Project Accountant (Hybrid: Seal Beach, CA)

About WestEd

As a community of over 1,400 researchers, practitioners, consultants, and administrative professionals from all backgrounds and life experiences, we are committed to making a qualitative difference in the lives of youth, children, and adults. We conduct and apply research, develop evidence-based solutions, and provide consulting services across the country in both rural and urban communities to improve equitable outcomes for individuals from infancy through adulthood. Serving as trusted partners in the areas of education, health, and justice, our teams enhance capacity within communities and school districts to prioritize impact by asking the right questions, customizing methodologies, developing relevant tools, and implementing best practices specific to a diverse range of stakeholder needs.

Furthering diversity, equity, and inclusion is core to who we are and how we work. We are committed to working with our clients to illuminate and address disparities, value and elevate diverse voices, and ensure equitable access to our resources and services. Read more about WestEd's Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Come and join us!

SPECIAL NOTICE REGARDING THE WORK LOCATION OF THIS POSITION-Although WestEd provides the option of working at one of its facilities for employees, many roles allow employees to choose to work remotely for their own convenience. The decision to allow remote work at the employee's convenience is based on the requirements of the position or project in question.

Position Overview:
We are actively seeking a detail-oriented Project Accountant to join our accounting team. You will closely collaborate with the Assistant Controller and act as a crucial liaison, bridging various operational facets within our organization such as finance, contracts department, and program staff. This role is crucial in configuring projects in the agency's Employee Resource Planning (ERP) ERP system, ensuring alignment with contract terms, and supporting the organization in managing financial and informational reporting processes. The ideal candidate will collaborate with finance, contracts department, and program staff to streamline project setup, assist with workforce management, and conduct risk assessments to address any financial concerns. Additionally, this role will focus on evaluating business processes for improvement, performing high-level project reviews, and ensuring the timely and accurate submission of reports to funders.

The ideal candidate will be in a hybrid role with at least 3 days per week in the Seal Beach, CA office.

Responsibilities:

• Configure projects in the agency's Employee Resource Planning (ERP) based on contract terms. (Costpoint experience is a plus)
• Facilitate meetings with finance, contracts department, and program staff to ensure quality assurance on project monitoring.
• Identify reporting requirements and ensure accurate and timely submission of reports to funders, including cost match reporting.
• Assist in reviewing financial reporting to funders and coordinating desktop audits and grants monitoring reviews conducted by funders.
• Conduct high-level reviews of project types to ensure compliance with contract terms.
• Assist staff with workforce management related to project configuration.
• Conduct risk assessments and work with project teams to resolve financial concerns.
• Identify and recommend opportunities to streamline financial and informational reporting processes.
• Evaluate existing business processes and recommend improvements to increase accuracy, processing time, and consistency.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Proven experience with ERP project configuration and financial analysis. (Costpoint experience is a plus)
• Strong understanding of contract terms and conditions, financial reporting processes, and system integrations.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including the ability to work with complex spreadsheets and formulas.
• Effective communication skills, both verbal and written, to interact with stakeholders at all levels.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify and resolve discrepancies.

*Note: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Successful candidates must be authorized to work in the United States.

WestEd conducts a criminal background check and education verification for all new hires. Any offers of employment will be contingent on receiving a clear background check in accordance with applicable law.

SALARY AND BENEFITS:

The full salary range for this position, WestEd level 8, is $70,400 to $105,600 but WestEd does not typically hire at or near the top of the salary range. The typical hiring range for this role is $70,400 to $88,000. The actual offer takes into account multiple factors including but not limited to education; experience; internal equity, and other organizational needs.

In addition to the base salary, benefits include:

• 15% contribution toward retirement effective day 1 of employment
• Pre-tax Flexible Spending Accounts
• All health/welfare benefits are effective first of the month following hire date
• PTO: 3 weeks' vacation (increases to 4 weeks beginning the 4th year of employment), paid holidays, and 12 days paid sick leave per year
• Life Insurance: value of 3x gross salary
• Opportunities for annual merit-based performance increases + annual incentives
• Professional development opportunities & mentorship program

For more details about our benefits, go to: https://www.wested.org/work-at-wested/benefits/

Committed to the diversity of race, ethnicities, perspectives, and opportunities, WestEd offers a variety of social and professional learning communities, such as Employee Resource groups, the Data Intelligence, Insights, and Innovation PLC, and the WestEd Parent Community, just to name a few. We hope you'll consider joining us to build better schools, communities, learning pathways, and more! WestEd is a Drug Free Employer and maintains a drug-free workplace. #Seal Beach, CA #LI-Hybrid