Job Description

Location: Boulder, Colorado. Note: In light of the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and restricted access to UCAR facilities, UCAR may allow temporary remote work arrangements for newly hired employees. Eventual relocation to UCAR facilities in Boulder, CO is required for this specific position.

Type: Full-time, Exempt

Application Deadline/Timeline: This position will be posted until Monday May 10th, 2021. We are hiring for 2 Accountant III level positions. Interviews will take place May 17th and May 20th. We want to have these positions filled by no later than end of May/beginning of June 2021.

Relocation: Relocation assistance is available for this position.

Work Authorization: UCAR/NCAR will not sponsor a work visa (e.g., J-1, H1-B, etc.) for this position.

Hiring Salary Range: $78,406 - $98,008
Full Salary Range: $78,406 - $127,410

Benefits: UCAR affirms its continuing commitment to developing, providing, and administering its employee benefit programs with due consideration for equal employment opportunity and diversity guidelines.
UCAR's rich package of employee benefits includes medical, dental, vision, education assistance, retirement, and life insurance. UCAR offers a variety of programs designed to assist with work-life balance including flexible work alternatives, paid time off and 14 weeks of paid parental leave. Also, for this position we will be able to financially pay for membership in professional associations and professional development opportunities to help you grow and develop here at UCAR.

Where You Will Work:

Located in Boulder, Colorado - The University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR) manages the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) and various UCAR Cooperative Programs (UCP) – all in service of advancing knowledge, providing community-based resources, and building human capacity in atmospheric and related sciences.

University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR) is a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC) that manages NCAR on behalf of the National Science Foundation. UCAR is a nonprofit consortium of more than 115 North American colleges focused on research and training in the Earth system sciences. UCAR provides a voice for our members, in collaboration with the broader community, to convey the value of our research, education, and partnerships to policymakers and decision makers.

National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) is a world-class center leading, promoting and facilitating innovation in the atmospheric and related Earth and Sun systems sciences. Established in 1960 by the National Science Foundation, composed of seven labs with expertise in multiple fields of Earth system sciences, NCAR provides the university community with world-class facilities and services that are beyond the reach of any individual institution.

UCAR Community Programs (UCP) provides a suite of innovative resources, tools, and services to researchers, educators, and practitioners in the Earth system science community. Activities include training weather forecasters, firefighters, and emergency managers to supporting a constellation of atmosphere-observing satellites. UCP also develops internship programs and educational resources, provides real-time data and software analysis tools, and manages projects and staffing for scientific programs across the country and around the world.

What You Will Do:

Monitor contract terms, for adherence to contract terms and conditions, policy, and proper financial reporting.  Participation  in the annual audit and 990 tax return preparation.  Financial management and reconciliation of NSF Cooperative Agreements and NSF funding.  Lead on the completion and submission of incoming surveys, and various reporting for the organization.  Interpret complex contractual terms and apply the appropriate accounting standards per the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB). Lead in the implementation of new accounting standards issued by FASB. Prepare or assist in the preparation of various financial reports (internal and external) including, but not limited to, monthly/quarterly performance/financial reports and billings. Prepare and review internal and external financial reports, verify and enter accounting transactions, and reconcile subsidiary records to final records. Cross-train and provide backup for other accounting functions. Assists the Assistant Controller with various accounting projects. Reports to the Assistant Controller.                                                                                                                                                             

Responsibilities:

Lead in the financial management and reconciliation of NSF funding, which includes the Cooperative Agreements, Interagency Agreements, and grants.  Liaison between Contracts, Budget & Planning, and Senior Management to ensure accuracy for the allocation of funding.  Prepare and complete the Major Facility workbooks for each of the cooperative agreements, in coordination with Contracts.  Responsible for completing incoming surveys and reports for the organization, including Census Survey, MIR, and DARPA.

Responsible for ensuring financial compliance by interpreting complex contractual terms into the appropriate accounting standards.  Monitor contracts, including expenditure and budget review.  Evaluate complex allocation methodology and indirect cost collections for correct application, and verifies that financial contractual requirements are met.  Communicate and interpret contractual requirements to internal and external stakeholders.

Preparation of the UCAR annual audited financial statements, 990 tax return, and other audits as needed.  This includes coordinating with other departments, acting independently to initiate activities, exercising professional judgement, and communicating effectively with internal and external parties.

Lead in the design, development and delivery of UCAR financial reporting and automated financial system user training.  Establish controls and procedures for major contracts. Independently initiate improvements.  Provide research, analysis and explanation for accounting issues and procedures. Inform the Assistant Controller of changes needed in procedure and policy when necessary.  Utilize accounting standards, and demonstrate knowledge of the accounting system and other reporting tools and techniques to assist in the analysis. Coaches and mentors the Financial Accounting Clerks, and Project Accountants I and II.  Provides training to Project Accountants.

Responsible for timely reporting of foreign currency translation gains and losses involving foreign currency derivatives.  Demonstrate an understanding of foreign currency accounting and foreign currency derivatives. 

Perform the month-end and year-end closing processes as part of a team of closing accountants.  Responsible for verifying the close process completed correctly.  When problems are identified, works with the stakeholders to determine the impact of the problem, to troubleshoot resolutions, and develop and implement the resolution plan.  Prepare communications to users concerning the closing process performed. Prepare, verify and enter journal voucher transactions, based upon detailed analysis; including, but not limited to, contract allocations, chargebacks and other internal allocations.

What You Need:

Education and Years of Experience:

Bachelor’s degree in accounting or related field, and 7+ years accounting experience; preferance with experience in federal funding; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. This includes extensive knowledge of subsidiary and general ledger interfaces and report generation.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

In depth knowledge of general accounting principles, practices and procedures.  Leads in the implementation of Financial Accounting Standards Board pronouncements and generally accepted accounting principles.  Oversees internal controls and the impacts on the consolidated financial statements.

Expert in the analysis of financial information, which identifies potential problems and leads in implementing solutions.

Expert in working with sophisticated automated financial information systems, including a comprehensive knowledge of subsidiary and general ledger interface.

Working knowledge of government and corporate contract management procedures and administration.  Interprets the government regulations and circulars.

Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Maintains high quality and quantitative standards and simultaneously prioritizes the completion of multiple, time-sensitive tasks while guiding team members.

Expert in the use of spreadsheet and word-processing software.

Applicant Notes:

Pre-employment screenings and background checks are conducted in conjunction with an offer for employment into risk-based positions. This screening may involve verifying or reviewing any of the following relevant information: restricted parties screening, employment verification, education verification, reference checks, verification of professional licenses, certifications, and Motor Vehicle Records. Risk-based positions require pre-employment screening, a criminal background check, and Sex Offender Registry screening (for positions working with vulnerable populations). UCAR complies with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).

An Inclusion Statement will be required for all applicants applying to this position. This statement should address past efforts, as well as future vision and plans to advocate for and advance diversity, equity, and inclusion in the organization and/or field of work.

The University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR) is an equal opportunity/equal access/affirmative action employer that strives to develop and maintain a diverse workforce. UCAR is committed to providing equal opportunity for all employees and applicants for employment and does not discriminate on the basis of race, age, creed, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or pregnancy.

Whatever your intersection of identities, you are welcome at the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR). We are committed to inclusivity and promoting an equitable environment that values and respects the uniqueness of all members of our organization.