Accountant II

• Monitors major sponsor awards and those containing more complex terms and agreements for various labs/centers/programs/offices for financial compliance with terms and reporting. Prepares and reviews financial reports and reconciles subsidiary records by reviewing expenditures, journal entries and verifying budgets. Meets reporting requirements of sponsor agreements. Evaluates indirect cost collections for correct application, and verifies that all financial contractual requirements are met. Reviews transfer expenditure requests for allowability and allocability to sponsor awards by having knowledge of the specific awards terms and conditions. Communicates contractual requirements to all affected internal and external parties, including funding agencies as needed.

• Responsible for monthly and quarterly performance/financial reporting as required by specific contracts; specifically, reconciles selected accounting data and ensures accounts and contracts are in balance and properly stated. Maintains regular contact with program administrators; answers questions from internal and external parties concerning financial information. Prepares, verifies, and enters journal entry transactions based on detailed analysis, including, but not limited to, contract allocations, chargebacks, and other internal allocations.

• Responsible for the preparation and coordination of monthly and quarterly Sales Tax reports and payment submissions. Stays current in both City and State Sales and Use Tax requirements.

• Responsible for the preparation, review, and requests of weekly draws for federal agencies, which include NASA, NOAA, DOE, and NSF, in order to comply with the OMB Uniform Guidance and award terms and conditions.

• Executes month-end and year-end closing processes. Verifies that the close process was completed correctly. Performs issue resolution impacting financial closes. Prepares communications to users concerning the closing process.

• Assists with the audit and 990 tax schedules. Assists with review of the balance sheet, profit and loss balances, account reconciliations, and entries. Assists with preparing schedules to support the annual audit and 990 tax filing. Investigates accounting problems; ensures internal controls are followed; and upholds data integrity.

• Instrumental in establishing controls and procedures for new and major contracts. Answers questions about accounting procedures and provides staff training. Leads in the design, development, and user training of UCAR financial reporting and automated financial system. Provides special financial and accounting analysis upon request. Utilizes accounting knowledge, the accounting system, and query language proficiently.

• Records journal entries, reviews financial statement activity, and reconciles balance sheet activity as assigned. Investigates accounting problems; performs procedures to ensure that financial applications are working as intended and that internal controls are adequate and being followed.

• Answers questions from administrators, external and internal auditors, and others

  outside Finance regarding accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls. Reports to supervisor, problems and solutions, as issue(s) become apparent.

• Cross-trains in other accounting functions and performs special projects as assigned.

Education & Experience REQUIRED:

• B.S. in Accounting, CPA or equivalent combination of education and experience. Public accounting experience preferred.

• Minimum of five years of accounting experience with large organization(s), utilizing sophisticated, fully-integrated financial information systems

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities REQUIRED:

• Demonstrated knowledge of general accounting principles, practices, and procedures, including Financial Accounting Standards Board statements and generally accepted accounting principles, internal controls, and consolidated financial statements.

• Knowledge of cost accounting and contract management procedures/administration as specified in governmental regulations and circulars such as FAR, 2 CFR 200.

• Proficient at independent analysis of financial information, leading to the identification of potential problems and related solutions.

• Proficient in working with sophisticated automated financial information systems, including a comprehensive knowledge of subsidiary and general ledger.

• Working knowledge of government and corporate contract management procedures and administration. Understands the differences between government regulations and circulars.

• Ability to maintain high quality and quantitative standards and simultaneously prioritize the completion of multiple, time-sensitive tasks within a team environment.