SENIOR ACCOUNTANT

ABOUT US:

Scripps Research is a nonprofit biomedical institute ranked as one of the most influential in the world for its impact on innovation. We celebrated our 100-year legacy in 2024. This significant milestone marks a century of seminal discoveries in immunology, infectious diseases (such as COVID-19, flu, HIV), neuroscience, heart disease, cancer, and more. Located in La Jolla, California, the institute houses six research departments, multiple Nobel laureates, a top-ranked graduate school and a leading postdoctoral training program. Scripps Research encompasses two elite and highly innovative institutes, the Calibr-Skaggs Institute for Innovative Medicines and Scripps Research Translational Institute, which merge foundational studies in biology, chemistry and computer science with translational science to produce pioneering drugs and advances in digital and precision medicine. Together, we cultivate new scientific leaders and expand the frontiers of knowledge to deliver medical breakthroughs impacting human health around the globe. If you have a passion for making a difference, this could be your opportunity to join our transformative team.

 

POSITION TITLE:  Senior Accountant

 

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Senior Accountant is responsible for development, administration, and maintenance of our accounting system and related procedures. This role prepares sponsor invoices, financial statements, and performs complex general ledger reconciliations. The Senior Accountant evaluates and re-engineers accounting processes, incorporating automation to improve efficiency and effectiveness. Additionally, this position provides advanced analytical support and general accounting expertise to the department.

 

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES: 

Complex Accounting and Financial Analysis

• Performs complex accounting and financial analysis in highly sensitivity and high-risk areas.
• Create and review sponsor invoices with a high level of accuracy and meticulous attention to detail, ensuring compliance with contractual and regulatory requirements.
• Prepares account reconciliations and researches and analyzes historical accounting data.
• Maintains current working knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and ensures ongoing compliance.
• Prepares financial statements and related support for annual financial statements.
• Implements new accounting pronouncements (including writing technical memos) in a timely manner.
• Performs the following: Assess, recommend, design, implement, document, maintain, and monitor accounting systems and processes to ensure transparency, and compliance with company policy, government regulations, and operational efficiency.
• Ensures accurate accounting and reporting for investments, expendable gifts, endowed funds, and planned giving activities.
• Prepares reports related to gift and endowment funding.
• Prepares annual audit workpapers, financial statements, schedules, and footnotes related to investments and endowments.

      Support and Training 

• Serves as backup in providing accounting and systems guidance and training within Finance & Accounting staff and to external departments.
• Performs special projects including budget projection support, management analyses, and systems implementations.
• Details of established essential functions for this position will be addressed/discussed during the interview process.    

 

REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance.
• Minimum five years progressively responsible and related professional level accounting experience, to include at least two years of public accounting.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to select appropriate and effective methods of communication.
• Demonstrated ability to clearly explain and concisely document complex accounting concepts, processes, and internal controls.
• Experience reviewing and interpreting contracts, analyzing accounting issues, defining problems, processing transactions accurately and timely with a consistent manner, and adhering to Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• A general understanding of processes and internal controls, including experience providing recommendations and implementing remediations.
• Experience working with large ERP systems.
• Self-motivated with strong organizational skills and the ability to eff