Position Summary

The Financial Accounting Standards Board sponsors a postgraduate technical assistant program for individuals who are planning a career with an emphasis in accounting.

The program is a one-year term, during which the FASB XBRL Postgraduate Technical Assistant (PTA) will be involved in Taxonomy development for digital financial reporting under US GAAP and will obtain an in-depth understanding of the standards-setting process as well as the roles played by preparers, auditors, and users of financial information.

Position Responsibilities

A. Technical Research and Analysis

• Assisting project managers with multiple internal and external research projects related to-
• Taxonomy structured data modeling for Accounting Standards Updates and Accounting Standards Codification topics;
• XBRL standards post-implementation reviews;
• Data request supporting standards-setting and standards implementation;

Taxonomy elements' references to the Accounting Standards Codification

Performing quality control reviews on Taxonomy improvement release and Taxonomy Implementation Guide publication.

• Engaging with the Taxonomy Advisory Group (TAG).
• Specific tasks may include but not limited to :
• Understanding and applying accounting standards and guidance
• Performing data collection and data analysis on public companies' financial reporting data
• Analyzing technical accounting issues and drafting research memorandums
• Presenting research findings, identified issues, and proposed solutions in TAG meetings
• Addressing TAG members' inputs and comments

B. Planning and Completion of Work

• Complete assigned tasks, activities, projects in the time allotted. Promptly notify direct project report of any delays.
• Comply with project management policies and procedures described in the RTA Reference manual and Rules of Procedure, including interaction with FAF support functions.

C. Communications

• Participate in the discussion at small group meetings and Board meetings
• Assist in drafting Board material
• Assist with basic research in response to Technical Inquiries from outside constituents
• Speak to former college's graduate and / or undergraduate accounting classes about the Postgraduate Technical Assistant Program.

D. Other Accountabilities

Other assignments may include providing feedback on new Postgraduate Technical Assistant candidates and assisting Human Resources with the coordination of the schedule of candidates on interview days.

Essential Skills and Experience

Project Management

Ability to meet reasonable deadlines

Technical Knowledge and Analytical Skills

Candidates must be nominated by a member of their schools' accounting department and must be a recent graduate or about to graduate from either a master's in accounting or a double major.

Candidates must have the following :

An outstanding academic record

• Strong interest in the theoretical aspects of accounting
• Critical thinking skills and creativity
• Strong oral and written communication skills, in particular superior writing ability is essential
• Experience with personal computers; specifically, Microsoft Office and other various types of software, hardware and the nature and degree of exposure
• Personal Characteristics
• Ability to work in a team-oriented environment
• Possess strong time management skills, and able to prioritize multiple assignments
• Maturity, motivation and leadership

Career interest in Financial Reporting preferred.

Job Related Experience Required

• Previous exposure to internships in either accounting, assurance, or auditing preferred.

Last updated : 2024-05-20