Sponsored Programs Lead Accountant

The expected hiring range for this position is:

Please note that the pay range information is a general guideline only. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such the scope and responsibilities of the position, qualifications of the selected candidate, business considerations, internal equity, and external market pay for comparable jobs.

About the Role:
Fermilab's Finance Organization seeks a Sponsored Programs Lead Accountant to assist the Sponsored Programs and Corporate Accounting Manager with ensuring the proper stewardship of non-Department of Energy (DOE) funding received by Fermi Forward Discovery Group, LLC for Fermilab operations. Under general direction and with some latitude for independent action, is responsible for assisting the Sponsored Programs and Corporate Accounting Manager. Provides financial and administrative assistance to the Laboratory's Sponsored Programs and Corporate Accounting Office (SPCA) in ensuring the proper stewardship of non-DOE funding received by Fermi Forward Discovery Group, LLC for Fermilab operations. Will assist with performing complex and diverse financial and administrative duties, especially as they relate to pre-and post-award administration of sponsored program funding.

What your day-to-day as a Sponsored Programs Lead Accountant at Fermilab will look like:

• Assists in the administration of and accounting for all non-DOE funds coming into the Laboratory.
• Assists in developing processes, procedures and internal controls to assure compliance with sponsor requirements during the life-cycle of funded awards.
• Assists in the implementation of new and upgraded financial software systems used in Sponsored Programs operations. Identifies, reports, tests, resolves system problems and implements enhancements and upgrades.
• Assists in supporting/advising Laboratory personnel on accounting principles, processes, methods and financial policies.
• Prepares/analyzes financial statements/reports for management, Department of Energy, and others within or outside of the Laboratory.
• Provides customer service to researchers and department administrators relative to their sponsored awards; and performs the related accounting and compliance functions within the Sponsored Programs and Corporate Accounting Office.
• Implements and maintains sponsor project codes and monitor expenditures to ensure compliance with Laboratory and sponsor policies and regulations, reconcile grants and contracts on a monthly basis, prepare sponsor-required financial reports, and support internal and external audit requests.
• Trains Laboratory personnel on compliance policies and procedures.
• Documents compliance policies and procedures in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, Laboratory policies, and Department of Energy and U.S. Government regulations.
• Actively participates in month end close duties, including reconciliation of sub-ledger accounts to the general ledger.
• Responsible for timely invoicing and collection of all funds owed to the Laboratory.
• Generates reports from Fermilab's internal data systems, e.g., Oracle.
• Analyzes problems and discrepancies and implements corrective actions.
• Assists the Sponsored Program Manager and Controller with resolving audit findings, as well as developing and implementing corrective action plans.
• Connects with employees and external sponsors for purposes of resolving issues and discrepancies in a timely, accurate and compliant manner.
• Performs other duties as assigned by supervisor.
• Abides by and is responsible for performing all duties in accordance with all environmental, health and safety regulations and practices pertinent to this position.

Skills and Attributes for Success:

• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting/Business required or 10+ years of relevant experience.
• Master's degree or accounting related professional certification such as CPA or CMA is preferred.
• Audit experience preferred.
• Experience in compliance for a government entity is preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of accounting experience at a medium to large organization. Government / Not for profit / University experience a plus.

Applicable Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

• Ability to work independently.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Strong analytical thinker who can use sound accounting and financial management principles to solve accounting and reporting problems.
• Ability to multitask and prioritize assigned competing priorities and deliverables.
• Detail oriented.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel and Oracle

Work Arrangement:
Please note that the described work arrangement is subject to change based on business needs and is not guaranteed to be final.

• Onsite: This is an onsite role, and the candidate must be able to work from our Batavia office.

Benefits/Perks:

Fermilab offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits program, including:

• Medical, Dental, Vision and Flexible Spending Accounts
• Paid time off
• Life insurance
• Short and Long-term disability insurance
• Retirement benefits
• Onsite day care

Why Fermilab:
Fermilab is America's premier laboratory for particle physics and accelerator research, funded by the U.S. Department of Energy. We support discovery science experiments in Illinois and locations around the world, including deep underground mines in South Dakota and Canada, mountaintops in Arizona and Chile, CERN in Europe and the South Pole.

Drug-Free Workplace & Pre-Employment Screening

Fermilab is dedicated to fostering a safe, productive, and drug-free work environment. As part of the hiring process, candidates must successfully complete a background check and drug screening. Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of these screenings.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Fermilab is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, and other legally protected categories.

REAL-ID Requirement for access to Fermilab Campus
Fermilab requires all members of the public to produce a REAL-ID, or equivalent, to access the Fermilab Campus for interviews or career events. A list of acceptable forms of ID can be found here: https://get-connected.fnal.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/REALID-Documents.pdf. If a candidate is selected for an interview but does not possess any of the equivalent documents, we may schedule a virtual interview.

What To Expect Next:
We'll be in touch! If your qualifications are in alignment with the position requirements, one of our recruiters will be reaching out to schedule a phone interview to learn more about your career interests and goals. In the meantime, we encourage you to check us out on Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn, or our About Us page.