Job Type:
Finance/Accounting
Employment Category:
Full Time (40 hours/week)
Location:
HHMI Headquarters
Chevy Chase, Maryland
Job Number:
005425-001
Posted On:
04/18/2013
Reports To:
Assistant Controller
Job Summary:
At the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI), creativity and excellence are fundamental to our success. As one of the world's largest philanthropies, HHMI is a major force in advancing biomedical research and science education in the U.S. and beyond. We have an exciting opportunity for a Manager, General Accounting to join our headquarters in Chevy Chase, MD.
In this position, the Manager is responsible for ensuring that the Institute’s general ledger, its monthly, quarterly and annual Statements of Financial Position and Statements of Operations and Changes in Net Assets are all maintained timely, accurately, and in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the U.S. Working under the direction of the Assistant Controller, the Manager will direct, supervise and coordinate the daily activities of the accounting staff to quickly and accurately record income, expenditures, assets and liabilities of the Institute, maintain property/asset management records and ensure account analyses are completed accurately and on time. He or she is also responsible for analyzing, interpreting and implementing, in consultation with senior management, accounting standards issued by the FASB, AICPA and other accounting bodies.
The ideal candidate should be a highly motivated self-starter with supervisory experience providing leadership to the General Accounting staff to ensure high levels of performance, work quality and customer service.
Principal Responsibilities:
Department Management & Control
- Assist with development of strategic goals, objectives and implementation plans for the General Accounting Department.
- Ensure general accounting employees understand and contribute to Institute’s overall mission and have performance plans linked to the Institute’s mission and the HHMI Finance credo.
- Instill a strong sense of customer service in all staff and provide direction, support and guidance to help them achieve it.
- Prepare and implement professional development plans for assigned personnel.
- Coach and mentor general accounting staff to ensure continuous improvement and development.
- Supervise, direct and review the work of the accounting staff including but not limited to, cash reconciliations, accruals, amortization, prepaids, grants accrual, investment transactions, fixed asset activity, capital leases, cash receipts, debt activity, recording income and expenses, etc.
- Review and ensure all monthly journal entries, including those prepared by other departments, to record financial transactions are appropriate and accurate, and properly recorded in the financial system.
- Perform and review account analyses, rollforwards, and reconciliation of selected balance sheet and income statement accounts to ensure accuracy and completeness of financial information.
- Assist in development and maintenance of the People Soft accounting and financial reporting system and ensure there is appropriate control over the Institute assets, adequate flexibility and granularity for management reporting and appropriate external financial reporting in accordance with GAAP.
- Obtain and maintain a thorough understanding of the financial reporting and general ledger structure including the Financial Account Structure (chart of accounts) ensuring the structure continues to meet the Institutes on-going reporting needs.
- Ensure an accurate and timely monthly, quarterly and year end close for the timely preparation of financial statements, financial reports and other reports for executive management, and third parties.
- Ensure that all accounting and financial reporting practices are in accordance with GAAP and the Institute’s objectives.
- Assist with upgrade, reinstall and/or implementation of ERP/accounting system, including review of current accounting processes (i.e. GL, AM), to ensure the Institute maintains efficient and enhanced reporting capabilities.
- Ensure the timely preparation of annual financial statements, including draft footnote disclosures, for the Institute for audit by external independent auditors.
- Assist with the review of the financial statements of the Institute’s 403(b) retirement plans prior to their audit by external independent auditors.
- In preparation for the audit, review preparation of PBC schedules and analyses and ensure their accuracy, appropriateness and timely preparation prior to submitting to external auditors.
- Research, analyze and assist in resolving complex accounting issues and conflicts of accounting presentations and application of accounting standards.
- Own primary responsibility for reviewing, analyzing, interpreting and implementing new financial accounting standards, disclosure requirements and guidance issued by FASB, AICPA and other accounting bodies and apply research to the Institute’s financial results as appropriate
- Keep the Assistant Controller informed at all times about audit issues and progress.
- Ensure the proper interpretation, evaluation and implementation of accounting standards, pronouncements and guidance issued by the FASB, AICPA and other accounting bodies; research their applicability to the Institute, determine their impact and provide timely interpretation and guidance, as appropriate, in collaboration with the Assistant Controller and Management.
- Maintain knowledge of trends and development in the field by reading appropriate articles, journals and related material, and by attending seminars and conferences and apply knowledge gained to day to day accounting and reporting work.
Preferred Qualifications:
Education and Experience
- Bachelor's Degree in Accounting or related field is required
- Master's degree in Accounting or Finance a plus
- CPA required
- Eight+ years accounting experience with increasing responsibility
- Minimum three years of supervisory experience
- Public accounting experience preferred.
- Strong knowledge of GAAP and accounting standards
- Working knowledge of computer based financial accounting systems
- Advanced skills in MS Office Suite
- Financial Services experience a plus
- Knowledge of PeopleSoft Financials, Cognos a plus
- Comprehensive knowledge of accounting, management practices and procedures, and audit processes. Understanding of accounting for investments desirable.
- Ability to research complex problems requiring the application of accounting, technical or management principles, theories and concepts, and communicate them simply.
- Excellent analytical skills in areas of computer-based accounting systems.
- Proficiency in spreadsheet, analysis, presentation, computer accounting, report-writing and related software in a network environment.
- Ability to prepare accurate and appropriate documentation and to review, proofread, and to verify analyses and documentation for accuracy.
- Excellent organizational skills, with the proven ability to prioritize and manage multiple competing priorities, meet and anticipate frequent deadlines in a timely manner and manage situations through from start to finish
- Ability to be aware of the “big picture” yet provide the necessary information and detail in order to support those who rely on you
- Ability to flexibly adjust to changing priorities and still operate effectively in a fluid environment
- Ability to take initiative, be creative and proactive, thinking ‘out of the box’ to find innovative solutions when faced with multiple time sensitive demands
- Demonstrated leadership and management skills to provide direction and motivation to staff.
- Excellent oral and written presentation skills with ability to interact with high profile audiences
- Excellent independent judgment and decision making skills consistently demonstrating tact and diplomacy
Additional Information:
HHMI is an intellectually exciting organization with excellent salaries and benefits.
Interested applicants should email a resume, salary requirements and a brief (one page limit) cover letter highlighting elements of your experience, skills, or personality that make you a good fit for the position to jobs@hhmi.org.
Please include the job title in the subject line.
Principals Only. No phone calls please.
To Apply:
To apply for this position, please email your resume to:
Marcia S. Hawkins
HQ HR Business Partner
Email: jobs@hhmi.org
Application Deadline:
Open Until Filled
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