Accountant 1 at Stanford University in Palo Alto, California

Job Description:

Accountant 1🔍School of Engineering, Stanford, California, United StatesNew📁Finance📅1 day ago Post Date📅105070 Requisition #Note - This is a 7 month fixed term position. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. All candidates must be eligible to work and live in the U.S.
The School of EngineeringStanford Engineering has been at the forefront of innovation for nearly a century, creating pivotal technologies that have transformed the worlds of information technology, communications, health care, energy, business and beyond. Our faculty and students are creative risk-takers who pursue excellence across a breadth of disciplines. Our alumni include some of the world's most successful leaders in technology and business. Our staff are critical to enabling Stanford Engineering to accomplish its mission: seeking solutions to some of the world's most urgent challenges and educating leaders who will make the world a better place through the power of engineering principles, techniques and systems.The Stanford Nanofabrication Facility (SNF) provides equipment and expertise in nanoscale science and engineering to Stanford and other researchers from academic, industrial, and government labs across the US and around the globe. Every year, over 400 researchers in engineering, medicine, physics and chemistry use our cleanroom and satellite labs to make structures and devices that help them understand the world and make it a better place. More than a lab, it's a vibrant research community.We seek a highly motivated, entry- or junior-level Accountant 1 to join our business operations team. You will manage our revenue stream working closely with startups, large companies, and government organizations, as well as groups within Stanford. You will monitor and dig into the financials to identify and resolve accounting questions. Most importantly, you'll work to streamline the user experience of our researchers by making it easy for them to comply with financial and operational requirements. As a successful candidate, you have a strong background in accounting fundamentals. You are proactive, resourceful, and motivated to find solutions to complex problems. You can juggle multiple projects and shift gears to meet changing priorities. Hands-on working experience with Accounts Receivables (AR) is a big plus, though specific knowledge of AR is much less important than your keen interest in learning and using new concepts.
In this role, you will:

Review, process, gather, and compile accounting transactions and documents for completeness, accuracy, and compliance. Contribute to development of analyses to be used for key activities or decision making.Identify, prioritize, and resolve accounting issues; probe beyond stated situation; identify underlying issues; recognize exceptions; perform preliminary analysis.Run, maintain, reconcile, review, combine, analyze and validate financial data sets, utilizing financial reports, financial databases, and key financial information often from multiple systems. Assist in the preparation of basic management information reports.Identify and resolve incorrect journal entries, data anomalies, deviations from established procedures, and unusual issues.Collect data and perform research on details of transactions. Ensure work complies with complex internal policies and external regulations which may require interpretation.Participate as a member of a project team and contribute to change management strategy through communication and collaboration with others.Recommend, assist, test, or implement process streamlining, system improvements or workflow changes.Contribute to development and maintenance of desktop procedures and process documentation for area of responsibility.Serve as a liaison to other departments to resolve accounting-related issues.Supporting budgeting, forecasting and month-end process. Utilize financial data to identify risks and opportunities.Oversee assigned portfolio of accounts. Ensure timely, accurate billing and receivables by establishing a proactive and effective collection process. Interpret financial information to validate billing/payment history and identify adjustments. Liaise with internal partners and escalate adjustments as needed. Serve as a subject matter expert and lead point of contact for billing and payment.May train, coach, and review the work of other staff, as needed. Contribute primarily through applying individual expertise.

Education & Experience (Required):

Associate degree plus two years of applicable experience, or combination of education and relevant work experience.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities (Required):

Proficiency in basic business applications, such as Microsoft Office; user knowledge of Excel.Basic knowledge of accounting systems and the internet; computer literacy.Understanding of and ability to apply accounting skills and concepts.Ability to draft professional e-mails, memos, business letters, and reports, and to clearly and effectively communicate information to internal audiences and client groups.Ability to learn project management skills and to participate as part of a project team.

Education & Experience (Desired):

A bachelor's degree in accounting or finance, or 2 years of hands-on experience in a related field, or a combination of education and relevant experience.Understanding of Finance and Accounting Principles.Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.Ability to report accurately, meet deadlines.Demonstrated customer service experience and ability to work independently on multiple projects.

Physical Requirements:

Constantly perform desk-based computer tasks.Frequently sit, sort, file paperwork or parts, grasp lightly, and use fine manipulation, lift, carry, push and pull objects that weigh 10 pounds or less.Occasionally write by hand, twist, bend, stoop and squat.Rarely stand, walk, reach or work above shoulders and use a telephone.

Working Conditions:

May work extended hours during peak business cycles.

Work Standards:

Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicates safety concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned.Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University's Administrative Guide, http://adminguide.stanford.edu

Pay Range:

The expected pay range for this position is $85,155 to $101,626 per annum.Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location and external market pay for comparable jobs.At Stanford University, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive rewards package. The Cardinal at Work website (https://cardinalatwork.stanford.edu/benefits-rewards) provides detailed information on Stanford's extensive range of benefits and rewards offered to employees. Specifics about the rewards package for this position may be discussed during the hiring process.
How to Apply:

We invite you to apply for this position by clicking on the "Apply for Job" button. To be considered, please submit a cover letter and résumé along with your online application. The cover letter should briefly describe why you believe you are a good fit for this position.
Why Stanford is for you:

Imagine a world without search engines or social platforms. Consider lives saved through first-ever organ transplants and research to cure illnesses. Stanford University has revolutionized the way we live and enrich the world. Supporting this mission is our diverse and dedicated 17,000 staff. We seek talent driven to impact the future of our legacy. Our culture and unique perks empower you with:

Freedom to grow. We offer career development programs, tuition reimbursement, or audit a course. Join a TedTalk, film screening, or listen to a renowned author or global leader speak.
A caring culture. We provide superb retirement plans, generous time-off, and family care resources.
A healthier you. Climb our rock wall, or choose from hundreds of health or fitness classes at our world-class exercise facilities. We also provide excellent health care benefits.
Discovery and fun. Stroll through historic sculptures, trails, and museums.
Enviable resources. Enjoy free commuter programs, ridesharing incentives, discounts and more!

The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.


Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact Stanford University Human Resources by submitting a contact form.


Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants 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 characteristic protected by law.Additional Information

• Schedule: Full-time


• Job Code: 4441


• Employee Status: Fixed-Term


• Grade: G


• Requisition ID: 105070


• Work Arrangement : On Site

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