Senior Staff Accountant

ABOUT THE AMERICAN MATHEMATICAL SOCIETY

The American Mathematical Society (AMS), founded in 1888, is a non-profit membership organization that is dedicated to advancing research and connecting the diverse global mathematical community through our publications, meetings and conferences, MathSciNet, professional services, advocacy, and awareness programs. The AMS has 30,000 members worldwide and offices in Rhode Island, Michigan, and Washington, DC.

WHY WORK AT THE AMS

At the AMS we value excellence, inclusivity and teamwork. We work at the forefront of advancing and connecting the diverse mathematical community worldwide, and we are seeking curious, innovative, collaborative individuals to join our team.

• Excellent work-life balance with potential for hybrid work
• Generous benefit offerings including:
  1. 9.5% employer contribution to 403(a) Retirement Plan
  2. 100% employer-paid Life, AD&D, Short- and Long-Term Disability Insurance
  3. Medical and dental coverage with employer cost share
  4. Voluntary vision, Life/AD&D, and Long-term Care Insurance available through payroll deduction
• 12 paid holidays
• Generous paid time off
• Technology equipment reimbursement for applicable roles
• Tuition reimbursement
• Commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion and a welcoming environment

SUMMARY:

The Senior Staff Accountant is responsible for applying generally accepted accounting principles and procedures to analyze financial information, and to prepare accurate and timely financial reports, reconciliations, and statements.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Monitor grant expenditures according to government and internal guidelines
• Work directly with auditors regarding Federal Funds/single audits
• Perform federal grant reconciliation, drawdowns and reporting
• Perform benefit reconciliations
• Record payroll and benefit expenses to General Ledger through monthly journal entries
• Works closely with HR Benefit Specialist to reconcile monthly benefit expenses and invoices
• Wage projection and variance explanations
• Perform complex account reconciliations
• Track and update changes to chart of accounts
• Approve vouchers in accounts payable process related to grant reimbursements and various funds
• Ensure financial records are maintained according to generally accepted accounting principles
• Track and submit Quarterly Plan 65 reimbursements to retirees
• Back-up for payroll specialist

INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL RELATIONSHIPS:

• Internal: The Senior Staff Accountant must maintain good relationships with staff in the Membership & Programs and Meetings departments in order to appropriately manage federal and other grant expenditures. Good communications must be maintained with all department managers to coordinate the annual budget process. The Senior Staff Accountant must relate well with all Fiscal team members.
• External: The Senior Staff Accountant interacts with external auditors and vendors.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• None

QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential functions listed above satisfactorily. The qualifications listed below are representative of some of the knowledge that may be required and skills that will be developed. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• BS in Accounting or equivalent degree required
• Federal grant accounting experience desired; Federal Funds/Single audit experience a plus
• At least five years of related experience required
• Public accounting experience a plus
• Strong technical accounting background
• Knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP)
• Intermediate to advance Excel skills
• Skilled in use of complex accounting software
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
• Strong organizational skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects with various deadlines
• Self-starter requiring minimal supervision.

ATTRIBUTES AND COMPETENCIES: The following attributes and competencies are indicators of the skills and/or behaviors necessary to successfully perform the essential functions of the position:

• Demonstrates understanding of organization’s mission, structure, culture, and constituencies
• Demonstrates knowledge of own department’s work activities and mission; understands how own job impacts work of department
• Responds positively to changes in the organization and the workplace
• Demonstrates flexibility in responding to work demands
• Demonstrates and communicates respect for the opinions and beliefs of other people at all levels and fosters a climate of mutual respect
• Plans and organizes work effectively
• Accepts accountability for job performance and results
• Works effectively with others in a variety of settings
• Uses communication tools effectively (e.g., presentation, verbal, writing, relationship building, negotiating, listening) to meet needs of audience and/or situation
• Maintains professional composure in challenging situations
• Exercises discretion in identifying, handling, and safeguarding confidential information
• Addresses issues constructively, building cooperative relationships within and across departments
• Receptive to feedback and willing to try different approaches in order to achieve the best results

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Duties performed cause light fatigue of eyes, fingers, or other faculties due to long periods of standing, sitting or repetitive motion
• Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, and other devices

WORK ENVIRONMENT/CONDITIONS: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Typical office environment
• Climate-controlled
• Minimal noise
• Performing primarily sedentary work with limited physical exertion and lifting up to 10 lbs.
• Extended work hours may be required to meet project deadlines or resolve unexpected problems
• This position is required to be in-office with hybrid potential

Affirmative Action/EEO Statement

The American Mathematical Society is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. The AMS supports equality of opportunity and treatment for all individuals, regardless of sex, gender identity or expression, race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion or religious belief, age, marital status, sexual orientation, disability status, economic background, veteran, or immigration status, or any other social or physical component of their identity.

Other duties disclaimer: Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. It is not intended as an employment contract.