Specialist, Accounting

Accounting Specialist

This is a local position that requires candidates to reside within the DC, Maryland or Northern Virginia area.

The Specialist, Accounting is responsible for month-end closing activities, including bank, investment and other account reconciliations, expense allocations, share cost and indirect cost allocation, reclassification journal entries and reconciliation of assigned general ledger accounts. The Specialist allocates monthly expense charges to the appropriate cost centers and serves as point of contact for questions regarding general ledger entries. This position reports to the Manager, Finance.

The Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL) works to strengthen laboratory systems serving the public's health in the U.S. and globally. APHL's member laboratories protect the public's health by monitoring and detecting infectious and foodborne diseases, environmental contaminants, terrorist agents, genetic disorders in newborns and other diverse health threats.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Performs and completes closing activities within 8-10 business days after the end of the month.
• Records all bank transactions needed into the accounting system on a weekly / bi-weekly basis.
• Reconciles current month cash receipts; prepares cash reconciliations for each account by balancing current month cash balances with supporting bank documents.
• Prepares monthly investment reconciliation and corresponding journal entries as part of monthly closing process.
• Allocates the Share Cost to proper program associated with direct costs.
• Enters financial data such as accruals, deferrals, reclassifications, and interdepartmental entries into the ledger monthly, as well as preparing reports.
• Maintains records of and recognizes prepaid expenses, by preparing journal entries as part of monthly / year-end closing process.
• Prepares monthly fixed asset journal entry for recording the cost of newly acquired fixed assets (both tangible and intangible), tracking existing fixed assets, recording depreciation, and accounting for the disposition of fixed assets.
• Analyzes balance sheet accounts to ensure accuracy; prepares balance sheet reconciliations with detailed explanations of account balances.
• Maintains onboarding and off-boarding processes for Fellows and Interns in ADP.
• Ensures that Fellows and Interns are paid their stipends timely and correctly with supporting documentation that is adequate and complete.
• Responds to questions and inquiries from staff regarding general ledger.
• Prepares audit schedules and reports as assigned for both the interim and year-end audit.
• Updates documentation of business process and procedures for areas of responsibility.
• Serves as back up to Specialist, Accounting (Payroll) for domestic and international payroll and related general ledger functions.
• Serves as back up to Accounts Payable team.
• Aids with accounting related research projects, and project support.
• Provides assistance with implementation of departmental ERP systems.
• Other duties as assigned.

In performing the above duties, the Accounting Specialist, General Ledger, will ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), and the Association's policies and procedures.

Employment Standards- Education and Experience

This position requires an individual with a high level of attention to detail and accuracy, the ability to consistently meet deadlines, work independently and with others and exhibits strong customer service skills.

Any combination of education and experience that would provide the required skill and knowledge for successful performance would be qualifying. Minimum qualifications are :

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge

Skills and Abilities

APHL Weeks

APHL Week is a Conference / Convention that is held at the APHL Home Office Bethesda, MD. This event is mandatory for all employees to attend. Travel and lodging will be reimbursed by APHL. Please Note : Reimbursement for travel and lodging may not be possible for employees that are local to the APHL Home Office.

Position Description Status

The duties and responsibilities listed in this job description are illustrative ones anticipated for this position. Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned as required. Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL) reserves the right to amend or change this job description to meet the needs of its programs. This job description and any attachments do not constitute or represent a contract.

Work Environment

Work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations will be made for known physical or mental limitations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the role.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a colleague to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations will be made for known physical or mental limitations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the role. During the job, the colleague may need to sit for extended periods, use a computer keyboard to type, read information visually, and communicate orally through a computer monitor.

Equal Opportunity Employment Statement

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, protected veteran status, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin or any other characteristics protected by applicable law.