Accountant 1

Overview

The Controller Division at a national research laboratory provides comprehensive financial services supporting national security and the organization's mission. The division manages accounting, compliance, payroll, benefits, tax, retirement, travel, disbursements, financial reporting, corporate accounting, and business systems. The team ensures operational excellence and financial accountability through integrity, innovation, and collaboration.

This role is for an Accountant 1 to support the Accounts Payable and Disbursements Group, which handles a multi-billion dollar vendor payment operation. The position reports to the Group Team Leader and focuses on accurate, compliant, and timely processing of financial obligations while maintaining financial controls and audit readiness.

Responsibilities

• Manage full-cycle accounts payable processing for goods, services, and subcontractor payments using 2-way/3-way matching and compliance with the Prompt Payment Act.
• Administer vendor invoice workflows, coordinate with procurement and receiving teams, and resolve exceptions promptly.
• Support tax reporting activities including 1099 issuance, IRS validations, and payment documentation for audits.
• Reconcile accounts payable subledgers to the general ledger and provide financial transparency through reporting and metrics.
• Perform detailed invoice validation across 2-, 3-, and 4-way match transactions to prevent duplicate payments, overcharges, and fraud.
• Verify cost allocations, purchase order accuracy, and approval hierarchies in accordance with financial policies and contract terms.
• Collaborate with buyers, cost account managers, and vendors to resolve invoice disputes and processing issues.
• Enhance audit preparedness by documenting approvals, match exceptions, and financial resolutions timely.
• Oversee vendor onboarding, profile updates, and validations to ensure federal and institutional compliance.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications:

• Experience in accounting, accounts payable, bookkeeping, or related fields.
• Experience with large and/or complex contracts including time and materials, labor hours, and cost reimbursement.
• Understanding of allowable and unallowable costs and application of Federal Travel Regulations (FTRs).
• Ability to interpret contractual terms and conditions.
• Familiarity with invoice processing, account reconciliations, and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• Ability to interpret and apply financial policies and conduct self-assessments.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills to research, analyze data, summarize results, and resolve financial issues independently and collaboratively.
• Excellent customer service, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing priorities.
• Proven ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field with 2 years of relevant experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Desired Qualifications:

• Master's degree in accounting from an accredited institution.
• Experience working with contracts and subcontracts processes and requirements.
• Knowledge of various contract types including time and materials, labor hours, and cost reimbursement.
• Knowledge of governmental financial accounting in accordance with federal laws.

Work Environment and Location

• The position is telework-based with the work location in Los Alamos, New Mexico.
• Telework is defined as working offsite but within a 2-hour ground commute of Los Alamos.
• Periodic onsite reporting may be required.
• Work locations and arrangements are subject to management discretion with appropriate notice.

Additional Information

• Position commitment requires a minimum of 1 year of continuous service in the current position before eligibility to apply for other posted jobs within the organization.
• Due to federal restrictions, citizens of the People's Republic of China (including Hong Kong and Macau), Iran, North Korea, and Russia who are not lawful permanent residents are prohibited from accessing facilities supporting national security missions.
• Employment requires a favorable suitability determination under applicable federal directives.
• This position does not require a security clearance.
• Selected candidates will undergo drug testing and pre-employment background checks.
• Marijuana use remains prohibited under federal law and will result in termination if detected.

Compensation and Benefits

• Medical insurance options including PPO or High Deductible plans with a large nationwide network.
• Dental and vision insurance.
• Free basic life and disability insurance.
• Paid childbirth and parental leave.
• 401(k) plan with 6% matching plus 3.5% annual contributions.
• Learning opportunities and tuition assistance.
• Flexible schedules and paid time off including holidays.
• Onsite gyms and wellness programs.
• Extensive relocation packages available for candidates relocating from beyond a 50-mile radius.

Equal Opportunity

The employer is an equal opportunity organization. Employment decisions are based on qualifications and merit without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, medical conditions, pregnancy, veteran status, genetic information, or citizenship within legal limits. Reasonable accommodations are provided upon request for individuals with disabilities during the application and hiring process.