Accounting Specialist

Desert Research Institute ( DRI ), Financial Services Office, in Reno, NV, is seeking a full-time Accounting Specialist. This position is primarily responsible for post award accounting administration of approximately 150 grants and contracts at DRI under the direction of the Lead Grant and Contract Accountant. This involves reviewing the award agreements to obtain an understanding of the terms, conditions and regulations that DRI will need to adhere to, establishing new accounts, updating database records, creating and maintaining grant and contract files, preparing invoices, monitoring accounts receivable, running queries and reports on the financial system, working with the division business managers to resolve issues, communicating with sponsors, performing procedures that ensure compliance with contract regulations and reporting requirements and closing out accounts and contracts.

This position manages the Business Assets for DRI which includes preparing and filing numerous federal reports; tracking and analyzing the costs of capitalized construction, equipment fabrications and sensitive equipment; assuring compliance with DRI / NSHE capitalization and sensitive equipment policies. Managing the annual physical inventory for both capital and sensitive equipment, including the recording and distribution of tags to the divisions and working with BCN to ensure an updated accurate master inventory report. The positon is also responsible for preparing the Business Assets workpapers for the year-end audit which is a major and significant section of the audit.

Required Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent and six years of full-time progressively related experience, OR Associates degree and four years of full-time progressively related experience

Experience with grants or fund accounting, contracts and invoicing

Comprehensive knowledge of accounting principles

Experience with Financial Accounting systems

Intermediate level of computer skills including experience with MS Office Word and Excel

Ability to establish effective working relationships with fellow employees, departments, other campus personnel, and the general public

Ability to prioritize assignments and commitment to meet deadlines

Ability to work independently and carry out assignments with minimal supervision

Strong degree of accuracy, reliability, sound judgment, attention to detail and ability to organize multiple sets of data and files

Strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in related field from an accredited institution

Experience managing business assets

Experience in an academic or non-profit environment

Experience with Advantage ( NSHE financial system)

Experience with Workday

Conditions of Employment / Physical Requirements

Employment is contingent upon a successful completion of a background check

Finalists will be required to successfully pass computer skills testing in Word and Excel

Salary Information

This is a DRI Technologist position Grade 33 with a minimum starting annualized pay of $42,459 depending on experience. This position is eligible for benefits; for a complete benefits overview, see Technologist benefits for an overview.

EEO Statement

DRI is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, national origin, age, political affiliation, disability (whether actual or perceived by others) or military status or obligation, and veteran status in employment, programs, and activities. It is further required that DRI take affirmative action in all employment matters to ensure that our policies and practices are non-discriminatory.