Senior Accountant (Hybrid: Seal Beach, CA)

About WestEd

As a community of over 1,400 researchers, practitioners, consultants, and administrative professionals from all backgrounds and life experiences, we are committed to making a qualitative difference in the lives of youth, children, and adults. We conduct and apply research, develop evidence-based solutions, and provide consulting services across the country in both rural and urban communities to improve equitable outcomes for individuals from infancy through adulthood. Serving as trusted partners in the areas of education, health, and justice, our teams enhance capacity within communities and school districts to prioritize impact by asking the right questions, customizing methodologies, developing relevant tools, and implementing best practices specific to a diverse range of stakeholder needs.

Furthering diversity, equity, and inclusion is core to who we are and how we work. We are committed to working with our clients to illuminate and address disparities, value and elevate diverse voices, and ensure equitable access to our resources and services. Read more about WestEd's Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Come and join us!

SPECIAL NOTICE REGARDING THE WORK LOCATION OF THIS POSITION-Although WestEd provides the option of working at one of its facilities for employees, many roles allow employees to choose to work remotely for their own convenience. The decision to allow remote work at the employee's convenience is based on the requirements of the position or project in question.

Content Area or Department Brief Description:

Position Overview:

We are actively seeking a detail-oriented Senior Accountant to join our accounting team. You will closely collaborate with the Assistant Controller and act as a crucial liaison to bridging various operational facets within our organization such as finance, contracts department, and divisions. Your primary responsibilities will encompass communication and workflow improvements between accounting and other departments, ensuring accurate contract review and setup, and assisting with financial reporting and actively participate in the preparation of board materials. This position requires a strong understanding of accounting principles, the ability to effectively analyze and resolve discrepancies and foster a deeper understanding of the financial landscape across the organization. The ideal candidate will possess excellent organizational skills and a proactive approach to problem-solving.

The ideal candidate will be in a hybrid role with at least 3 days per week in the Seal Beach, CA office.

Responsibilities:

• Collaborate and assist in reviewing various financial reports for quarterly board meeting materials, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
• Identify areas for process improvement within the accounting function.
• Develop and implement strategies to streamline workflows and enhance efficiency.
• Generate and review delta reports in business intelligence on contracts to monitor statuses.
• Perform various general ledger account reconciliations.
• Assist in the review of various financial reporting to funders including cost match reporting.
• Assist in coordinating desktop audits and grants monitoring reviews conducted by funders.
• Carry out complex cost reimbursements billing as necessary.
• Assist in the month end and year-end financial closing in the Costpoint system.
• Provide all-around accounting assistance, spanning AP/AR/Payroll and operational improvement initiatives.

What We're Looking For:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance.
• 3+ years experience in general ledger reconciliations.
• Strong understanding of accounting principles; GASB, GAAP, Uniform Guidance.
• Experience in using Costpoint accounting system.
• Strong understanding of contract terms and conditions, financial processes, and system integrations.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including the ability to work with complex spreadsheets and formulas.
• Effective communication skills, both verbal and written, to interact with stakeholders at all levels.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify and resolve discrepancies.

*Note: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Successful candidates must be authorized to work in the United States.

WestEd conducts a criminal background check and education verification for all new hires. Any offers of employment will be contingent on receiving a clear background check in accordance with applicable law.

SALARY AND BENEFITS:

The full salary range for this position, WestEd level 9, is $78,800 to $118,200 but WestEd does not typically hire at or near the top of the salary range. The typical hiring range for this role is $78,800 to $98,500. The actual offer takes into account multiple factors including but not limited to education; experience; internal equity, and other organizational needs.

In addition to the base salary, benefits include:

* 15% contribution toward retirement effective day 1 of employment

* Pre-tax Flexible Spending Accounts

* All health/welfare benefits are effective the first of the month following the hire date

* PTO: 3 weeks vacation (increases to 4 weeks beginning the 4th year of employment), paid holidays, and 12 days paid sick leave per year

* Life Insurance: value of 3x gross salary

* Opportunities for annual merit-based performance increases + annual incentives

* Professional development opportunities & mentorship program

For more detail about our benefits, go to: https://www.wested.org/work-at-wested/benefits/

Committed to the diversity of race, ethnicities, perspectives, and opportunities, WestEd offers a variety of social and professional learning communities, such as Employee Resource groups, the Data Intelligence, Insights, and Innovation PLC, and the WestEd Parent Community, just to name a few. We hope you'll consider joining us to build better schools, communities, learning pathways, and more! WestEd is a Drug Free Employer and maintains a drug-free workplace. #LI-Hybrid