Job Details

About the California Academy of Sciences

The California Academy of Sciences is a globally renowned scientific and cultural institution located in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park. Home to a planetarium, aquarium, research center, and natural history museum—all under one living roof—our mission is to regenerate the natural world through science, learning, and collaboration. Our collections span plants, animals, fossils, and cultural artifacts from across the globe and throughout history. We are a diverse team of biodiversity scientists, educators, storytellers, designers, and communicators who work to advance knowledge and inspire action through science and storytelling.

When you join the California Academy of Sciences, you become part of a mission-driven community that values curiosity, collaboration, and innovation. Whether you're working behind the scenes in research or engaging the public on the museum floor, your work will help connect people to the natural world and empower them to protect it.

About the Opportunity

Reporting to the Senior Manager, Financial Accounting, this position focuses on ensuring proper revenue recognition and CAPEX vs. OPEX reporting according to US GAAP, preparing complex journal entries and reconciliations, and reviewing the work of junior members of the team. The Senior Accountant will collaborate with other teams, such as Development, Sales, FP&A, Financial and Operational Accounting, and our external financial statement auditors.

We encourage candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply. The Academy is looking for individuals who do great work and may come from a number of different backgrounds and experiences. If you do not meet every qualification, you are still encouraged to apply.

This position is based in San Francisco, California. Staff are currently expected to work from the Academy offices at least 2-3 times per week, which may fluctuate based on business needs. Please do not apply if you are not able to work onsite.

Key Responsibilities

• Participate in the period-end close procedures, including the preparation of general ledger journal entries and supporting documentation that is audit ready.
• Manage the period-end close process, provide the close calendar to the accounting team, coordinate activities related to the close, and facilitate monthly close meetings with Accounting and FP&A teams.
• Review journal entries, account reconciliations, and ad hoc analyses/projects prepared by junior members of the team.
• Review period-end financial results and variance analysis as compared to budget, prior year, year-end, and prior quarter.
• Develop and maintain the account reconciliation process in compliance with US GAAP; include documentation such as reconciliation summaries and supporting accounting entries for supervisor review.
• Prepare account reconciliations and identify/resolve reconciling items in a timely manner.
• Prepare schedules and reports in support of the annual and interim audit; ensure all schedules are adequately documented.
• Serve as the primary liaison to external auditors for interim and year-end audit work; coordinate all audit requests and ensure deliverables are met in a timely manner.
• Assist in the preparation of quarterly and annual financial statements and the annual Form 990.
• Assist in the preparation of the annual budget and periodic forecasts for assigned line items within the Accounting Department.
• Develop accounting procedures for new processes and prepare procedures/guidelines for other departments to ensure compliance with company policies and US GAAP. Communicate with appropriate users and business partners once finalized.
• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance quality, efficiency, and effectiveness of work products.
• Perform other accounting, financial project/analysis, or ad-hoc research as required.
• Supervise and lead the work of junior staff.

Qualifications

EXPERIENCE and/or EDUCATION:

• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Business, or Finance-related field.
• Minimum of 3+ years of relevant accounting experience in either public accounting or a combination of public and corporate accounting.
• CPA license (preferred) or working toward passing the CPA exam.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Moderate understanding of complex accounting concepts, including US GAAP knowledge for revenue recognition, contingencies, balance sheet classifications, etc.
• Intermediate knowledge of Excel, required.
• Ability to work as part of a team and collaborate with team members and external partners to achieve goals.
• Ability to communicate effectively with staff, cross-functional teams, and external customers from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to bring new ideas, create inventive solutions, and improve processes for efficiency.
• Demonstrated commitment to equity and inclusion.

Compensation and Benefits

The salary range for this position is $100,000 - $113,000. Actual compensation will be commensurate with the final candidate's qualifications and experience. The Academy offers a total compensation package that includes base salary and comprehensive benefits based on hours worked. Further details will be discussed during the interview process.

Schedule

Full-time, 40 hours per week

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit a resume and application through our CareersPage portal.

Equal Employment Opportunity The California Academy of Sciences will give full consideration for employment to all qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance (SF Police Code, Article 49).

Note

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