General Ledger Account

Job Description

Westat is a leader in research, data collection and analysis, technical assistance, evaluation, and communications. Our evidence-based findings help clients in government and the private sector accelerate advancements in health, education, transportation, and social and economic policy. Our dedication to improving lives through research and our approach to projects grounded in investigative curiosity, statistical and data rigor, adaptive methods, and advanced technology are why clients find exceptional value in our work.

Job Summary

Westat is seeking a highly technical General Ledger Accountant to oversee all general ledger accounts to ensure the integrity and accuracy of Westat’s financial statements. This position ensures that all transactions are properly recorded in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) standards and interpretations.

This position is for hybrid work arrangement onsite at our Bethesda office 3 days/week and 2 days/week at your home office.

Job Responsibilities

• Process Oversight: Perform and report on controls over Payroll and T&E processes, ensuring accurate and timely interfacing of transactions from all sources into the general ledger including creating and posting journal entries and cash disbursements including payroll and T&E.
• Reconciliations & Analysis: Maintain high confidence in transaction streams by analyzing financial statements and performing periodic reconciliations, highlighting variances, and providing technical rationale for discrepancies using sound judgement and critical thinking.
• Continuous Improvement: Support system enhancements and new process implementations, specifically working across multiple disciplines to create and/or improve reporting and analytics including updating documentation of business processes and procedures.
• Cyclical Functions: Support month-end and year-end close processes, internal/external audits, and cost analysis.
  
  

Basic Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree in accounting or related business field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in accounting, with at least 3 years supporting the General Ledger function.
• Demonstrate competence of control environments in government contracting/financial disciplines.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrate superior analytical abilities with a focus on problem-solving in a deadline-driven environment.
• Detailed understanding of accounting systems, with specific experience in Deltek Costpoint or other medium-to-large company ERPs.
• Proficient knowledge of internal controls.
  
  

Requirements

Westat offers a well-rounded and comprehensive benefits program focused on wellness and work/life balance. Subject to plan requirements, employees may participate in:

• Employee Stock Ownership Plan
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Paid Parental Leave
• Vacation Leave (15 days per year)
• Sick Leave (9 days per year)
• Holiday Leave ( 7 Government Holidays and 2 Floating Holidays)
• Professional Development
• Health Advocate
• Employee Assistance Program
• Travel Accident Insurance
• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Short Term Disability Insurance
• Long Term Disability Insurance
• Life and AD&D Insurance
• Critical Illness Insurance
• Supplemental Life Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account
• Health Savings Account
  
  

Any offer of employment may be contingent upon receipt of acceptable results from a post-offer background screening, if required for the specific position, which may include, for example, identity verification, employment history, motor vehicle driving record history, and criminal or sexual offender records history. Any background screening results will be evaluated through an individualized assessment based on the individual’s specific record and the duties and requirements of the position.

This opportunity will be posted for a minimum of 5 days and applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis.

Employment Eligibility: This is a U.S.-based position. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Westat does not offer employment-based visa sponsorship (including H-1B sponsorship) for this role. Depending on project requirements, some positions may require employees to meet specific residency criteria.

Westat is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, genetic information, or any other protected status under applicable law. It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Career Area

Administrative

Pay Range

The anticipated salary range for this position is $81,200 - $95,900 and will commensurate with experience.