Staff Accountant - Finance and Operations

The LSST Discovery Alliance is a non-profit organization that enhances the scientific output of the unprecedented astronomy research initiative that will transform humankind’s understanding of the Universe – the Rubin Observatory Legacy Survey of Space and Time. The dynamic high-impact six-person team at the LSST Discovery Alliance delivers cross-disciplinary innovative tools, training, and collaborative networks to the diverse, global community of scientists working with LSST’s massive dataset.

The Staff Accountant supports accurate financial management and smooth internal operations with communication across finance, programs, and administration. Responsibilities include general ledger accounting, vendor management, and award compliance and restrictions trackings. This role reports to the Director of Finance and Administration.

Key Responsibilities

Finance & Accounting – 90%

• Manage accurate, reliable, and timely transaction posting for cash transactions, prepaid expenses, ad hoc journal entries, and grants (restricted, conditional, unconditional) in QuickBooks Online (QBO).
• Manage A/P and A/R in Bill.com, including maintaining vendor and customer records.
• Prepare and upload journal entries, reconcile accounts, and support monthly close in accordance with GAAP.
• Review and process reimbursement requests, verifying receipts documentation, checking per diem rates for travel regions, and implementing currency conversions as needed.
• Coordinate audit support requests, including compiling PBC schedules, retrieving supporting records, and maintaining organized audit documentation.
• Support annual filings by compiling requested schedules and support documentation for Form 990.
• Generate standard and custom financial reports.

Operations & Administration – 10%

• Serve as point of contact for the registered agent, insurance broker/carrier, and external counsel (fundraising registrations), track deadlines, coordinate information requests, and maintain documentation.
• Own the annual Finance/Admin compliance checklist and employee handbook updates; draft and maintain operational templates and policies for review and approval.

Other Functions:

Perform additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required:

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in accounting, or a similar role in a non-profit environment.
• Demonstrated experience with creating and uploading journal entries, account reconciliations, and recurring financial processes (A/P, A/R).
• Proficiency with Excel for financial analysis and reporting, with comfort working with complex spreadsheets and formulas.
• Exceptional communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize effectively in a fast-paced working environment.
• Ability to thrive in a remote working team.

Preferred:

• Experience supporting audits and financial reviews.
• Experience working with grant-funded, donor advised, or restricted budgets, and the associated compliance requirements.
• Experience using automation or AI tools to streamline communications and processes.
• Proficiency in QuickBooks Online (QBO).
• Experience with or ability to learn new software tools (Bill.com, ClickUp, Slack).
• Interest in science and a commitment to the mission of LSST Discovery Alliance.

Term: 12-month position, with the possibility of extension based on organizational needs and funding.

We recognize candidates may not meet every preferred qualification. If you meet the primary qualifications and are excited about the role and our mission, we encourage you to apply.

A comprehensive benefits package, including a generous employer retirement contribution of 10% of base salary.