Senior Accountant

Space Telescope Science Institute•Baltimore, MD

24d•$80,000 - $95,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI) is a multi-mission science operations center for NASA’s flagship observatories. STScI seeks a Senior Accountant to provide maintenance and reconciliation of all government and institutional assets within accounting and property management systems. This role serves as a liaison directly with external auditors, property custodians and stakeholders to ensure compliance with Federal Acquisitions Regulations (FAR), DCMA audit standards and GAAP. The individual will enhance audit readiness, optimize resource utilization, and streamline operations efficiently. This position can support hybrid work, and candidates must reside in or be willing to relocate to our local market (MD, DE, VA, PA, DC & WV).

Requirements

Demonstrates the ability to work independently and efficiently manage multiple responsibilities.
Builds and maintains effective professional relationships with colleagues and stakeholders.
Performs complex mathematical calculations and data analyses accurately and effectively.
Exhibits strong written and verbal communication skills, along with excellent interpersonal abilities.
Possesses strong analytical, problem-solving, organizational, and time-management skills.
Prioritizes tasks effectively and exercises sound judgment within assigned areas of responsibility.
Makes informed decisions in accordance with established property policies and procedures.
Maintains a high level of attention to detail.
Proficient in Microsoft Excel and able to utilize its features effectively.
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance or related field.
3-5 years of progressive accounting experience

Nice To Haves

Specific experience in government contracting and auditing highly desirable.

Responsibilities

Collaborates effectively with stakeholders to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the property database, including conducting analyses, reconciliations, and facilitating communication between internal and external auditors.
Oversees and monitors audit activities and prepares required audit documentation.
Supports various property management tasks, such as reviewing and submitting mandated reports to government agencies.
Acts as a liaison between auditors and organizational staff to ensure clarity and compliance.
Conducts regular verifications and audits to confirm the existence and conditions of government assets through internal assessments, including annual self-assessments and comprehensive physical inventory audits.
Reconciles discrepancies and updates asset records accordingly.
Assesses risks related to government property, identifies potential vulnerabilities, implements security measures, and proactively safeguards assets to mitigate audit and compliance risks.
Ensures adherence to organizational policies and guidelines by enforcing proper usage, disposal procedures, and ethical standards consistent with the organization's mission and policies.
Documents, reviews, and updates property policies and procedures to ensure alignment with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) standards.
Fosters a collaborative team environment and demonstrates a commitment to mentoring colleagues.
Continually improves property processes and procedures to enhance accuracy and operational efficiency.
Reviews related team procedures to ensure compliance and alignment with property management requirements, including ITSD and S/R processes.