Accountant 1 | Los Alamos, NM | Los Alamos National Laboratory

Accountant 1

What You Will Do

The Controller Division at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) provides trusted financial services that support national security and the Laboratory's mission. We offer efficient, transparent financial solutions across areas such as accounting, compliance, payroll, benefits, institutional tax, retirement, travel, disbursements, financial reporting, corporate accounting, and business systems. Our specialized groups ensure operational excellence and financial accountability. Driven by integrity, innovation, and collaboration, we continuously strive for world-class financial operations that align with LANL's broader goals. Join us in shaping the future of financial management and supporting our scientific and security missions.

The Controller Division is seeking to hire a highly motivated, energetic, and customer-focused Accountant 1 to support the CNTL-Accounts Payable and Disbursements (CNTL-APD) Group. The selected candidate will report to the Controller Disbursements (CNTL-APD) Group Team Leader. The Accounts Payable and Disbursements group supports LANL's multi-billion vendor payment operation, ensuring accurate, compliant, and timely processing of financial obligations. The group maintains financial controls through invoice validation, tax compliance, vendor master integrity, and audit preparedness while supporting a diverse supplier base and internal stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Manages full-cycle AP processing for goods, services, and subcontractor payments using 2-way/3-way matching and Prompt Payment Act compliance.
  • Administers vendor invoice workflows, coordinates with procurement and receiving teams, and ensures timely resolution of exceptions.
  • Supports tax reporting, including 1099 issuance, IRS validations, and payment documentation for audit readiness.
  • Reconciles AP subledgers to the general ledger and provides financial transparency through reporting and metric tracking.
  • Performs detailed invoice validation across 2-, 3-, and 4-way match transactions to prevent duplicate payments, overcharges, and fraud.
  • Verifies cost allocations, purchase order accuracy, and approval hierarchies in alignment with financial policy and contract terms.
  • Collaborates with buyers, cost account managers, and vendors to resolve invoice disputes and process bottlenecks.
  • Enhances audit preparedness by documenting approvals, match exceptions, and financial resolutions in a timely manner.
  • Oversees vendor onboarding, profile updates, and validations in accordance with federal and institutional compliance requirements.


What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:

Accounting Experience:

  • Experience in accounting, accounts payable, bookkeeping, or similar fields
  • Experience with large and/or complex contracts of all types including time and materials, labor hours and cost reimbursement.
  • Demonstrated understanding of unallowable/allowable cost and the application of Federal Travel Regulations (FTRs).
  • Demonstrated ability to understand and interpret contractual terms and conditions.
  • Familiarity with processing invoices, account reconciliations, and GAAP principles
  • Ability to interpret and apply financial policies and perform self-assessments


Problem-Solving & Analysis:

Strong skills in researching, analyzing data, summarizing results, and resolving financial issues independently and collaboratively

Communication & Teamwork:

Excellent customer service, communication, and interpersonal skills

Ability to manage multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing priorities

Proven ability to work independently and within a team environment

Technology Proficiency:

Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint)

Education/Experience:

Position requires a bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration or a related field with 2 years relevant experience; or the equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience directly related to the occupation.

Desired Qualifications:

  • Master's degree in accounting from an accredited college or university.
  • Demonstrated experience working with contracts and subcontracts processes and requirements.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of various contract types including time and materials, labor hours and cost reimbursement.
  • Knowledge of governmental financial accounting, in accordance with federal laws governing accounting procedures and systems.


Essential Job Functions (can perform with or without reasonable accommodation):

Work Environment:

Work Location: The work location for this position is telework and is located in Los Alamos. Telework is defined as working from offsite but within 2hours ground commute of this location. Reporting onsite may be periodically necessary. All work locations are at the discretion of management and can change at any time with appropriate notice.

Position commitment: Regular appointment employees are required to serve a period of continuous service in their current position in order to be eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the time required, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. The position commitment for this position is 1 year.

Note to Applicants:

Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People's Republic of China-including the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau-as well as citizens of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea), and the Russian Federation, who are not Lawful Permanent Residents ("green card" holders) are prohibited from accessing facilities that support the mission, functions, and operations of national security laboratories and nuclear weapons production facilities, which includes Los Alamos National Laboratory.

Where You Will Work

Located in beautiful northern New Mexico, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security. Our generous benefits package includes:

  • PPO or High Deductible medical insurance with the same large nationwide network
  • Dental and vision insurance
  • Free basic life and disability insurance
  • Paid childbirth and parental leave
  • Award-winning 401(k) (6% matching plus 3.5% annually)
  • Learning opportunities and tuition assistance
  • Flexible schedules and time off (PTO and holidays)
  • Onsite gyms and wellness programs
  • Extensive relocation packages (outside a 50 mile radius)


Additional Details

Directive 206.2 - Employment with Triad requires a favorable decision by NNSA indicating employee is suitable under NNSA Supplemental Directive 206.2. Please note that this requirement applies only to citizens of the United States. Foreign nationals are subject to a similar requirement under DOE Order 142.3A.

No Clearance: Position does not require a security clearance. Selected candidates will be subject to drug testing and other pre-employment background checks.

New-Employment Drug Test: The Laboratory requires successful applicants to complete a new-employment drug test and maintains a substance abuse policy that includes random drug testing. Although New Mexico and other states have legalized the use of marijuana, use and possession of marijuana remain illegal under federal law. A positive drug test for marijuana will result in termination of employment, even if the use was pre-offer.

Equal Opportunity: Los Alamos National Laboratory is an equal opportunity employer. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to protected categories such as race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status or spousal affiliation, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, pregnancy, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or citizenship within the limits imposed by federal, state, and local laws and regulations. The Laboratory is also committed to making our workplace accessible to individuals with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodations, upon request, for individuals to participate in the application and hiring process. To request such an accommodation, please send an email to applyhelp@lanl.gov or call (505)-664-6947.