Assistant Controller
We are:
Fermilab is America’s premier laboratory for particle physics and accelerator research, funded by the U.S. Department of Energy. We support discovery science experiments in Illinois and South Dakota and at locations around the world, including Canada, mountaintops in Arizona and Chile, and the South Pole.
Fermilab’s Finance Section seeks an Assistant Controller to join our dynamic team. Under minimal direction, the successful candidate will direct and oversee the daily operations of the Accounts Payable & Disbursements, Payroll, and Travel offices and assist the Controller in directing the activities of the Laboratory’s Accounting Department. S/he will provide direction to managers and accounting staff; oversee manager professional development and training; and perform other personnel actions within assigned areas, as needed.
You will:
- Coordinate and oversee highly complex accounting processes, including month-end and year-end closes
- Manage all activities of assigned areas, ensuring the integrity, allowability, accuracy and timeliness of financial transactions, reports and payments
- Direct the work of the Accounts Payable & Disbursements, Payroll, and Travel office staff, including prioritizing, assigning, and organizing tasks
- Develop metrics to monitor and manage performance within each functional area
- Identify and implement process improvements for all functional areas
- Research effects of changes in law or government regulations on the Laboratory’s accounting and travel policies and procedures
- Propose and oversee changes to the Laboratory’s accounting and travel policies and procedures
- Establish and monitor internal controls and processes to assure timely and accurate financial data and reports
- Provides excellent customer service and establish transparent response and cycle times
- Record, classify and summarize accounting transactions in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and cost accounting standards
- Produce ad-hoc reports and analyses to support the information requirements of the Controller
- Represent the Accounting Department in interactions with employees, users, and external individuals and organization
- Serve on cross-functional teams as a representative of the Accounting Department
- Serve as a lead for departmental project teams
- Assist the Controller with the coordination and oversight of the annual external audit of Fermi Research Alliance’s (FRA) financial statements
- Oversee and/or perform personnel actions as assigned, including hiring, promotions, performance and merit reviews, disciplinary actions and terminations of subordinate employees
- May perform duties of managers, accountants and assistants within assigned areas in their absence
- Abide by and be responsible for performing all duties in accordance with all environmental, health and safety regulations and practices pertinent to this position
We are looking for:
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and a minimum of 10 years of in-depth financial/accounting experience is required
- Master’s degree in Accounting, Finance or Business Administration; or Accounting related professional certification such as CPA, CPP, or CMA is required
- Significant management experience and expertise, especially as it relates to change management and team building is required
- Experience working in a federal regulatory environment is a plus
- Advanced computer skills including experience with centralized, general ledger, spreadsheet and database management software (ORACLE, PeopleSoft, MS Office, Peachtree, Discoverer)
- Ability to effectively interact with a diverse group of people and develop, maintain and strengthen partnerships with others inside or outside the organization who can provide information, assistance and support
- Results orientation, initiative, focus and flexibility
- Ability to set priorities and handle detailed, compliance driven work with a high degree of accuracy
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
- Ability to work well under pressure, meet regular deadlines and juggle multiple priorities simultaneous
Relocation is available for this position
Physical Activity and Work Condition
Human Factors: Mental concentration, Repetitive Motion, Sitting, Standing, Tight Work Schedule, Light, Visually Demanding
Fermilab is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Underrepresented groups/Women/Disabled/Veterans are encouraged to apply.