The successful candidate’s starting pay will fall within the pay range listed below. Base salary is localized according to an employee’s work location. Ranges are market-dependent and may be modified in the future.

 

For candidates living in Boston, MA, Denver, CO, New York, NY, Los Angeles, CA, Sacramento, CA, San Diego, CA, and Washington, DC, the pay range is $88,000 - $100,000.

The Senior Specialist, Finance serves as General Ledger Team Leader and is responsible for coordinating and providing oversight of all work performed that affects the General Ledger. The Senior Specialist oversees monthly closing work and account reconciliations, will provide support to the Manager of Accounting for all in-country audits, and will assist with Accounts Payable review and approvals. The Senior Specialist, Finance will provide various financial reporting and analysis as requested by the Director of Finance and APHL staff. This position reports to the Director of Finance.

 

This is a local, fully remote position that requires the employee to reside within the DC, Maryland or Northern Virginia area.

 

The Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL) works to strengthen laboratory systems serving the public’s health in the U.S. and globally. APHL’s member laboratories protect the public’s health by monitoring and detecting infectious and foodborne diseases, environmental contaminants, terrorist agents, genetic disorders in newborns and other diverse health threats.

General Ledger - 

1. Assists with overseeing the monthly closing process, ensuring that closing is completed within 8-10 business days after end of month.
2. Assists with overseeing the year-end closing process, ensuring that all revenue and expenses are properly reflected in the accounting records. Ensure that special year-end entries are completed.
3. Reviews and releases journal entries for month end closing and various adjusting entries.
4. Ensures that asset and liability account reconciliations are completed in a timely manner, and that they are accurate.
5. Maintains accrual schedules and serve as resource to APHL staff with regard to recording and recognizing accrued expenses.
6. Other duties as assigned

Financial Management and Systems - 

1. Lead implementation and improvement processes for Finance applications and software. Identify gaps and work with system providers to find solutions in line with APHLs requirements. Provide recommendations to the Managing Director, Finance & Procurement and Director, Finance for best practices along with in-depth analysis.
2. Explore new programs and products developments available on the market for the process and systems efficiencies and provide recommendations to Managing Director, Finance & Procurement and Director, Finance for implementation by APHL
3. Act as Senior Specialist Generalist providing adequate coverage during absence of Manager, Accounting and other Senior Finance Specialist
4. Training newly hired Senior Specialist, Finance on APHL systems, policies and procedures.
5. Maintain APHL current financial policies, process flows and SOPs in line with the Operations department standards and requirements
6. Work with Director, Finance on developing new accounting policies and updates to the existing ones
7. Support Managing Director, Finance & Procurement in various financial modeling, what is scenarios and ad hoc reports
8. Maintain APHL’s chart of accounts and reporting segments and provide recommendations for updates and improvements when necessary
9. Maintain comprehensive list of active users/administrators for applications and software used by APHL. Ensure adequate internal controls and segregation of duties are maintained.
10. Assist Managing Director, Finance & Procurement and Director, Finance in various preparation of financial reports and presentations

Accounts Payable - 

1. Ensures that all invoice and expense reimbursements are reviewed and entered into APHL’s accounting system completely and correctly, and that all payments are made accurately and within APHL’s established payment timeframes.
2. Serves as liaison with APHL staff and vendors for payment and policy-related issues, providing a high level of customer service.
3. Assists with the maintenance and management of APHL’s expense reporting application Concur.
4. Other duties as assigned

Audits - 

1. Ensure that all audit schedules, reports and related information assigned are prepared in a timely manner for yearend audit work.
2. Provide audit assistance and serve as point person for questions related to areas of responsibility.
3. Assists with the coordination and preparation of the in-country audits.

Other - 

1. Provides financial analysis utilizing automations such as Power BI.
2. Assists with implementation of new accounting pronouncements and standards.
3. Conduct training for APHL staff members for areas of responsibility.
4. Other duties as assigned.

In performing the above duties, the Senior Specialist, Finance will ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), and the Association’s policies and procedures.

This position requires an individual who has advanced knowledge of accounting processes and procedures as well as Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and Federal regulations governing the recording all transactions. The incumbent must be capable of performing complex analyses and projects related to the General Ledger and must be able to oversee the work of others. This person must have a high level of attention to detail and accuracy, be able to consistently meet deadlines, work independently and with others and exhibits strong customer service skills.

 

Any combination of education and experience that would provide the required skill and knowledge for successful performance would be qualifying.

 

Minimum qualifications are:

1. Bachelor’s degree in Accounting
2. 3-5 years of relevant accounting experience
3. Supervisory experience preferred
4. CPA preferred

Knowledge - 

• Sound knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of accounting principles governing Federal cooperatives, grants, sub-grants and contracts.
• Knowledge of the Workday ERP software is highly preferred.
• Knowledge of Concur expense management software preferred.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.
• Intermediate to Advanced level of knowledge of Microsoft Excel; experience with pivot tables and complex formulas required.
• Familiarity with project multi-cost center organizations.
• Well-organized, detail oriented, excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Skills and Abilities - 

• Ability to meet deadlines and have time management and organization skills to handle projects simultaneously.
• The ability to analyze and interpret financial data, to research and resolve complex accounting issues and develop appropriate solutions.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to develop own plans, and ability to contribute to company on non-financial issues.
• Ability to work with diverse groups of people.
• Ability to function as a member of a team of professionals.

APHL Week is a Conference/Convention that is held at the APHL Home Office Bethesda, MD. This event is mandatory for all employees to attend. Travel and lodging will be reimbursed by APHL.

Please Note: Reimbursement for travel and lodging may not be possible for employees that are local to the APHL Home Office.

The duties and responsibilities listed in this job description are illustrative ones anticipated for this position. Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned as required. Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL) reserves the right to amend or change this job description to meet the needs of its programs. This job description and any attachments do not constitute or represent a contract.

Work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations will be made for known physical or mental limitations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the role.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a colleague to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations will be made for known physical or mental limitations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the role.
During the job, the colleague may need to sit for extended periods, use a computer keyboard to type, read information visually, and communicate orally through a computer monitor.

APHL welcomes applications from all qualified candidates without regard to any characteristic protected by applicable law.