Accounting Associate / Payroll

ABOUT CRITICAL PATH INSTITUTE (C-PATH)

Critical Path Institute (C-Path) is a nonprofit engaged in the creation of partnerships and innovative processes that improve human health by reducing the time, cost, and risk in developing and approving new therapies. For twenty years, we have partnered with industry and academic experts to advance technologies across the spectrum of medical product development from research to regulatory approval. As a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering collaboration and promoting data sharing in the precompetitive space, C-Path has been at the forefront of numerous advances designed to get new treatments to patients quicker. Our continuing success is made possible by a combination of public and private support from those who share our vision to accelerate a path to a healthier world.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Accounting Associate is responsible for the semi-monthly payroll processes for Critical Path Institute. This role will also assist team members in the Finance department with administrative, accounting, and bookkeeping functions, including accounts payable and bank reconciliations. A successful Accounting Associate combines strong customer service and communication skills with basic to intermediate accounting abilities in order to compile and review financial information and present it to teammates, upper management, and program personnel. This position requires familiarity with accounting and administrative software including Microsoft Office applications, a firm grasp of basic accounting principles and practices, and strong attention to details. The Accounting Associate must be well-organized, have an aptitude for numbers, and be able to maintain good relationships with a variety of stakeholders.

The Accounting Associate will serve as back-up for other team members in areas such as financial reporting, and tasks related to annual financial audits and support of other audits. This role also assists the Finance team leadership with special and ad-hoc projects including but not limited to systems analysis, reporting, reconciliations, and internal controls.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

N/A

CORE DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

• Under the direction of the Controller, perform general ledger reconciliations in areas such as employee benefit liabilities and expenses, fixed assets, and pre-paid expenses
• Interface with banks to ensure adequate funds are on hand for payroll cash needs, and that all deposits or withdrawals from payroll vendors are recorded timely and reconciled regularly
• Working closely with the Human Resources department, manage the routine semi-monthly payroll processes of the organization
• Maintain compliant policies and procedures for processing payroll, including a detailed understanding of labor allocation
• Serve as backup to other team members in areas such as Accounts Payable and Receivable
• Manage electronic files for the department
• Make bank deposits either via Remote Deposit Capture, or by traveling to the branch
• Help with audit and preparation of interim reports
• Provide feedback on best practices and recommendations of process improvements.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Grant / Cost Allocation Accounting: Strong understanding of labor allocation, payroll taxes and benefits across grants, programs and cost centers, maintain supporting documentation, and ensure payroll allocations reconcile to the GL
• Excel, Systems & Attention to Detail: Strong Excel skills (lookups, pivot tables, reconciliations and data analysis), comfort working with payroll/accounting systems, and exceptional accuracy, organization and confidentiality
• Payroll Processing & Administration: Hands-on experience processing payroll accurately and on schedule, including new hires/terminations, salary changes, bonuses, deductions, benefits, PTO and other payroll adjustments
• Payroll Accounting & Reconciliations: Ability to reconcile payroll registers to the general ledger, prepare payroll journal entries and accruals, reconcile payroll liabilities, and research discrepancies
• Payroll Tax & Regulatory Compliance: Working knowledge of federal, state and local payroll taxes, wage-and-hour requirements, W-2s, quarterly/year-end reporting, and preferably multi-state payroll
• Strong knowledge of payroll software and systems
• Basic understanding of employee benefits, including insurance and 403(b)
• Good knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)
• Ability to effectively present information to management and other stakeholders
• Good problem-solving skills and ability to work independently
• Ability to navigate ambiguity in a fast paced and dynamic environment
• Solid analytical, organizational, and time management skills
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Adaptability, flexibility, and the ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to meet target deadlines and manage time effectively
• Ability to successfully anticipate issues or challenges and proactively address them without being asked
• Good working knowledge of automated accounting software

REQUIRED EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Associate's degree in accounting, finance, or similar field. Bachelor's degree, preferred.
• Two (2) or more years of experience in financial reporting, and experience in and understanding of nonprofit accounting,
• Experience in nonprofit organizations,

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work only. They are not an exhaustive list of all required responsibilities, duties, and skills. Other duties may be added, or this description amended at any time.

Reasonable Accommodation:

C-Path complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodation for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact C-Path HR department.

Critical Path Institute is an equal opportunity employer.