Accountant III

Job location is at 10240 Science Center Dr, San Diego, CA 92121

Under the general supervision of the Accounting Manager (FIN), this position will work independently in performing the duties of the position. The ideal candidate will be a self-starter with excellent attention to detail, strong organization skills and effective communication skills to coordinate with both internal and external contacts.

This position works closely with Procurement, Logistics, and Research Accounting.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Banking/Treasury:

• Prepares bank deposits, enters coding on worksheets for cash receipt workflow and journal upload. Obtains supporting documentation.
• Resolves positive pay exceptions for the Controlled Disbursement Account.
• Records and accounts for incoming and outgoing ACH/Wires.

General Accounting:

• Prepares HHMI invoices, journals, and reconciles accounts receivable. Follows-up on delinquent items.
• Reconciles and records incoming credit card receipts and prepares associated journal entries.
• Prepares monthly reconciliations.
• Prepares the President's quarterly expenses report for review and signatures.
• Prepares utility usage worksheet and charts.
• Prepares and analyzes year-end audit schedules. This includes preparation of Executives audit summary.
• Records and reconciles gift shop activity and inventory adjustments.
• Prepares monthly/quarterly sales tax report and remittance to CDTFA.
• Prepares and submits state charity registrations.
• Prepares quarterly audit summary for Executives.
• Assists Finance with special projects as needed.

1099s:

• Maintains files for Form W-9s. Initiates correspondence with non-PO payees for receipt of pertinent tax information before payment is made.
• Prepares Form 1099s and submits for review before filing with the IRS and State of California by set deadlines. Compiles and analyzes vendor data quarterly to ensure proper tax compliance.

Accounts Payable Vendor Maintenance:

• Direct deposits - Enters new or updated bank account, routing, and /or email information in Banner and SalkShop for AP direct deposit agreements.
• Maintains vendor names/addresses in Banner and SalkShop as requested by AP.

Backup Support

• Provides backup coverage for basic administrative support and/or clerical duties, such as sorting/distributing incoming department mail, in the absence of the Finance administrative assistant.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required:

• Must have a minimum of five years of professional experience in accounting or finance.

Preferred:

• Experience with Ellucian's Banner finance system.

EDUCATION

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business or related field, or equivalent combination of education and related work experience in accounting, payroll or finance.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Required:

• Strong computer proficiency with the use of various software applications including, but not limited to Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and Adobe Acrobat Pro.
• Strong organizational skills, with accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong problem solving and reconciliation skills.
• Ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines with minimal supervision.
• Ability to analyze transactions and prepare journal entries.
• Demonstrated professionalism and customer service skills to respond in a thoughtful, prompt, and accurate manner. Must have strong email/written composition skills to include knowledge of proper formats, grammar, and spelling.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and handle sensitive matter discreetly. Ability to follow and adhere to policies and procedures concerning confidentiality, security and retention of information and systems.

SALK VALUES:

• Integrity - Guides our moral compass and underpins our every action. We do what is right in all situations for no other reason than because it is right. We uphold honesty and ethical behavior and make good on our commitments. We understand that words and deeds matter and that integrity leads to trust.
• Community- Enables us to harness the power of our collective talents. We work together towards common goals. We recognize the importance of diversity where everyone's ideas, identities, backgrounds, and perspectives are valued and pave the paths that propel us forward. We understand our pioneering role in the broader scientific community and take pride in our efforts to have a positive impact on the world.
• Accountability - Keeps us focused, and keeps us honest. We are responsible not only for our own success, but the success of our teams and the entire Institute. We consider how the actions we take and the decisions we make in our own work may impact others.
• Respect - Creates the foundation of trust and brings out the best in us all. We value the experiences, identities, and feelings of those we work with, regardless of their position or their relationship to us. We provide feedback in a constructive manner, use appropriate language, and allow others to share their thoughts and ideas without fear of ridicule.
• Empowerment - Amplifies all voices and inspires the pursuit of greatness. We lift each other up, enabling us to grow continuously and live to our fullest potential. We support the expression of ideas, encourage self-advocacy, inspire confidence and recognize that an environment of mutual respect is critical to our collective success.

COMPETENCIES:

• Analytical - Synthesizes complex or diverse information; Collects and researches data; Uses intuition and experience to complement data; Designs workflows and procedures.
• Change Management - Develops workable implementation plans; Communicates changes effectively; Builds commitment and overcomes resistance; Prepares and supports those affected by change; Monitors transition and evaluates results.
• Innovation - Displays original thinking and creativity; Meets challenges with resourcefulness; Generates suggestions for improving work; Develops innovative approaches and ideas; Presents ideas and information in a manner that gets others' attention.
• Judgement - Displays willingness to make decisions; Exhibits sound and accurate judgment; Supports and explains reasoning for decisions; Includes appropriate people in decision-making process; Makes timely decisions.
• Oral Communication - Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; Listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions; Demonstrates group presentation skills; Participates in meetings.
• Organizational Support - Follows policies and procedures; Completes administrative tasks correctly and on time; Supports organization's goals and values; Benefits organization through outside activities; Supports affirmative action and respects diversity.
• Planning/Organizing - Prioritizes and plans work activities; Uses time efficiently; Plans for additional resources; Sets goals and objectives; Organizes or schedules other people and their tasks; Develops realistic action plans.
• Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in group problem solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.
• Project Management - Develops project plans; Coordinates projects; Communicates changes and progress; Completes projects on time and budget; Manages project team activities.
• Strategic Thinking - Develops strategies to achieve organizational goals; Understands organization's strengths & weaknesses; Analyzes market and competition; Identifies external threats and opportunities; Adapts strategy to changing conditions.
• Written Communication - Writes clearly and informatively; Edits work for spelling and grammar; Varies writing style to meet needs; Presents numerical data effectively; Able to read and interpret written information.
• Quality - Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Applies feedback to improve performance; Monitors own work to ensure quality.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Occasionally required to stand
• Occasionally required to walk
• Continually required to sit
• Occasionally required to utilize hand and finger dexterity
• Occasionally required to climb, balance, bend, stoop, kneel or crawl
• Frequently required to talk or hear
• While performing the duties of this job, the noise level in the work environment is usually quiet

The Salk Institute is an internationally renowned research institution that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. We seek bold and interactive leaders passionate about exploring new frontiers in science. Our collaborative community embraces diverse perspectives and unique life experiences, fostering innovation, and a sense of belonging. Together, we strive to improve the wellbeing of humanity through groundbreaking research.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The Salk Institute for Biological Studies is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing equal access to opportunities for students, employees, applicants for employment and other visitors. Salk has also adopted and maintains a policy to encourage professional and respectful workplace behavior and prevent discriminatory and harassing conduct in our workplace. Accordingly, the Institute prohibits harassment and discrimination in employment on the basis of, and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to, actual or perceived race, color, religion, religious creed (including religious dress and grooming practices), national origin, ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition (including cancer and genetic characteristics), genetic information, marital status, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, veteran and/or military status (disabled veteran, veteran of the Vietnam era, other covered veteran status), political affiliation, and any other status protected by state or federal law.