Principal Accountant

Lawrence Berkeley National Lab’s (LBNL) Office of the Chief Financial Officer Division has an opening for a Principal Accountant to join the team.

In this exciting role, you will report to the Disbursement Services Manager, the Principal Accountant is responsible for a variety of complex, financial accounting, operations and analysis functions in compliance with applicable policies, contract requirements, regulations and laws within the disbursements accounting group (DA) and intellectual property office (IPO).   This position is responsible for financial reporting and operations with significance to internal and external customers; including the Department of Energy (DOE).  The Principal Accountant contributes to the development of new theories and methods, using concepts in accordance with organizational objectives to solve complex problems in creative and effective ways.  This position has significant interactions with a wide variety of individuals, both internal and external to the Laboratory.  The Principal Accountant may have supervisory responsibility of other staff members within the work group as assigned.

What You Will Do:

• Responsible for the development, oversight, execution and monitoring of financial transactions, processes and systems (Sophia, CPI, etc). .
• Conducts complex financial statement analysis, including various general ledger account reconciliations; acting in the capacity as preparer or reviewer. 
• Responsible for complex financial statement reporting, including non-standard and/or ad hoc, for both internal and external audiences; acting in the capability of a preparer or a reviewer.
• Research, analyze, and correct complex irregularities and reconciling items in system output results and/or reconciliations.
• Responsible for monthly and year-end close related activities; including leading/directing the activities of others.
• Provide technical expertise in the formulation and execution of financial objectives. 
• Develop, plan and implement policies, techniques and methods in accordance with Laboratory policies, Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), DOE acquisition regulations, business law, UC and/or government regulations, accepted business practices, and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• Develop and implement solutions to varied and complex accounting problems by in-depth evaluation and analysis.
• Responsible for monthly and year-end close related activities; including leading/directing the activities of others, from a financial accounting transaction perspective.
• Complex financial analysis; acting in the capacity as preparer or reviewer; to include out-year forecasting of licensing revenues and expenses. 
• Complex financial reporting, including non-standard and/or ad hoc, for both internal and external audiences; acting in the capability of a preparer or a reviewer.
• Utilize computer databases (PeopleSoft FMS and Sophia) to obtain and analyze varied and complex financial information.  Confer with computer programmers and other functional subject matter experts to design and develop reports.
• Develop, evaluate and implement work methods and transaction documentation for efficiencies, making recommendations for improvements as it relates to IPO operations and the Sophia system.
• Oversee and participate in system design and implementation of new Sophia system functionality.
• Supervise financial analyst.

Additional Responsibilities as needed:

• Provide back-up coverage to other staff within the Controller’s Office, when needed.

What is Required:

• Typically requires a Bachelor’s degree in accounting, business or economics or equivalent training and experience, and a minimum of 4 years related experience.
• Comprehensive knowledge of and expertise in interpreting and applying financial policies and procedures including the use of generally accepted financial principles and methodologies.
• Comprehensive knowledge of and expertise in performing financial functions including:  financial accounting transaction flows, balance sheet reconciliations, financial statement analysis, financial report preparation and variance analysis.
• Extensive experience in the development and maintenance of highly complex financial spreadsheets and databases containing advanced functions and extensive experience in utilizing commercial and/or institutional financial tools.
• Extensive experience applying skills to independently research, interpret, analyze, compile, and present data and information.
• Extensive experience in advanced decision making, problem-solving and analytical skills to independently solve highly complex issues requiring mature judgment, discretion and tact; experience negotiating desirable outcomes.
• Extensive experience in communication skills, both written and verbal to effectively prepare and deliver financial briefings, documentation, reports and expert financial advice to senior Laboratory personnel, and/or other external organizations and agencies.
• Extensive experience using interpersonal skills to effectively explain, negotiate, persuade and build consensus among diverse stakeholders; demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with all levels of personnel, both internal and external to the Laboratory.
• Proven ability to independently devise new approaches, perform assignments and make decisions with high consequence of error without appreciable direction from management.  

Desired Qualifications:

• Masters of Business (MBA) degree.
• Certified Public Account (CPA).

Notes:

• This is a full-time, career appointment, exempt (monthly paid) from overtime pay.
• Salary for this position will be commensurate with the final candidate’s qualification and experience, including skills, knowledge, relevant education, and certifications, and also aligned with the internal peer group. The budgeted annual salary range is $123,087-$143,602.
• This position may be subject to a background check. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment.
• This position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule - a combination of teleworking and performing work on site at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA. Work schedules are dependent on business needs. Individuals working a hybrid schedule must reside within 150 miles of Berkeley Lab.

Want to learn more about working at Berkeley Lab? Please visit: careers.lbl.gov

Berkeley Lab is committed to inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility and strives to continue building community with these shared values and commitments. Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. We heartily welcome applications from women, minorities, veterans, and all who would contribute to the Lab's mission of leading scientific discovery, inclusion, and professionalism. In support of our diverse global community, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status.

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