Staff Accountant

ORGANIZATION

PSE Healthy Energy is an independent scientific research institute that specializes in bringing science to energy policy. Our mission is to generate energy and climate solutions that protect public health and the environment. At PSE, we design our research around real-world challenges and proactively connect our audiences with actionable, evidence-based information they can trust. Our team of scientists, engineers, and public health professionals lead multidisciplinary research within our five practice areas of Clean Energy Transition, Environmental Public Health, Climate, Energy Equity, and Oil and Gas.

POSITION

Reporting to the Director of Finance, the Staff Accountant will play a crucial role in supporting the organization's financial operations. This position involves overseeing a range of accounting duties, such as accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, maintaining the general ledger, and preparing financial reports. Additionally, you will assist the Director of Finance (DoF) with budgeting, auditing, financial compliance, account reconciliation, project budgeting, and contribute to month-end and year-end closing processes.

SUCCESS IN THE ROLE

For a Staff Accountant, success is achieved by supporting the organization's financial health through accurate maintenance of records and reporting, promoting financial accountability and transparency, and fostering effective communication with colleagues across departments. This role demands exceptional attention to detail, strong organizational and analytical skills. A successful Staff Accountant will also serve as the first point of contact for team members from various departments seeking general financial assistance, information, or training. 

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Financial Management & Reporting (40%)

• Record and post transactions in the general ledger, ensuring proper allocation to specific programs, grants, or funds
• Reconcile transactions to resolve discrepancies promptly, ensuring accurate tracking of restricted and unrestricted funds
• Conduct mid-level general-ledger account reconciliations, maintaining clear separation between different funding sources
• Reconcile bank accounts, credit card statements, and other financial accounts monthly, verifying deposits, and addressing discrepancies promptly
• Manage payroll, including reimbursements, credit card charges, and allocation of staff time across different programs and grants
• Administration of financial accounts such as credit cards and other financial systems
• Process accounts payable (AP), ensuring expenses are correctly allocated to appropriate programs or grants
• Handle accounts receivable (AR), including tracking of payments and grant reimbursements
• Assist in monthly, quarterly, and year-end financial closes, including preparation of reports for board meetings
• Prepare and submit contract/grant invoices and Payment Management System drawdown schedules as per agreements
• Prepare balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow reports in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)
• Generate project-specific financial reports for grant compliance and internal management
• Create reports detailing use of restricted and unrestricted funds by project or workstream
• Generate reports for Form 990 preparation and other tax filings specific to the organization (e.g., like Form 941, etc.)
• Prepare financial reports for grant application consideration and renewals
• Support financial aspects of grant development and execution, which may include reviewing contracts from State and Federal agencies, and independent contractors
  

Financial Analysis (20%)

• Assist the DoF in conducting financial analysis to identify trends in funding patterns and program expenses and provide insights for informed financial decision-making, particularly regarding program sustainability and expansion
• Support budgeting and forecasting processes, including scenario planning for fluctuations in funding
• Analyze cost-effectiveness of programs, operational, and administrative expenses
• Assist project managers and principal investigators with tracking expenses against approved budgets
• Aid the DoF with developing strategies for improving financial sustainability

Financial Compliance (20%)

• Ensure adherence to GAAP standards in all financial practices
• Verify accuracy and completeness of financial records, including proper documentation of restricted and unrestricted funds, and their usage
• Confirm compliance with specific accounting requirements for various types of funds (e.g., restricted and unrestricted) and financial grant regulations
• Assist in preparing documents for the annual financial audit, ensuring timely and accurate submission of requested documentation and information
• Prepare financial reports required by grantors and monitor expenses against grant budgets to ensure compliance with funders' requirements
• Assist in maintaining documentation for grant expenditures to support potential Federal audits
• Collaborate with the DoF and the Operations team to identify risks, implement and maintain effective internal controls and best practices, including proper process documentation and evidence in accordance with State and Federal grant requirements, to protect sensitive financial information, minimize cyber threats, enhance the organization's cybersecurity resilience, and safeguard financial data and assets
• Stay updated on changes in State and Federal legislation, reporting requirements, and financial best practices in the the nonprofit sector

Continuous Improvement, Training, & Collaboration (20%)

• In collaboration with Human Resources, maintain information in the HRIS/Benefits & Payroll system and propose process improvements
• In collaboration with other team members across the organization, improve processes, protocols, and systems used to manage the organization’s grants’ accounting functions and requirements
• Support the DoF with designing and providing finance-related training for new processes and procedures 
• Assisting the DoF, support the establishment and development of the financial department, implementing processes, driving improvements, and building a dynamic team for effective financial management
• Perform other duties as assigned or as needs necessitate

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Passion for and commitment to advancing the mission and values of PSE 
• Bachelor's degree or higher in finance, accounting, business administration, or equivalent years of experience
• Minimum of 3 years in accounting with experience in preparing/reviewing financial statements, month end close, balance sheet account reconciliations & bank reconciliations
• In-depth knowledge of accounting principles, financial reporting, and regulatory compliance
• Proficiency in accounting software (e.g. QuickBooks) and Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, etc.)
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with meticulous attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact effectively with various stakeholders
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Demonstrated track record of working cross collaboratively across teams and departments
• Demonstrated ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and adapt to changing priorities
• High level of proficiency in financial software and data analysis tools (e.g., NetSuite, Xero, Paylocity, MS Excel pivot tables and VLOOKUPs, PowerBI, Tableau, etc.)
• Candidates must have authorization to work in the U.S.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience with a single audit
• Experience in a nonprofit setting and meeting compliance requirements from funders
• Experience managing federal grants, familiarity with 2 CFR 200 and the Uniform Guidance
• Experience in preparing formal presentations and training materials for staff at various levels
• A keen intellectual curiosity and eagerness to learn, with a proactive approach to identifying opportunities for growth and improvement
  

LOCATION and WORK CONDITIONS

Remote position in the US. The position may necessitate extended work hours during projects and occasional attendance at after-hours or weekend meetings or events. 

The position involves sedentary work with minimal physical exertion, primarily focused on computer tasks that require extensive use of a keyboard, mouse, and monitor.

SALARY and BENEFITS

The Staff Accountant role is a full-time, exempt position. Salary range: $65K - $80K with possibility of deviation based on qualifications and location. 

Competitive benefits include health (medical, dental, vision, disability, life insurance), flexible spending account, 401(k) with employer match, flexible time off, sick leave, and 11+ paid holidays.

TO APPLY

Please submit a resume or CV, provide a cover letter, provide responses to question prompts, and provide any relevant certifications in the online portal by October 25, 2024. Applications received by October 18, 2024 will be given priority review.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

PSE Healthy Energy is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity and expression, marital status, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.

E-VERIFY NOTICE

PSE Healthy Energy participates in E-Verify. We will provide the Social Security Administration, and if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security, with information from each new employee’s Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. Please note that we do not use this information to pre-screen job applicants.