Staff Accountant I

Institute For Defense Analyses, Inc.; Alexandria (VA); On-site; USD 56,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation reimbursement

PSLF eligibility

Job summary

Institute For Defense Analytics, Inc. seeks an entry-level Accountant to perform balance sheet reconciliations, process journal entries and post cash receipts. The role supports the Senior Accountant on tax matters and manages the IDA Purchasing Card program.

Location is Alexandria, VA, with a strong emphasis on accuracy, compliance with government regulations, and collaboration across finance staff. A BS in accounting and at least one year of related experience are preferred.

Qualifications

• BS degree in Accounting or related field or equivalent work experience.
• At least 1 year of accounting/finance/government contracting experience.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office; familiarity with accounting software.
• Experience with Costpoint is highly desirable.
• Excellent written and verbal communication with all levels of employees.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational and prioritization skills.
• Ability to work independently with general instructions.
• Successful completion of a criminal background check is required.

Responsibilities

• Prepare assigned monthly journal entries with supporting documentation and description.
• Perform balance sheet account reconciliations focusing on debt, investments, and cash.
• Record daily cash receipts and deposit cash and checks.
• Support the Senior Accountant with insurance and IRS Form 990 tax matters.
• Manage the IDA Purchasing Card program.
• Maintain knowledge of accounting principles, IDA practices, and government regulations; use independent judgment.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Written and verbal communication

Analytical thinking

Organization

Team player

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting

Tools

Costpoint

Microsoft Office

Job description

Overview

This is an entry-level professional Accountant position. Responsibilities include performing balance sheet account reconciliations as well as entering and posting of journal entries and cash receipts.

Responsibilities

• Prepares assigned monthly journal entries with supporting documentation and written description (i.e., bank, debit, investment transactions) in support of reconciliation responsibilities.
• Performs balance sheet account reconciliations concentrating on accounts related to debt, investments, and cash. Work closely with appropriate staff to ensure balances are current and accurate.
• Records daily cash receipts and deposits cash and checks received.
• Supports the Senior Accountant with insurance and IRS Form 990 tax matters.
• Manages the IDA Purchasing Card program.
• Maintains a current working knowledge of general accounting principles, IDA's practices and relevant government regulations; exercises discretion and independent judgment in the area of expertise.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• BS degree, preferably in Accounting, or in related field with course work in Accounting, or equivalent work experience
• At least one year of work experience in accounting, finance, or government contracting; familiarity with general business practices.
• Computer literacy including familiarity with standard business office software such as Microsoft Office; experience using computerized accounting software.
• Experience with Costpoint is highly desirable.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing with all levels of employees.
• Critical, analytical, and creative thinking to identify and solve problems.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees; ability to understand and follow oral and written instruction; ability to organize and perform work independently with general instructions.
• Strong attention to detail, excellent organizational skills and ability to effectively prioritize work to meet deadlines.
• A strong team player.
• Successful completion of a criminal background check is required

Why Work at IDA?

• Comprehensive benefits including diverse health insurance options, generous 10% contribution to retirement, parental leave, 20 days paid time off (which increases with tenure), and relocation reimbursement.
• Mission-oriented work at a non-profit that supports and protects our warfighters; as a non-profit, IDA employees are eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL).
• Professional development including tuition reimbursement, internal and external trainings, and funding for researcher-pitched projects and publications.
• A strong employee and corporate culture of work-life balance, including commitment to average 40-hour work weeks through flex time, partial telework options, and expectation of communication only during core business hours.
• A modern facility located in Alexandria’s high-tech corridor in Potomac Yard; amenities include a cafeteria, grab-n-go café, gym, and close proximity to local dining and shopping.
• Easy access to Potomac Yard Metro stop and Potomac Yard DASH bus stop.

Compensation:

We support transparency, equity, and fairness in our compensation program and provide a reasonable estimate of the salary range based on data-driven market analysis for each position. While it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range, a reasonable estimate of the salary range for this role is $56,254 - $90,007. Individual salary within this range will be commensurate with the incumbent’s experience, unique skills and qualifications, and other relevant factors.