Accounting Technician (0525-07)

Application Deadline: 11 November 2025

Department: Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Cambridge, MA

Compensation: $56,584 - $73,563 / year

Description

OPENING DATE: November 7, 2025
CLOSING DATE: November 11, 2025
SERIES/GRADE: 0525/07
TYPE OF POSITION: Trust Indefinite (Non-Federal)
DIVISION: Business Operations
LOCATION:  Cambridge, MA
AREA OF CONSIDERATION: This position is open to all eligible candidates.
What are 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. Trust employees have their own benefit program, which may include Health, Dental & Vision Insurance, Life Insurance, Transit/Commuter Benefits, Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance, Annual and Sick Leave, Family Friendly Leave, 403b Retirement Plan, Discounts for Smithsonian Memberships, Museum Stores and Restaurants, Credit Union, Flexible Spending Account (Health & Dependent Care). 
Conditions of Employment

• Pass Pre-employment Background Check and Subsequent Background Investigation, as required.
• Complete a Probationary Period if applicable. 
• 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

INTRODUCTION
The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) is at the forefront, internationally, of the scientific exploration of the universe. SAO combines its resources with those of the Harvard College Observatory to form the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics (CfA). The CfA is the best-known astrophysics center in the world. Its programs range from ground-based astronomy and astrophysics research to space-based research, the engineering and development of major scientific instrumentation for space launch and use in large ground-based facilities, and research designed to improve science education. The research objectives of SAO are carried out primarily with the support of Government and Smithsonian Institution funds, with additional philanthropic support.  Government funds are in the form of Federal appropriations or the form of contracts and grants from other agencies. In contrast, Institution funds are available to SAO through grants from the Institution's Restricted Funds, Special Purpose Funds, Bureau Activities, Business Activities, and non-Federal contracts and grants. 

SUMMARY
The Accounting Technician is responsible for accounts payable functions within the Business Operations Division.

MAJOR DUTIES

1. Provide input into the automated PeopleSoft-ERP Accounts Payable Subsystem. Responsible for processing vendor payments, troubleshooting accounts payable issues, and providing timely responses to inquiries from vendors and research administrators.
2. Process on-line voucher payments with multiple funding sources. Verify vendor invoices, supporting documentation, purchase orders, and proper authorization prior to processing. Assess whether full or partial payment is being requested on the contact and ensure accurate line items are being charged, taking necessary actions when there’s any discrepancies. 
3. Ensure vendor information, including address, payment details, and tax identification number (TIN), is accurate and consistent between invoices and the ERP vendor database prior to processing payments. 
4. Reconcile purchase order (PO) and voucher activity to the subsidiary ledgers and general ledger. Research discrepancies between PO encumbrances and voucher expenses, request PO modifications and process voucher adjustments as needed. Collaborate with vendors, buyers and research administrators to resolve invoice discrepancies and clarify billing issues. 
5. Review all delinquent accounts payable invoices aged over 31 days and follow up with research administrators to ensure timely payment. Take proactive steps to prevent unallowable finance charges including interest and additional processing fees. 
6. Identify voucher with receipt ma