Job Description

Senior Accountant, Accounts Receivable

Scripps Research is a nonprofit biomedical institute ranked as one of the most influential in the world for its impact on innovation. We celebrated our 100-year legacy in 2024. This significant milestone marks a century of seminal discoveries in immunology, infectious diseases (such as COVID-19, flu, HIV), neuroscience, heart disease, cancer, and more. Located in La Jolla, California, the institute houses six research departments, multiple Nobel laureates, a top-ranked graduate school and a leading postdoctoral training program. Scripps Research encompasses two elite and highly innovative institutes, the Calibr-Skaggs Institute for Innovative Medicines and Scripps Research Translational Institute, which merge foundational studies in biology, chemistry and computer science with translational science to produce pioneering drugs and advances in digital and precision medicine. Together, we cultivate new scientific leaders and expand the frontiers of knowledge to deliver medical breakthroughs impacting human health around the globe. If you have a passion for making a difference, this could be your opportunity to join our transformative team.

Position Title: Senior Accountant, Accounts Receivable

Position Summary:

The Senior Accountant manages accounts receivable activities within a scientific research environment, with a primary focus on grant, contract, and sponsored research billing. This role ensures accurate invoicing, monitors receivables, and supports timely collections while maintaining compliance with federal, state, and private sponsor regulations, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), and Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200). Partnering closely with Sponsored Programs, Finance, and Compliance teams, the Senior Accountant supports cost-reimbursable, prepaid, milestone-based, and fixed-price research agreements. The role also contributes to process improvements, audit readiness, internal controls, and provides analytical and general accounting support to ensure efficient and compliant financial operations across the Institute.

Responsibilities and Duties:

Complex Accounting and Financial Analysis:

• Performs complex accounting and financial analysis in highly sensitivity and high-risk areas.
• Create and review cost reimbursable sponsor invoices with a high level of accuracy and meticulous attention to detail, ensuring compliance with contractual and regulatory requirements.
• Prepares and submits milestone-based, prepaid and fixed-price invoices in accordance with award terms and ensuring compliance with sponsor guidelines.
• Prepares account reconciliations and researches and analyzes historical accounting data.
• Maintains current working knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and ensures ongoing compliance.
• Monitors aging of sponsor receivables and follows up on outstanding items
• Coordinate with Principal Investigators and research administrators to resolve funding discrepancies.
• Prepare AR aging reports and present key metrics to leadership
• Support internal and external audits by preparing documentation and responding to inquiries

Support and Training:

• Serves as backup in providing accounting and systems guidance and training within Finance & Accounting staff and to external departments.
• Performs special projects including budget projection support, management analyses, and systems implementations.
• Serve as subject matter expert for research-related receivables and compliance inquiries.
• Details of established essential functions for this position will be addressed/discussed during the interview process.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance.
• Minimum five years progressively responsible and related professional level accounting experience, to include at least two years of public accounting.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to select appropriate and effective methods of communication.
• Demonstrated ability to clearly explain and concisely document complex accounting concepts, processes, and internal controls.
• Experience reviewing and interpreting contracts, analyzing accounting issues, defining problems, processing transactions accurately and timely with a consistent manner, and adhering to Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• A general understanding of processes and internal controls, including experience providing recommendations and implementing remediations.
• Experience working with large ERP systems.
• Self-motivated with strong organizational skills and the ability to effectively manage multiple priorities and adjust to changing deadlines.
• Experience with investment and endowment accounting preferred.
• While subject to change based on business needs, this is an on-campus position requiring a minimum of 4 days per week working onsite from our La Jolla campus, with flexibility to work 1 day per week remotely from home.

Compensation:

The expected hiring range for this position is $90,000 to $110,000/annually, commensurate with experience. Consideration will be given to experience that exceeds the listed requirements.

Comprehensive Benefits Include:

• Employer Contributed Retirement Plan Depending on eligibility, employees receive an employer contributed retirement plan (no employee contribution required) and the option to contribute to a 403(b) (which is similar to a 401(k) using your own pre or post-tax dollars)
• Full Suite of Health and Welfare plans including three medical plan options (including an HSA available option), dental, vision, life insurance, disability, EAP and more
• Access to Flexible Spending Accounts (Medical/Dependent Care)
• Competitive vacation and sick leave policies
• Free, on-site parking

EEO Statement:

The Scripps Research Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We promote diversity of thought, culture, and background in the fields of science. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic or status.

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