Accounting Senior Analyst

MD - Bethesda

29265BR

Job Description

Westat is a leader in research, data collection and analysis, technical assistance, evaluation, and communications. Our evidence-based findings help clients in government and the private sector accelerate advancements in health, education, transportation, and social and economic policy. Our dedication to improving lives through research and our approach to projects grounded in investigative curiosity, statistical and data rigor, adaptive methods, and advanced technology are why clients find exceptional value in our work.

This position is for a hybrid work arrangement at our corporate headquarters (1-2 days per week, flexible hours) in Bethesda, Maryland.

Job Summary
Westat is seeking a highly technical Senior Accountant to help drive the accounting department's internal controls and corporate tax compliance. This hybrid role is responsible for the integrity of GL transaction streams-specifically Payroll and Travel & Expense (T&E)-while simultaneously managing federal, state, local, and international tax preparation and filings. You will act as a pivotal Subject Matter Expert (SME), bridging the gap between operational accounting processes and external tax advisors.

Job Responsibilities
General Ledger & Operational Controls

* Process Oversight: Perform and report on controls over Payroll and T&E processes, ensuring accurate and timely interfacing of transactions from all sources into the general ledger.
* KPI Development & Management: Develop and maintain key performance indicators (KPIs) to help with the operational management of financial functions and support a program of substantial operational improvement.
* Reconciliations & Analysis: Maintain high confidence in transaction streams by performing periodic reconciliations, highlighting variations, and providing technical rationale for discrepancies.
* Continuous Improvement: Support system enhancements and new process implementations, specifically working with IT to create necessary reporting and analytics.
* Cyclical Functions: Support month-end and year-end close processes, internal/external audits, and cost analysis with a focus on labor and time recording.

Corporate Tax & Entity Management

* Tax Preparation: Compile, analyze, and review financial information used to prepare S-corporate income tax returns and required periodic estimated tax payments.
* Multi-Jurisdictional Filings: Prepare and file monthly and periodic non-income tax returns, including sales and use, GST, personal property, unclaimed property, and gross receipts taxes.
* Audit & Research: Perform international, federal, state, and local tax research; research and respond to inquiries and tax notices; and assist in formal tax audits.
* Liaison Services: Serve as the primary liaison with external tax accountants, advisors, and consultants.
* Special Projects: Support ad hoc tax assignments, including research & development (R&D) studies, oversight of the fixed assets tax ledger, and tax provision reviews (ASC 740) for multinational operations.

Basic Qualifications
* A bachelor's degree in accounting or related business field.
* A minimum of 5 years of experience in accounting, with at least 3 years specifically in a corporate tax department or public accounting.
* Superior understanding of control environments in financial disciplines, including federal, state, and local tax experience.
* Experience with S-corporate income tax, and unrelated business tax.

Preferred Qualifications
* Demonstrably superior analytical abilities with a focus on problem-solving in deadline-driven environments.
* Detailed understanding of accounting systems, with specific experience in Deltek Costpoint, Dayforce, or other medium-to-large company ERPs.
* Proficiency with ASC 740 and knowledge of internal controls relating to payroll benefits, taxes (not-for-profit tax - Form 990), and employee expenses.

Westat offers a well-rounded and comprehensive benefits program focused on wellness and work/life balance. Subject to plan requirements, employees may participate in:

• Employee Stock Ownership Plan
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Paid Parental Leave
• Vacation Leave (15 days per year)
• Sick Leave (9 days per year)
• Holiday Leave (7 Government Holidays and 2 Floating Holidays)
• Professional Development
• Health Advocate
• Employee Assistance Program
• Travel Accident Insurance
• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Short Term Disability Insurance
• Long Term Disability Insurance
• Life and AD&D Insurance
• Critical Illness Insurance
• Supplemental Life Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account
• Health Savings Account

Any offer of employment may be contingent upon receipt of acceptable results from a post-offer background screening, if required for the specific position, which may include, for example, identity verification, employment history, motor vehicle driving record history, and criminal or sexual offender records history. Any background screening results will be evaluated through an individualized assessment based on the individual's specific record and the duties and requirements of the position.

This opportunity will be posted for a minimum of 5 days and applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis.

Employment Eligibility: This is a U.S.-based position. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Westat does not offer employment-based visa sponsorship (including H-1B sponsorship) for this role. Depending on project requirements, some positions may require employees to meet specific residency criteria.

Westat is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, genetic information, or any other protected status under applicable law. It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

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Career Area

Administrative

Pay Range

The anticipated salary range for this position is $81,200 - $98,000 and will commensurate with experience.