Principal Accountant

NCMS – National Center for Manufacturing Sciences; Ann Arbor (MI); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

NCMS – National Center for Manufacturing Sciences in Ann Arbor is seeking a Principal Accountant to manage complex financial operations, ensure GAAP compliance, and support audits. This hybrid role combines in-office work three days a week with remote work on Tue and Fri.

You will lead general ledger activities, prepare journal entries and financial statements, supervise indirect cost proposals, and drive process improvements across accounting systems with Deltek Costpoint.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance with 7–10 years of accounting experience.
• Experience with enterprise accounting software, Deltek Costpoint preferred.
• Extensive knowledge of GAAP and internal control practices.
• Experience with payroll administration and budget management.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Support daily accounting operations including general ledger maintenance and month-end close.
• Prepare and review journal entries and reconciliations per GAAP and CFR Part 200.
• Serve as SME for Indirect Cost Rate Proposals including provisional and final rates.
• Lead system administration for accounting applications and provide user support.
• Support annual corporate financial reporting and regulatory filings (IRS Form 990).
• Research and resolve complex accounting issues while ensuring compliance.
• Develop process improvements to enhance accounting efficiency.
• Mentor accounting staff on complex transactions and internal controls.
• Collaborate across functions to support audits and financial reporting.
• Participate in internal and external audits and corrective actions.
• Ensure compliance with policies and regulations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

GAAP knowledge

Excel proficiency

Internal controls

Payroll administration

Audit support

Cross-functional collaboration

Budget management

Regulatory filings

Accounting systems

Deltek Costpoint

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting or finance

Tools

Deltek Costpoint

Job description

This is a hybrid role and requires 3 days in the office in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Supervisory Duties:

This position does not have supervisory responsibilities or direct people management responsibilities.

Who We Are:

The National Center for Manufacturing Sciences (NCMS) is a cross-industry technology development consortium, dedicated to improving the competitiveness and strength of the U.S. industrial base. As a member-based organization, it leverages its network of industry, government, and academic partners to develop, demonstrate, and transition innovative technologies efficiently, with less risk and lower cost.

NCMS enables world-class member companies to work effectively with other members on new opportunities – bringing together highly capable companies with providers and end-users who need their innovations and technology solutions. NCMS members benefit from an accelerated progression of idea creation through execution.

Job Purpose:

The Principal Accountant performs accounting functions and serves as a technical resource for complex financial operations, regulatory reporting, and compliance. This role is responsible for ensuring the accuracy and integrity of financial data, supporting audits, managing critical accounting systems and processes, and driving continuous improvement of accounting activities.

Primary Responsibilities

• Support daily accounting operations including general ledger maintenance, reconciliations and month-end and year-end close processes.
• Prepare and review journal entries, account reconciliations, and financial statements in accordance with GAAP (General Accepted Accounting Principles) and Uniform Grant Guidance 2CFR Part 200.
• Serve as the subject matter expert for Indirect Cost Rate Proposals, including supporting the creation, maintenance, and interpretation of provisional and final indirect rates.
• Lead and support system administration activities for accounting applications, including user support, testing, and process improvements.
• Support annual corporate financial reporting and regulatory filings including IRS Form 990, and other required federal and state filings.
• Research, analyze, and resolve complex accounting issues while ensuring compliance with GAAP, organizational policies, and applicable regulations.
• Develop and implement process improvements to enhance the accuracy, efficiency, and effectiveness of accounting operations.
• Act as a technical resource and mentor for accounting staff, providing guidance on complex accounting transactions, reporting requirements, and internal controls.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to support audits, financial reporting, and other strategic accounting initiatives.
• Participate in internal and external audits and support corrective action implementation.
• Ensure compliance with organizational policies, Uniform Grant Guidance (CFR Part 200), and other applicable regulations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

• Must be a citizen of the United States.
• Must have or be eligible to obtain government security clearance.
• Must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 unless legally exempt.
• Flexibility to work a hybrid schedule; Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday in office & Tuesday and Friday remote.
• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance and 7 to 10 years of accounting experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience with enterprise accounting software; Deltek Costpoint experience strongly preferred.
• Extensive knowledge of GAAP and internal control practices.
• Demonstrated experience with payroll administration, audit preparation, and budget management.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft 365 software including Microsoft Excel.
• Excellent customer service, analytical, organizational, and communication skills required.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines with accuracy.
• Experience working in nonprofit or government-funded environments preferred.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to remain in a stationary position for extended periods while working at a computer.

This position is contingent upon the successful completion of a background screening, which may include checks for criminal history, driving records, financial history, and education verification, as permitted by law.