Divisional Accountant

About Trust Fund Positions

Trust Fund positions are unique to the Smithsonian. They are paid for from a variety of sources, including the Smithsonian endowment, revenue from our business activities, donations, grants and contracts. Trust employees are not part of the civil service, nor does trust fund employment lead to Federal status. The salary ranges for trust positions are generally the same as for federal positions and in many cases trust and federal employees work side by side.

Conditions of Employment

• Pass Pre-employment Background Check and Subsequent Background Investigation for position designated.
• Complete a Probationary Period.
• Maintain a Bank Account for Direct Deposit/Electronic Transfer.
• The position is open to all candidates eligible to work in the United States. Proof of eligibility to work in U.S. is not required to apply.
• Applicants must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement.

OVERVIEW

This position is a part of the Accounting Department within Smithsonian Enterprises, reporting to the Accounting Manager. This is a role that implies a good understanding of the technical sides of accounting. The incumbent is responsible for providing accounting and financial support, including the preparation, analysis, and interpretation of financial statements, maintenance of accounting records, and modification of accounting processes and procedures for the assigned division(s). The incumbent enforces SE’s accounting procedures and internal controls, and ensures compliance with tax regulations, company policies, and directives governed, in addition to the internal department’s procedures, as well as other Accounting related duties and special projects as assigned.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Prepare and process journal entries (including Recurring, Manual, and Upload entries) with appropriate supporting documentation as backup and submit to manager for review and approval.
• Review trial balance for assigned division and prepare correcting/adjusting journal entries.
• Ensure revenue and expense recognition follows executed contracts, GAAP, and SE/SI Accounting Policies.
• Process and record divisional system interfaces; complete reconciliation schedule between the D365 financial system; report and resolve any variances or unusual activities.
• Review subledger activities including Cash, Accounts Payable, and Project codes; reports and resolves issues timely.
• Complete monthly Journal Entry Checklist in compliance with the monthly calendar.
• Prepare monthly divisional financial statements and review with manager and Division Financial Manager.
• Perform assigned balance sheet account reconciliations, and identify, explain, and resolve reconciling items over 30 days old.
• Maintain divisional schedules to support A/R, Prepaid/Deferred Income/Expense, Revenue and Expenses analysis.
• Maintain and reconcile Fixed Asset Schedules, including the Construction in Progress schedule, book associated depreciation expense and communicate the status to all project owners.
• Collect and compile appropriate documents and approvals for fixed asses write offs, write downs, or retirements.
• Maintain and update the Restaurant Associates (RA) Capital projects funding spreadsheet.
• Record revenue and expense according to the terms of the contract.
• Identify and report Out-of-Period Adjustments.
• Prepare and provide analysis for Divisional Balance Sheets, P&L's, and Accounts Receivable Aging Reports; work with Division Finance Managers to resolve any issues.
• Prepare and participate in developing project plans as assigned.
• Document accounting procedures and processes for all areas of responsibilities; review, provide recommendations for improvements, and update existing procedures as necessary.
• Advise Financial Managers and staff on appropriate accounting policies and procedures.
• Participate in offsite physical inventories as assigned.
• Support internal and external audits by preparing and providing required analysis and/or supporting documentation for all areas of responsibilities.
• Act as a liaison with divisional managers to ensure their needs for accounting data are met.
• Train and mentor other staff as necessary in accounting procedures and processes, and other topics as requested.
• Other duties, as assigned.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTSEducation and Experience

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related discipline, and 3-5 years related experience.

• Knowledge of accounting systems and processes applicable to the accounting function.
• Meticulous attention to detail required, as well as reliability, accuracy, and timeliness in performance of responsibilities.
• Knowledge of general accounting and good internal control practices.
• Experience gathering, assembling, consolidating, and analyzing data.
• Ability to independently perform assignments using conventional methods and techniques.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• High level of technological, organizational, and analytical skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with and gain the cooperation of all levels of staff to resolve problems and provide advice and assistance.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office applications.
• Extensive experience with several accounting and other systems.

Education completed outside the United States must be deemed equivalent to higher education programs of U.S. Institutions by an organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials. This documentation is the responsibility of the applicant and should be included as part of your application package.

Any false statement in your application may result in rejection of your application and may also result in termination after employment begins.

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Resumes should include a description of your paid and non-paid work experience that is related to this job; starting and ending dates of job (month and year); and average number of hours worked per week.

What To Expect Next: Once the vacancy announcement closes, a review of your resume will be compared against the qualification and experience requirements related to this job. After review of applicant resumes is complete, qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager.

Relocation expenses are not paid.

The Smithsonian Institution provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation should contact SECareers@si.edu. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. To learn more, please review the Smithsonian’s Accommodation Procedures.

The Smithsonian Institution is an Equal Opportunity Employer. To review The Smithsonian's EEO program information, please click the following: https://www.si.edu/oeo