Senior Accountant

The Business Services Directorate (BSD) provides high-quality business services to support the Lab's research initiatives by participating in cross-functional teams with a focus on risk mitigation and cost management, which is a critical component to the Lab's success. Led by the Chief Financial Officer, Brookhaven's Business Services Directorate includes the Budget Office, Fiscal Services Division, Procurement & Property Management Division, Chief Financial Office, and the Business Operations Offices. The Directorate manages a broad range of financial activities, including the planning and implementation of the Lab's fiscal matters and its approximately $800 million annual budget.

The function of the Fiscal Services Division (FSD) is to support the mission critical research of Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL). FSD provides Payroll, Accounts Payable, General Accounting, Financial Reporting and Travel Services support to the Laboratory. The open position is for an Advanced Business Specialist in the Payroll and Corporate Accounting area of the Division.

The Senior Accountant reports to the Payroll and Corporate Accounting Manager and has exposure to high level management as well as our partners, Battelle and Stony Brook University. This individual will be responsible for managing the BSA corporate records. Under minimal supervision, the Advanced Business Specialist will demonstrate versatility in performing diverse complex accounting assignments requiring professional training and expertise in the preparation, control, and maintenance of regularly produced accounting records and reports. The successful candidate combines excellent analytical skills with a thorough knowledge of accounting principles to analyze financial reports and forecasts. The successful candidate can work effectively independently or in a team and meet multiple deadlines.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Prepare financial statements including income statements, balance sheets, and cashflow reports.

• Maintain accounting and control records of moderate size and complexity.

• Reconcile and maintain balance sheet accounts.

• Prepare accurate monthly financial statements and budget reports.

• Prepare corporate tax schedules.

• Assist in preparing annual budgets and forecasts.

• Bank account reconciliations and timely reconciliation of differences.

• Verify, allocate, post, and reconcile accounts payable and receivable.

• Analyze financial information and summarize financial status.

• Spot errors and suggest ways to improve efficiency and spending.

• Review and recommend modifications to accounting systems and procedures.

• Provide input into department's goal setting process.

• Assist with financial statement audits.

• Contribute to month-end and year-end close process.

• Develop and document business processes and accounting policies to maintain and strengthen internal controls.

• Ensure compliance with GAAP principles.

• Liaison and point of contact for a broad variety of business partners throughout the Lab and within the division.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance/Business or equivalent experience, generally based on the basis of 2:1 (experience: college) years.

• Minimum Five (5) years of relevant experience, preferably accounting experience.

• Proven experience preparing timely and accurate monthly financial statements and reports.

• Ability to function well in a team-oriented environment and manage priorities independently.

• Proficient application and understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).

• Experience preparing journal entries and performing month-end/year-end close process.

• Experience with computerized ledger systems.

• Proficient skill level in Excel

• Accuracy and attention to detail.

• Scheduling and monitoring financial deadlines.

• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

• Strong problem solving and analytical skills.

• Balance sheet account reconciliation experience.

• Confidentiality and integrity.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• CPA or MBA.

• Advanced MS Excel skills, including VLOOKUP and pivot tables.

• Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws regarding accounting, finances, and taxation.

• Supervisory experience.

• Oracle PeopleSoft Financials.

• Inter-company account reconciliation experience.

Environmental, Health & Safety Requirements:

• Extensive time spent on a computer typing and analyzing data.

Compensation:

Brookhaven Laboratory is committed to providing fair, equitable, and competitive compensation. The full salary range for this position is $90,700 - $136,050 / year. Salary offers will be commensurate with the final candidate's qualification, education, and experience and considered with the internal peer group.