Organization Overview

The Pew Research Center is a nonpartisan fact tank that provides information on the issues, attitudes and trends shaping America and the world. It does so by conducting public opinion polling and social science research; analyzing news coverage; and holding forums and briefings. It does not take positions on policy issues. Pew Research Center is a subsidiary of The Pew Charitable Trusts. Its work is carried out by a core administrative and publishing unit and these seven projects:

• Pew Research Center for the People and the Press (people-press.org)
• Pew Research Project for Excellence in Journalism (journalism.org)
• Pew Research Internet & American Life Project (pewinternet.org)
• Pew Research Forum on Religion and Public Life (pewforum.org)
• Pew Research Hispanic Center (pewhispanic.org)
• Pew Research Global Attitudes Project (pewglobal.org)
• Pew Research Social & Demographic Trends (pewsocialtrends.org)

Core Department Overview

The Pew Research Center’s core department provides centralized services in the areas of human resources, finance and accounting, communications, digital strategy and information technology, office operations, as well as liaising with outside legal counsel. In addition, core staff also create new Pew Research Center publications, maintain a Pew Research Center portal website (PewResearch.org), oversee Center-wide research projects, carry out short-term research projects, and help to incubate new long-term projects. The department supports approximately 130 employees.

Position Overview

The Staff Accountant is a member of the core administration department and provides general accounting support to Pew Research Center’s Controller. Responsibilities include preparing journal vouchers, providing and maintaining support for balance sheet schedules, assisting with monthly/year-end closings, account analysis, fixed asset management and supporting the Controller in carrying out other responsibilities of the accounting department. The Staff Accountant is also responsible for the management of day-to-day accounts payable functions including review and distribution of incoming invoices, processing accounts payable including ensuring complete and accurate coding, appropriate approval verification and data entry of all operational invoices. The Staff Accountant reports directly to the Controller.

Responsibilities

General Accounting

• Prepare journal entries for month-end/year-end close including recurring entries, allocations and reclassifications.
• Reconcile inter-company due to/from accounts on a monthly basis.
• Administer and reconcile accounts receivable.
• Maintain all manual and electronic vendor files.
• Assist in resolving bank issues including maintenance of void payment reconciliation with the accounting system.
• Record contracts/partnership agreements as well as cash receipts from vendors, employees, grantees and donors in a timely manner ensuring accurate coding.
• Participate regularly in accounting/finance team meetings for sharing of ideas, feedback and planning.

Fixed Assets

• Update fixed asset module for additions and reconcile the module with the general ledger on a monthly basis for Pew Research.
• Calculate monthly depreciation expense.

Check Runs

• Coordinate timely and accurate processing of all invoices and requests for payment and reimbursements. Review all payment request forms for accuracy of coding and policy compliance and make appropriate corrections as needed.
• Prioritize invoices for payment based upon established parameters, and prepare checks weekly and as needed.
• Work directly with project’s administrative managers and the staff to answer payment request inquiries and solve any discrepancies.
• Develop and maintain excellent relationships with vendors. Manage accounts with vendors, organize and maintain vendor records, research and resolve account balance discrepancies.
• Maintain Account Payable procedure manual and update it as necessary.
• Set-up, organize, audit and update all vendor card files, as needed. Maintain accurate filing system using best practices. Manage access to files including sign-in/sign-out procedures.
• Secure all financial material by keeping information confidential.

Reporting

• Maintain financial reports and create/update queries PeopleSoft for Pew Research. Update reports after each month-end close. Reconcile reports to general ledger.
• Update standard reports as necessary when new accounts are created or program or project departments are added.
• As directed by Controller, work with counterparts at The Pew Charitable Trusts to coordinate efforts on maintenance of PeopleSoft accounting software.

Budgeting

• Modify departmental budget templates with up-to-date budget information on an annual basis. Input budget information into the PeopleSoft accounting system.
• Serve as a resource to staff for data input questions and to ensure proper and timely completion of budget requirements.
• Assist in the recording of annual project and operational budgets.

Compliance & Other Responsibilities

• Assist Controller with year-end audit including completing year-end journal entries, auditing work papers and preparing the consolidated trial balance and financial statements.
• Contribute to and participate in tasks and special projects as assigned.
• Prepare annual reporting of all 1099 payments and act as liaison with the Internal Revenue Service. Maintain and verify W-9/W-8BEN companies/individuals. Distribute 1099s and review/reconcile returned forms with the Internal Revenue Service.
• Assist with preparation and coordination of the annual financial and 401(k) audits.
• Assist with implementing and maintaining internal financial controls and procedures.
• Assist with maintaining up-to-date process guides for all Staff Accountant functions.
• As warranted by volume or absence, assist with payroll administration as needed.
• Partner with Controller on special projects.

Education/Training/Experience

• Undergraduate degree in accounting required along with at least three years of accounting experience, preferably in public or non-profit accounting.

Knowledge and Skill Requirements

• Knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and practices for not-for-profit organizations.
• Knowledge of local, state and federal laws regarding vendor reporting.
• Technologically proficient. Experience working with enterprise accounting software packages (PeopleSoft strongly preferred but not required) and payroll systems (Ceridian preferred). Advanced Excel skills required including the ability to link accounting systems to Excel, generate reports and perform complex software functions as required.
• High level of proficiency in the use of office software (Windows, Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook) is required. Ability to quickly learn software specific to the department, including software upgrades and changes.
• Strong written and oral communications skills. Ability to engage in clear and ongoing communications with staff and key stakeholders, translate technical accounting issues into easily understood terms. Demonstrated track record of quickly establishing credibility, building relationships and offering consultative advice.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail are required. Solid project management skills. Able to set priorities, juggle multiple tasks, organize time and identify resources for projects. Develops and moves projects forward with a high degree of independence. Able to establish a systematic course of action to ensure project completion. A task-oriented style, with focus on achievement, accuracy and policy adherence.
• Demonstrated strong research and analytical skills. Resolves problems creatively and logically. Ability to investigate an issue, ask thoughtful questions and recommend alternative resolutions as appropriate. Able to build a logical approach to addressing problems by drawing on own knowledge and experience or by seeking other references or resources as appropriate. Solutions-oriented approach with sound business judgment.
• Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness, monitors own work to ensure quality and applies feedback to improve performance.
• Strong customer service skills, good at managing client/customer situations, responds efficiently to requests for service and assistance and meets commitments.

Application Procedure

Applicant should send a résumé, cover letter (indicating where you learned of the opening) and salary expectations to:

Human Resources Department
Pew Research Center
1615 L Street, NW Suite 700
Washington, DC 20036

Responses can also be faxed to 202-419-4339 or e-mailed to careers@pewresearch.org.

We are an equal opportunity employer.