Staff Accountant III - Budget Analysis at EarthScope Consortium

* This posting will be taken down 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: Staff Accountant III – Budget Cost Control

Reports to: Project Cost Controller 

Employment/FLSA Status: Full-Time/Exempt 

Remote Eligible: Yes, National, United States 

Travel Requirements: Up to 10% 

Salary Range: $77,748 – $116,622 (depending on experience, skills, and qualifications relative to the job requirements) 

Position Summary 

The Staff Accountant III-Budget Cost Control, under direction from the Project Cost Controller and using independent judgment, performs a wide range of accounting duties, ranging from hands-on work to functioning as group leader, performs advanced and specialized accounting assignments, often involving complex and confidential data. The Staff Accountant III obtains and analyzes financial information to prepare reports, statements, and recommendations. This position provides leadership to other accounting staff, coordinates tasks, and interacts with other technical experts to accomplish objectives. 

Details of Responsibilities 

General Essential Job Duties: 

• Assists with compiling financial information and preparing journal entries, based upon detailed analysis, including, but not limited to internal allocations. 
• Participates in evaluations of technical financial reporting solutions from a variety of sources such as consultants, accounting software, and software overlays using sound technical insight into accounting principles and program management needs. 
• Assists in the creation of meeting dashboards, report graphics, and presentation materials of financial data with a high degree of accuracy and aptitude for design and presentation. 
• Performs financial reporting according to sponsors’ requirements and monitor the awards for allowability, allocability and reasonableness of all charges, as well as investigates variances, and approves expenses, ensuring that project billings are issued to customers properly. 
• Coordinates with Project Managers on project status, opportunities for additional billing and remaining funding monthly. 
• Assists with the development of special reports for reconciliations, internal control processes, and financial management upon request and in a timely fashion. 
• Works interactively with programs and managers to identify and respond to needs for information by designing and implementing new reports and other tools for their use. 
• Assists with processing bi-weekly payroll in the absence of co-workers/peers; coordination between the organization and PEO to ensure all employees are paid correctly and PEO records equal the organization’s accounting system records.  
• Reconciles payroll journal entries in the organization’s accounting software. 
• Monitors compliance with generally accepted accounting principles and company procedures. 
• Reviews, investigates, and corrects errors and inconsistencies in financial entries, documents, and reports. 
• Researches and proposes modifications to accounting systems and accounting control procedures. 
• Makes recommendations for improving the organization's accounting operation. 
• Ensures records retention of accounting documents and financial reports 
• Other duties may be assigned as necessary for the successful operation of the business. 

Leadership and Supervisory Responsibilities: 

• This position does not have supervisory responsibility. 
• Interacts effectively and efficiently with EarthScope staff, community and partnering organizations.  
• Fosters a professional culture using strong interpersonal skills, verbal, and written communications.  
• Communicates clearly and effectively with other team members to ensure tasks are completed on time and with 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 
• Minimum of four (4) years’ experience working at a senior accountant or higher 
• Minimum of 3 years of grant management or federal award accounting experience 
• Minimum of three (3) years of hands-on, recent experience with Deltek CostPoint 8 (Candidates will be tested) 
• Proficient with MS Excel, accounting systems and software 

Preferred Skills: 

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

Minimum Education & Experience Requirements: 

 Tier 2 – Salary $97,080.50 - $116,622

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience in Accounting, Finance, or a related field 
• Minimum of five (5) years’ experience working at a senior accountant or higher 
• Minimum of four years of grant management or federal award accounting experience 
• Minimum of four (4) years of hands-on, recent experience with Deltek CostPoint 8 (Candidates will be tested) 
• Proficient with MS Excel, accounting systems and software 

Preferred Skills: 

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

Assignment-specific Position Summary 

Positions in Finance & Administration include this job specific addenda that specifies and clarifies any additional responsibilities that are pertinent to the position. This is in addition to the general Position Description requirements associated with the job title. 

