton

Job ID: 2021-12351
Type: Full-Time
# of Openings: 1
Category: Financial Services and Procurement

Princeton University

Overview

The Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory is a world-class fusion energy research laboratory managed by Princeton University for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science. PPPL is dedicated to developing the scientific and technological knowledge base for fusion energy. The Laboratory advances the fields of fusion energy and plasma physics research to develop the scientific understanding and key innovations needed to realize fusion as an energy source for the world.

The Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory is looking to add an experienced accountant to our Business Operations Department for a 8-month term. Reporting to the General Accounting Manager, the Staff Accountant III will be an integral part of the department’s finance and accounting operations. This position will be responsible for a broad range of activities including monthly closes, general ledger reconciliations, internal and external reporting, preparation for audits, and special projects ranging from participating in Lab-wide initiatives, to process improvements and/or developing financial analysis.

Responsibilities

1. Financial statement reporting, including non-standard and/or ad hoc, for both internal and external audience.
   • Responsible for monthly and year-end close related activities.
2. Financial statement analysis including responsibility for various general ledger account reconciliations.
   • Develop and implement solutions to complex accounting problems by in-depth evaluation and analysis.
   • Research, analyze, and correct complex irregularities and reconciling items in system output results and/or reconciliations.
3. Develop, plan and implement policies, techniques and methods in accordance with Laboratory policies, Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), DOE Acquisition Regulations (DEAR), business law, Princeton University and/or government regulations, accepted business practices, and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
   • Develop, evaluate and implement work methods and transaction documentation for efficiencies, making recommendations for improvements.
4. Responsible for other routine and special projects as requested by General Accounting Manager or Head of Accounting.
   
   **This is an 8 month TERM position at this time. Position does offer benefits.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting or related field. MBA degree a plus. 3-5 years’ related experience working in Accounting, Finance or related field.
• Knowledge of DOE reporting requirements and prior Laboratory experience a plus.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Experience in the development and maintenance of complex financial spreadsheets and databases containing advanced functions and significant experience in utilizing commercial and/or institutional financial tools.
• Experience in financial and / or cost accounting.
• Expertise in interpreting and applying financial policies and procedures including the use of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and methodologies.
• Expertise in performing financial functions including: preparation and posting of journal entries, balance sheet reconciliations, financial statement analysis, financial report preparation and variance analysis.
• Ability to independently research, interpret, analyze, compile, and present data and information.
• Advanced decision making, problem-solving and analytical skills to independently solve complex issues requiring mature judgment, discretion and tact.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal to effectively prepare and deliver financial briefings, documentation, reports and financial advice to Laboratory personnel, and/or other external organizations and agencies.
• Strong interpersonal skills to effectively explain, negotiate, persuade and build consensus among diverse stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with all levels of personnel, both internal and external to the Laboratory.
• Proven ability to independently devise new approaches, perform assignments and make decisions.
• Ability to work well under pressure and successfully meet hard deadlines/deliverables working outside normal hours as needed.
• Ability to work on a computer for extended periods of time.

Certificates and Licenses:

• CPA is a plus

Physical Requirements:

• This position requires bending, reaching, and lifting of office files, reports or records, typically weighing 10 pounds or less.

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. EEO IS THE LAW

Please be aware that the Department of Energy (DOE) prohibits DOE employees and contractors from participation in certain foreign government talent recruitment programs. All PPPL employees are required to disclose any participation in a foreign government talent recruitment program and may be required to withdraw from such programs to remain employed under the DOE Contract.

PI129211731