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

Accountant 1

What You Will Do

This position is open for external candidates only to apply.

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 join the Accounting and Financial Reporting (CNTL-AFR) Group supporting the Property Accounting Team. The Accounting and Financial Reporting group oversees LANL's core financial operations, including general ledger accounting, financial reporting to DOE/NNSA, audits, treasury, property management, and receivables. The group ensures accuracy and transparency in LANL's financial data, supports regulatory compliance, and enables strong fiscal stewardship through cross-functional collaboration. The selected candidate will report to the Property Accounting Team Leader. Assigned functions of this job may vary, and other duties and responsibilities may be assigned or changed at the discretion of management. The position may be rotated across functional teams within the group or division to support operational needs and perform other related duties as assigned within the same job level. This position requires the selected candidate to be onsite at Management's request and/or as needed.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Manages the financial lifecycle of LANL's capital assets, including real and personal property, CWIP, capital bulk, software, and leased assets.
  • Manages the financial lifecycle of LANL's accountable inventory assets, including operating materials and supplies, precious metals, and isotopes.
  • Reviews Purchase Requisitions and Contracts for correct accounting codes and asset tagging.
  • Ensures readiness for internal/external audits and prepares detailed reports for MRB and DOE/NNSA oversight.
  • Collaborates frequently and effectively with customers throughout the institution.
  • Performs account reconciliations, compiles audit support, and conducts system testing.
  • Completes Ad Hoc Requests: develop deliverables, completes special projects, and responds to ad hoc data requests as needed.


What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:

Accounting Experience

Experience with the Property Accounting function and maintaining financial records for capital and inventory assets. Knowledge of governmental financial accounting practices. Knowledge of accounting and financial concepts and principles to include Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and the proper application of internal controls for accounting operation. Knowledge and understanding of accounting and finance functions and processes.

Problem Solving

Experience and proven ability in researching, troubleshooting and resolving issues. Ability to investigate and recommending alternative solutions. Ability to take ownership of problems, work as a team member, and work independently toward resolution. Ability to perform account reconciliations.

Communication, Organization, and Collaboration

Demonstrated experience in the following: communicating and presenting detailed and technical information in an understandable manner across a diverse range of audiences; effectively interacting with customers, peers and management; excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills; demonstrated ability to work effectively within a team with stringent deadlines, interruptions and changing priorities with a high degree of accuracy and accountability. Strong organizational skills in prioritizing and executing business and financial assignments. Excellent organizational skills with the ability to independently manage priorities and projects.

Technical Experience

Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, especially Outlook, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.

Education/Experience:

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

Desired Qualifications:

  • Experience working in a fully integrated enterprise system such as Oracle or SAP.
  • Demonstrated experience working with Capital Assets, Inventory, and Leases.
  • Knowledge of governmental financial accounting, in accordance with federal laws governing accounting procedures and systems.
  • Master's degree in accounting from an accredited college or university.


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 2 hours 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.