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Staff Accountant

Employer
PRINCETON UNIVERSITY
Location
New Jersey, United States
Closing date
30 Jan 2021

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Department PPPL Business Operations
Category Financial Services and Procurement
Full-Time / Part-Time Full-Time

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. 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 property accounting, 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

Perform Property Accounting functions as follows:

  • Classify and record transactions on fixed asset acquisitions, depreciation, retirements, and exchanges in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and the DOE Accounting Handbook; reconcile property accounting records to STARS and FIMS.
  • Run various reports to verify accuracy of data; monitor open construction projects to assure costs and commitments are within budget and prepare closeout reports.
  • Responsible for all external property accounting reports to DOE. Ensures compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and DOE reporting requirements.
  • Prepare “position papers” relating to PPPL’s color of money issues and proper classification of expenditures (i.e., determine if expenditure is capital or operating funded).
  • Financial statement reporting, including non-standard and/or ad hoc, for both internal and external audiences.
  • Responsible for monthly and year-end close related activities.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Responsible for other routine and special projects as requested by General Accounting Manager or Head of Accounting.

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 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.

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