Retirement Accountant (Accountant 3)

What You Will Do

Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) has an exciting opportunity for an experienced Accountant 3 to support the Controller Division. In this role, you will have the ability to provide support and become a member of the Controller Institutional Tax & Retirement Accounting (CNTL-ITR) Group.

The selected candidate will report to the Controller Institutional Tax & Retirement Accounting (CNTL-ITR) Team Leader and will provide support in the areas of Pension, 401(k) and Investment accounting. The Retirement Accounting Team is responsible for investment accounting, financial reporting, and financial analysis processes for two Defined Benefit Pension Plans and four 401(k) Plans, with assets totaling approximately $16B. Plan sponsors include Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) and Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL). This team collaborates and works closely with the Investment Program, Human Resources, Payroll, Benefits, Finance and Systems Support, as well as external with Service Providers (Investment Managers, Trustee/Custodian, Record Keeper, etc.). The team also serves as a Lab-wide resource for various customers including DOE, Laboratory Management, Parent Companies, the Benefits and Investment Committee, and Laboratory staff members at both LANL and LLNL.

In a collaborative team environment, job responsibilities will include preparing the annual financial statements and DOL 5500 forms, liaison with plan auditors, and participating in analyzing and executing payments to Plan Service Providers. Other responsibilities include preparation of the bi-weekly 401(k) and pension contribution wires, analyzing fund accruals, forecasting cash needs, preparing month and year-end account reconciliations, and executing investment rebalancing and transitions. Other responsibilities include interpreting and applying Laboratory policies and contract requirements, responding to DOE data requests, and researching and interpreting various accounting standards.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:

Accounting Experience:

Extensive professional experience working with year-end audits, preparing reconciliations, processing payments, and preparing financial statements. Broad experience working with budgets and forecasts. Comprehensive knowledge and experience working with complex accounting, financial analysis, benefits, and internal controls. Demonstrated ability to research business issues and complex accounting transactions. Extensive working experience preparing and delivering financial reports to internal and external stakeholders. Extensive experience and knowledge of year-end reporting requirements. Experience and ability developing, interpreting, and applying financial policies and procedures and performing self-assessments.

Regulations:

Knowledge and experience interpreting and applying generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and cost accounting standards (CAS) to business and accounting practices. Experience analyzing, reviewing, and applying government regulations, accounting, and auditing standards, such as IRS regulations, ERISA, Department of Labor regulations, Statement of Audit Standards (SAS), Accounting Standards Updates, and application of internal controls.

Technical Experience:

Experience and knowledge with ERP business systems to facilitate troubleshooting with demonstrated proficient use of computer software applications. Extensive experience with Microsoft Office, especially Outlook, Excel, Word, and MS Teams.

Communication/Teamwork:

Demonstrated experience in the following: communicating and presenting detailed, complex information to customers; ability in effective interacting with customers, peers, and management with excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills; proven ability to work effectively within a team addressing stringent deadlines with frequent interruptions and changing priorities. Advanced organizational skills in prioritizing and executing business and financial assignments.

Problem Solving
Experience researching, troubleshooting, and resolving issues, and preparing studies on complex subjects for management by identifying problem areas, investigating, and recommending alternative solutions and determining cost implications.

Customer Service

Demonstrated experience effectively interacting with customers, staff, senior level management and stakeholders.

Education/Experience:

Position requires a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration or a related field and 8 years of experience; or, the equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience directly related to the occupation. A master's degree is preferred.

Desired Qualifications:
  • Certified Public Accountant certification highly desirable
  • Knowledge and experience preparing financial statements, preparing DOL Form 5500, and interest in investment accounting and valuation is desired
  • Experience working with Oracle Financial Applications
  • MBA or advanced degree in a related field

Work Environment:

Work Location: The work location for this position is hybrid and is located in Los Alamos, NM. Hybrid is defined as working partially onsite/partially offsite but within 2 hours ground commute of this location. 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.

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 maternity and parental leave
  • Award-winning 401(k) (6% matching plus 3.5% annually)
  • Learning opportunities and tuition assistance
  • Flexible schedules and time off (paid sick, vacation, 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.

Regular position: Term status Laboratory employees applying for regular-status positions are converted to regular status.

Internal Applicants: Regular appointment employees who have served the required period of continuous service in their current position are eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the required period of continuous service, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. Please refer to Policy Policy P701 for applicant eligibility requirements.

Equal Opportunity: Los Alamos National Laboratory is an equal opportunity employer and supports a diverse and inclusive workforce. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to 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 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 1-505-664-6947 option 2 and then option 3.