Assignment-specific Essential Duties: 

Financial Planning and Budgeting: 

• Collaborate with business unit heads to develop and manage the organization's annual budget. 
• Analyze historical data, financial trends, and organizational goals to establish budgetary guidelines. 
• Prepare detailed budgets and financial forecasts, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives. 
• Monitor and review budget performance regularly, identifying areas of concern and suggesting corrective measures. 
• Conduct budget variance analysis and provide recommendations for budget adjustments as necessary. 
• Assist in preparing and submitting budget reports to the NSF and other Federal agencies as required. 

 Financial Analysis and Reporting: 

• Analyze financial statements, reports, and data to identify trends, patterns, and potential risks. 
• Develop financial models and conduct scenario analysis to support decision-making processes. 
• Assist with the preparation of accurate and timely financial reports for management, donors, and other stakeholders. 
• Assist in the preparation of grant proposals and funding requests, providing budgetary information and financial analysis. 
• With Project Cost Controller oversight, collaborate with the NSF and other Federal and non-Federal agencies in reporting financial data and ensuring compliance with reporting requirements. 

 Grant and Fund Management: 

• Monitor grants and funding sources, ensuring compliance with financial guidelines and reporting requirements. 
• Track expenditure against grant budgets and prepare financial reports for grantors. 
• Collaborate with program managers to ensure proper allocation and utilization of grant funds. 
• Support the grant application process, providing financial data and analysis as needed. 
• May be tasked with working with the NSF and other Federal and non-Federal agencies to meet their financial reporting needs and provide any additional information as required. 

Process Improvement and Compliance: 

• Continuously evaluate financial processes and procedures, identifying opportunities for improvement and efficiency. 
• Ensure compliance with internal financial policies and procedures, as well as regulatory requirements. 
• Implement and maintain effective internal controls to safeguard financial resources. 
• Assist in the development and implementation of financial policies and guidelines. 
• Other duties may be assigned as necessary for the successful operation of the business. 

Assignment-specific Experience Requirements: 

• Minimum of three (3) years of hands-on, recent experience with Deltek CostPoint 8 (Candidates will be tested). 
• Minimum of three (3) recent years of direct and verifiable federal award budget management experience or as a budget analyst or project cost controller. 

Assignment-specific 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: 
• Demonstrable working knowledge of grant management processes, including budgeting, reporting, and compliance.  
• Solid understanding of GAAP financial principles, federal award budgeting techniques, and financial analysis methods. 
• Experience in tracking and managing grants from government agencies or foundations. 
• Experience in preparing financial reports, presentations, and grant proposals. 
• Proficient at independent analysis of financial information leading to identification of potential problems and related solutions. 
• Detailed knowledge of project contracts and change order documents. 

Assignment-specific Preferred Skills: 

• Experience with budgeting and forecasting Business Intelligence tools 
• Solver Experience 
• Demonstrable working knowledge of the most current 2 CFR 200 or Federal Acquisitions Regulations (FAR). 

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 and accurate decisions and recommendations based upon data. 
• Ability to organize and prioritize work schedules for self. 
• Working knowledge of federal grant requirements including procurement standards and allowable costs and be able to transfer that knowledge to others. 
• Ability to design workflow and procedures. 
• Strong attention to detail. 
• Strong problem-solving skills. 
• Strong oral and written communication skills. 
• Skills and confidence in financial reporting design and management. 
• Ability to understand complex problems and to collaborate and explore alternative solutions. 
• Ability to organize and prioritize work schedules for self and others. 
• Ability to compute, analyze and interpret data. 

Other Requirements: 

• Appropriate availability consistent with EarthScope established practices and norms; hours may exceed 40 hours per week, particularly when traveling. 

Environment 

Physical Setting and Requirements: 

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

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:   

• Frequently required to stand 
• Frequently required to walk 
• Frequently required to sit 
• Frequently required to utilize hand and finger dexterity 
• Frequently required to talk or hear 
• While performing the duties of this job, the noise level in the work environment is usually quiet 
• The employee must occasionally lift and /or up to 10 pounds 
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and ability to adjust focus       

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

To Apply:  Applicants may apply by going to the EarthScope Consortium Career Center: https://www.earthscope.org/careers/ 

Applicants MUST be authorized to work permanently in the United States.    

EarthScope Consortium participates in E-Verify. 

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.