Accountant

Full Job Description

The Accountant carries out a broad range of financial and administrative responsibilities including preparing, reviewing, and verifying financial documents; processing transactions; maintaining records; and compiling data from multiple sources.

The position requires independent judgment, knowledge of financial management practices, and a thorough understanding of applicable Federal rules and regulations as well as the Udall Foundation's financial policies and procedures.

General Qualifications - All Levels: Superior character, good judgment, interpersonal skills, and an ability to work in a supportive, professional, and problem-solving manner with agency employees, outside partners, and stakeholders.

Leadership skills as characterized by the ability to develop a common vision with colleagues, superiors, and subordinates, and a facilitative management style that emphasizes teamwork, collegiality, and flexibility.

Skill in assessing a problem or requirement; organizing an appropriate, solutions-focused response; and engaging others as needed to achieve a desired outcome.

An ability to multitask and manage multiple requirements simultaneously and effectively while maintaining oversight over areas of responsibility.

Ability to work independently to plan, organize, and coordinate technical projects, and to monitor and report on progress towards project objectives and milestones.

Superior oral and written communications skills, including the ability to communicate clearly, listen effectively, and engage with and inspire others.

Technical Qualifications - All Levels At least three (3) years of Federal accounting and budgeting experience with demonstrated achievement leading, mentoring, and managing professional staff.

Knowledge and proficiency in accounting principles, gained through experience, education, or a combination of both.

Proficiency with financial and management systems relevant to the operations of a small Federal agency.

Demonstrated ability to contribute to organizational teams in achieving shared goals and objectives. Proven experience developing clear, timely, and accurate oral and written communications.

Proficiency with MS Office 365, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, as well as accounting-related software applications.

Proficiency with virtual communication and collaboration tools such as Microsoft Teams.

Technical Qualifications - AD-12 Level: To qualify, applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience at the AD-11 or equivalent level.

Applicants at the AD-12 Level must also demonstrate the capability to perform additional financial or administrative duties as assigned to support evolving program priorities and operational requirements.

Specialized experience includes: Applying complex accounting concepts and review methods. Performing independent accounting tasks. Adapting analytical approaches to varied assignments.

Assisting in resolving financial issues and ensuring compliance with applicable regulations and policies. Understanding automated accounting systems and their limitations.

Using financial software, spreadsheets, and databases to prepare reports and statements. Major Duties:

Support the agency's integrated system of resource and financial management, advancing effective stewardship, regulatory compliance, and efficient operations.

Perform a broad range of operational, administrative, and financial support activities.

These include assisting with financial transaction processing, supporting travel and payroll functions, verifying financial data, tracking accounts receivable, reconciling expenditures, and contributing to agency-wide financial operations.

Play an important role in audit readiness by assisting with the retrieval, organization, and preparation of required documentation and supporting materials.

Assist with quality assurance over the work of the agency's external financial service provider.

These responsibilities include reviewing transaction accuracy, monitoring processing timeliness, validating the correct application of accounting codes, reconciling provider-reported balances with internal records, and identifying discrepancies that require corrective action.

Quality assurance measures also involve conducting periodic spot checks, analyzing error patterns, confirming adherence to Federal regulations and agency policies, and working closely with the provider to resolve issues and implement improvements.

Provide direct support to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) by contributing to accurate financial operations, timely reconciliations, and adherence to internal controls.

Promptly identify and report accounting issues, irregularities, or operational concerns including discrepancies, delays in financial processing, compliance risks, system-related problems, or any matters that could affect the accuracy, integrity, or timeliness of the Udall Foundation's financial operations.

Collaborate with the CFO, the Finance team, and other employees across the organization to deliver technical, financial, and administrative guidance related to accounting and financial systems and to resolve issues, share information, and ensure consistency in financial practices.

Ensure that the CFO is informed of emerging concerns, support the development of corrective actions, and help maintain strong internal controls and overall financial accountability.

Perform other duties as assigned. This position is telework eligible subject to relevant agency policy. Occasional travel may be required.