Accountant, Senior

Position Description Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL) is seeking a detail-oriented and collaborative Senior Accountant to support core accounting operations and financial reporting for the Laboratory. The role ensures accuracy, compliance with GAAP and Uniform Guidance, and alignment with institutional policies. The Senior Accountant plays a key role in monthly and year-end close processes, audit coordination, financial systems improvements, and financial analysis that supports institutional decision‑making. This position works closely with Budget, Grants, Payroll, Treasury, and operational teams to strengthen financial processes and reporting. Position Responsibilities Financial Reporting & Close Management Prepare and support monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements Prepare and review journal entries, reconciliations, and supporting schedules Participate in month‑end and year‑end close processes Analyze financial variances and recommend improvements to reporting accuracy and efficiency Audit Coordination & Compliance Coordinate preparation for annual financial statement audits and Uniform Guidance audits Prepare audit schedules and required documentation Ensure compliance with GAAP, federal grant requirements, and institutional policies Institutional & Technical Accounting Support preparation of regulatory filings, including Form 990 Assist with indirect cost proposals and fringe benefit rate calculations Research and document technical accounting issues and recommend appropriate treatment Maintain and improve accounting policies and procedures Assist with implementation of new accounting standards Systems & Process Improvement Support financial systems enhancements and ERP initiatives (including Workday implementation and stabilization) Identify opportunities to streamline close processes and strengthen internal controls Partner with Finance leadership to improve reporting workflows and automation Assist with system testing and validation Staff Support & Collaboration Provide guidance and review support to accounting staff Assist with training on accounting procedures and systems Collaborate across departments to improve financial data accuracy and consistency Support special projects and institutional finance initiatives Position Requirements Education Must hold a bachelor’s degree Experience Minimum of three or more years of accounting experience, preferably managing or auditing non‑profit organizations Knowledge/Skills Strong knowledge of GAAP, including financial statement preparation, reconciliations, and internal control principles Demonstrated experience supporting monthly and year‑end close processes, including preparation and review of journal entries and balance sheet account reconciliations Experience coordinating external financial statement audits and Uniform Guidance audits, including preparation of audit schedules and interaction with auditors Ability to research and apply technical accounting guidance, including documenting accounting positions and supporting implementation of new accounting standards Familiarity with nonprofit accounting practices, including net asset classifications, indirect cost recovery concepts, and regulatory reporting requirements such as Form 990 Experience working within ERP financial systems (Lawson, Workday, or similar), including supporting system enhancements, testing activities, and reporting improvements Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including working with large datasets, reconciliations, and analytical modeling Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex financial data and identify trends, risks, and opportunities for improvement Demonstrated ability to evaluate accounting workflows and recommend process improvements and internal control enhancements Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present financial information clearly to both finance and non‑finance stakeholders Compensation and Benefits Salary range: $80,000–$100,000 annually Competitive pay, exceptional health benefits, retirement plans, paid time off, wellness programs, and other recognition programs CSHL is an EO Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or protected veteran status. VEVRAA Federal Contractor. #J-18808-Ljbffr Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory