Accountant IV

Job Details

New ideas are all around us, but only a few will change the world. That's our focus at JPL. We ask the biggest questions, then search the universe for answers-literally. We build upon ideas that have guided generations, then share our discoveries to inspire generations to come. Your mission-your opportunity-is to seek out the answers that bring us one step closer. If you're driven to discover, create, and inspire something that lasts a lifetime and beyond, you're ready for JPL.

Located in Pasadena, California, JPL has a campus-like environment situated on 177 acres in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains and offers a work environment unlike any other: we inspire passion, foster innovation, build collaboration, and reward excellence.

We are seeking an experienced, highly analytical, and collaborative Accountant IV to join the Financial Accounting & Cash Management (FACM) Group within the Enterprise Accounting Services Section of the Accounting and Contracts Division.

An Accountant IV performs professional accounting work requiring knowledge of the theory and practice of recording, classifying, examining, and analyzing the data and records of financial transactions. Functions performed are characterized by the inclusion of work that is analytical, creative, evaluative, and advisory in nature. The work draws upon and requires thorough knowledge of the fundamental doctrines, theories, principles, and terminology of accountancy, and often entails some understanding of such related fields as business law, business information technology, mathematics, and statistics.

Key responsibilities include:

• Review highly complex source documents for accuracy and compliance; analyze patterns of anomalies; lead corrective action and train team members.
• Oversee and validate accounting treatment of highly complex transactions; recommend accounting approaches for new or unique processes.
• Research advanced accounting topics, interpret external regulations, and develop recommendations; lead implementation and present findings to leadership.
• Prepare and oversee critical reconciliations involving multiple systems and functions; collaborate with stakeholders to resolve discrepancies.
• Develop, enhance, and present specialized financial reports and management analyses, evaluating historical trends, refining reporting criteria, and implementing improvements to templates, schedules, and report design.
• Collaborate with internal/external partners on unique and highly complex requests; develop training materials and conduct training sessions.
• Lead teams in evaluating, recommending, and implementing business system and process enhancements, ensuring alignment with contractual requirements and compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), and Laboratory/internal policies.
• Provide critical data and analysis to internal and external auditors; lead audit responses and ensure quality of submissions.

Required Skills:

• Bachelor's in Business Administration, or similar discipline with a minimum of 9 years of related experience or a Master's degree in a similar discipline with a minimum of 7 years of related experience, or a PhD in a similar discipline with a minimum of 5 years of related experience.
• Advanced knowledge and experience in one or more of the following areas: Financial Accounting, Cash Management, and Cost Accounting practices.
• General knowledge and experience in integrated financial systems.
• Broad knowledge and experience in the application of standard principles, theories, concepts, and techniques in Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).

Desired Skills:

• Broad knowledge of Aerospace, Non-Profit or Higher Education accounting practices
• Broad knowledge of major finance business systems (e.g. Oracle).
• Broad knowledge of banking systems and processes.
• General knowledge of JPL and NASA policies and procedures, and government regulations across a range of applications.
• Working knowledge and usage of financial data warehouse functionality (Data Extractor, OBIEE) and Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint and Word).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience presenting to management and external partners.
• Strong analytical, evaluative, and advisory skills with ability to mentor and lead others.

JPL has a catalog of benefits and perks that span from the traditional to the unique. This includes a variety of health, dental, vision, wellbeing, and retirement plans, paid time off, learning, rideshare, childcare, flexible schedule, parental leave and many more. Our focus is on work-life balance, and living healthy, fulfilling lives as we Dare Mighty Things Together. For benefits eligible positions, benefits are effective the first day of the month coincident with or immediately following the employee's start date.

For further benefits information click Benefits and Perks

The hiring range displayed below is specifically for those who will work in or reside in the location listed. In extending an offer, Jet Propulsion Laboratory considers factors including, but not limited to, the candidate's job related skills, experience, knowledge, and relevant education/training.


The typical full time equivalent annual hiring range for this job in Pasadena, California.

$120,640 - $150,072

JPL is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy or perceived pregnancy, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, protected military or veteran status or any other characteristic or condition protected by Federal, state or local law.

In addition, JPL is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

EEO is the Law.

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Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision

The Jet Propulsion Laboratory is a federal facility. Due to rules imposed by NASA, JPL will not accept applications from citizens of designated countries or those born in a designated country unless they are U.S. Citizens, Legal Permanent Residents of the U.S or have other protected status under 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3). The Designated Countries List is available here.