The goal of the Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute is to understand how the brain gives rise to mental life and behavior, both in health and in disease. Our research community draws from and informs multiple disciplines, including neuroscience, medicine, engineering, psychology, education and law. New discoveries will transform our understanding of the human brain, provide novel treatments for brain disorders, and promote brain health throughout the lifespan. We aim to create positive benefits for individual people, families and society.   Wu Tsai Neuro develops and supports Neuroscience Community Labs. Directed by expert scientific staff, these labs provide specialized, technical expertise and shared equipment to the Stanford community to facilitate research, train scientists and disseminate knowledge and technologies. Wu Tsai Neuro currently supports three labs and has plans to develop up to 5 new labs in the near future. The Neuroscience Community Labs Accountant supports and manages the finances of the Community Labs, which may operate as service centers, as shared core facilities or under other financial models. The Accountant reports to the Director for Planning and Operations with a dotted line to the Assistant Director for Neuroscience Community Labs and partners closely with the Directors of the Community Labs to support their individual business models and requirements.  

JOB PURPOSE: 

Perform a variety of regular and recurring professional accounting functions involving fiscal interpretation and analysis, reconciliations, and reviews of multiple accounts and transactions.   

CORE DUTIES: 

• Analyze accounting transactions and information to summarize current financial position at the unit or organization-wide level. Construct and assemble data for decision making; develop conclusions, and present high-level summary of recommendations.
• Capture, track, and report revenue and expenses; determine appropriate procedures for accounting record preparation, research of transactions and reporting. Oversee, reconcile, and resolve problems relative to complicated accounts. 
• Ensure financial transactions, rate packages and budgets comply with university and (if applicable) federal policies and procedures.
• Collect data and perform research on details of transactions. Generate, review, analyze and communicate financial data that reflects actual financial performance against approved budgets. Prepare and present quantitative and qualitative analyses focusing on variances from budget and prior data.
• Process billing events and reimbursements, partner with accounts receivables for revenue collection, respond to customer inquiries and resolve billing issues.
• Maintain and review accounting process controls; recommend and implement any approved modifications; perform preliminary analysis and recommend solutions. Develop and maintain desktop procedures and process documentation for area of responsibility. 
• Run and analyze financial reports, often from multiple systems; prepare management information reports.
• Execute internal control programs established by management, research new regulations, and recommend and implement approved changes. May manage compliance program for area of responsibility, and create complex compliance reports.
• Contribute to unit and organization strategy; assist in the development of change management plans and materials as needed. Participate as a member of a project team; support new initiatives. Make decisions determining approach to managing and completing processes.
• Participate in critical analysis of existing systems and processes, and identify opportunities for process improvement. Define requirements, develop and implement complex test cases, perform system testing and analyze results.
• Serve as a resource to local units and other departments to resolve accounting-related issues.
• May act as a lead, train, coach, and review the work of other staff, as needed. Contribute primarily through applying individual expertise. 

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:  

Education & Experience: 

• Bachelor’s degree plus four years of applicable experience, or combination of education and relevant work experience. 

  Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 

• Intermediate proficiency in business applications, such as Microsoft Office; intermediate Excel skills.
• Demonstrated knowledge of and experience with accounting systems and the internet; computer literacy.
• Understanding of and ability to apply accounting skills and concepts.
• Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. 
• Demonstrated communication skills, including the ability to clearly and effectively communicate information to internal audiences and client groups.
• Demonstrated project management skills and ability to contribute as part of a project team. 

  Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Previous service center accounting experience.
• Advanced Excel skills including design and use of pivot tables and lookups.
• Experience with iLabs.

  Certifications and Licenses: 

• None 

  PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS*: 

• Constantly perform desk-based computer tasks.
• Frequently sit, sort, file paperwork or parts, grasp lightly, and use fine manipulation, lift, carry, push and pull objects that weigh 10 pounds or less. Occasionally write by hand, twist, bend, stoop and squat.
• Rarely stand, walk, reach or work above shoulders. 

* - Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of the job.    WORKING CONDITIONS: 

• May work extended hours during peak business cycles. The Neuroscience Community Labs have peak activity during month-end and year-end close periods.

  WORK STANDARDS: 

• Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.
• Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicates safety concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned.
• Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University’s Administrative Guide, https://adminguide.stanford.edu. 

  Additional Information

• Schedule: Full-time
• Job Code: 4442
• Employee Status: Regular
• Grade: H