Senior/Principal Accountant

Lawrence Berkeley National Lab's ( ) Office of the Chief Financial Officer ( ) Division has an opening for a Senior/Principal Accountant to join the team.

In this exciting role, you will be an integral part of the department's finance and accounting operations. You may be responsible for a broad range of activities including banking, 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.

Senior Accountant Specific Responsibilities:

Responsible for the development, oversight, execution, and monitoring of financial transactions, processes, and systems.

Financial statement analysis including responsibility for various general ledger account reconciliations; acting in the capacity as the preparer.

Financial statement reporting, including non-standard and/or ad hoc, for both internal and external audiences; acting in the capability of a preparer.

Research, analyze, and correct complex irregularities and reconciling items in system output results and/or reconciliations.

Responsible for monthly and year-end close related activities.

Utilize computer databases (PeopleSoft FMS) to obtain and analyze complex financial information. Confer with computer programmers to design and develop reports.

Develop and implement solutions to complex accounting problems by in-depth evaluation and analysis.

Provide technical expertise in the formulation and execution of financial objectives.

Additional department tasks/projects requested by the Manager (planned or ad hoc).

Develop, plan and implement policies, techniques, and methods in accordance with Laboratory policies, Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), DOE Acquisition Regulations (DEAR), business law, UC, 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.

Participate in end-user acceptance testing of any new system functionality, if any, prior to implementation.

In addition to the above, Principal Accountant Specific Responsibilities:

Complex financial statement analysis including responsibility for various general ledger account reconciliations; acting in the capacity as preparer or reviewer.

Complex financial statement reporting, including non-standard and/or ad hoc, for both internal and external audiences; acting in the capability of a preparer or a reviewer.

Responsible for monthly and year-end close related activities; including leading/directing the activities of others.

Utilize computer databases (PeopleSoft FMS) to obtain and analyze varied and complex financial information. Confer with computer programmers to design and develop reports.

Develop and implement solutions to varied and complex accounting problems by in-depth evaluation and analysis.

Devise new approaches, perform assignments and make decisions with high consequence of error with limited direction from management.

Assignment specific duties: additional department tasks/projects deemed necessary by Manager (planned or ad hoc).

Develop, plan and implement policies, techniques and methods in accordance with Laboratory policies, FAR, DOE acquisition regulations, business law, UC and/or government regulations, accepted business practices, and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.

Oversee and participate in end user acceptance testing of any new system functionality, if any, prior to implementation.

Senior Accountant Required Qualifications:

Minimum 4 years related significant professional-level experience or the equivalent combination of experience and Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Accounting, Finance, or related field.

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 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.

In addition to the above, Principal Accountant Required Qualifications:

Typically 6 - 8 years of related extensive professional-level experience or the equivalent combination of experience and Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Accounting, Finance, or related field.

Comprehensive knowledge of and expertise in performing financial functions including preparation and posting of journal entries, balance sheet reconciliations, financial statement analysis, financial report preparation and variance analysis.

Comprehensive knowledge of and expertise in interpreting and applying financial policies and procedures including the use of GAAP and methodologies.

Extensive experience in the development and maintenance of highly complex financial spreadsheets and databases containing advanced functions and extensive experience in utilizing commercial and/or institutional financial tools.

Substantial knowledge and experience in financial and cost accounting.

Extensive 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.

Extensive 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 with high consequence of error with limited direction from management.

Additional Desired Qualifications for the Senior/Principal Accountant:

Experience in Federal accounting.

Auditing.

Knowledge of PeopleSoft financial applications.

For full consideration, please apply by January 4, 2021.

Notes:

This is a full-time, career appointment, exempt (monthly paid) from overtime pay.

This position will be hired at a level commensurate with the business needs and the skills, knowledge, and abilities of the successful candidate.

This position may be subject to a background check. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion are core values at Berkeley Lab. Our excellence can only be fully realized by faculty, students, and staff who share our commitment to these values. Successful candidates for our faculty positions will demonstrate evidence of a commitment to advancing equity and inclusion.

Work will be primarily performed at Office of the Chief Financial Officer (OCFO) - Bldg. 971, 6401 Hollis St., Emeryville, CA.

Equal Employment Opportunity: Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status. Berkeley Lab is in compliance with the Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision under 41 CFR 60-1.4. Click to view the poster and supplement: "Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law."

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory encourages applications from women, minorities, veterans, and other underrepresented groups presently considering scientific research careers.

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