Staff Accountant

Boyce Thompson Institute for Plant Research•Ithaca, NY

4d•$60,000 - $75,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Staff Accountant manages the Boyce Thompson Institute for Plant Research’s daily accounting activities and performs general ledger duties with a high degree of independence. The position contributes to cash management, general ledger accounting, financial reporting, payroll integrations, and transactional accounting. It ensures compliance with federal, state, and local financial requirements and provides accurate, timely financial information to support organizational decision-making and operational effectiveness. The role is part of the Institute’s Finance Department, which supports financial reporting, cash management, payroll, procurement, risk management, financial systems, accounts payable and receivable, and investments. The Institute is an independent plant and molecular science research institution located on the Cornell University campus in Ithaca, New York. The position is expected to work primarily onsite during the initial employment period for training, collaboration, knowledge transfer, and development of familiarity with Institute operations and accounting processes. After demonstrating proficiency and satisfactory mastery of assigned responsibilities, the employee may become eligible for a hybrid arrangement with approximately 20% to 40% remote work, subject to management approval, departmental requirements, business needs, and sustained performance. Work is primarily in a professional office environment, with extended sitting and computer use and occasional walking, standing, bending, and lifting of files or office materials.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field; an equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
At least two years of accounting experience in a medium-sized organization.
Solid understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
Effective written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to communicate with all levels of the organization.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Microsoft Excel.
Experience with accounting and financial software applications.

Nice To Haves

Presentation skills are helpful.
Experience with ERP systems is preferred.
Microsoft Dynamics NAV (Navision) and/or Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central experience is highly preferred.

Responsibilities

Perform monthly general ledger close activities, including preparing and posting journal entries.
Complete monthly bank and balance sheet reconciliations.
Prepare and distribute monthly financial reports to Institute management.
Analyze financial activity, investigate variances, and resolve discrepancies.
Maintain accurate accounting records and supporting documentation.
Assist with coordinating and preparing the Institute’s annual budget.
Compile annual indirect cost calculation data and supporting schedules for the IDC Rate Agreement.
Participate in preparing and coordinating annual financial audits.
Support internal control and compliance initiatives.
Manage accounting and reporting activities for the Development function.
Maintain accurate accounting and reconciliation of endowment and investment balances.
Interpret broker statements and record investment transactions.
Maintain fixed asset records, depreciation schedules, and supporting documentation.
Conduct and oversee annual physical inventory inspections of fixed assets, including tagging assets and verifying new equipment purchases.
Maintain integration between payroll, effort reporting, and accounting systems.
Administer travel and employee expense reimbursement processing and accounting.
Maintain vendor files and records in compliance with Institute policies and applicable regulations.
Prepare and issue annual Forms 1099 and Form 1096 filings.
Maintain visa-related tax reporting records and prepare or review Forms 1042-S.
Assist with cash management and other Finance Department initiatives.
Participate in process improvement efforts and accounting system enhancements.
Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.