INTRODUCTION

The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) is at the forefront, internationally, of the scientific exploration of the universe. SAO combines its resources with those of the Harvard College Observatory to form the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics (CfA). The CfA is the best-known astrophysics center in the world. Its programs range from ground-based astronomy and astrophysics research to space-based research, the engineering and development of major scientific instrumentation for space launch and use in large ground-based facilities, and research designed to improve science education. The research objectives of SAO are carried out primarily with the support of Government and Smithsonian Institution funds, with additional philanthropic support. Government funds are in the form of Federal appropriations or the form of contracts and grants from other agencies. In contrast, Institution funds are available to SAO through grants from the Institution's Restricted Funds, Special Purpose Funds, Bureau Activities, Business Activities, and non-Federal contracts and grants.

SUMMARY:

The purpose of the position is to provide comprehensive financial support, including analysis and reporting, support budget management function and provide accounting support. Additionally, the position serves as a resource to Observatory staff, providing guidance regarding the methods, techniques and policies that govern financial processes and reporting at SAO. This position will also support critical areas within the Budget and Financial Services and Business Operations Services Group and serve as a liaison to SAO Research Administration Services and Property & Procurement Department.

MAJOR DUTIES:

• Provides financial support, including analysis and reporting: supports the financial analysis and reporting function for various Institutional funding sources, monitors expenditures, reports on budget to actual activity, provides forecasting and trend analyses, and provides other tailored reporting necessary for evaluating the organization’s financial health, including performing reconciliations for various funds.
• Participates in the federal appropriation and trust fund budget formulation process by actively contributing to developing and coordinating information during the budget submission process.
• Performs detailed budget review and expenditure monitoring of internally funded projects, including Independent Research & Development (IRD) and Bid & Proposal (B&P) applications
• Supports the accounting function, which includes performing reconciliation of accounting information, reviewing procurement requests for allowability appropriateness of expenditures, and ensuring the expenditures adhere to budgeting limitations
• Serves as a resource to Observatory staff regarding financial policy and compliance, including monitoring expenditures across various funding sources, provides interpretation and application of federal regulations for contract and grant accounting to division administrative staff, supports the preparation and dissemination of guidance material to all Observatory staff, aiming to provide support, clarity, and explanation of significant regulatory requirements, policies, procedures, and associated changes.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Basic Requirements:

Candidates must possess at least one year of specialized experience in similar positions at or above the grade (09) level. Specialized experience is experience that has provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the work of the position successfully.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities required:

• Advanced knowledge of the policies, precedents, goals, objectives, regulations, and guidelines of a functional area, such as financial oversight, budget formulation, and/or budget execution, sufficient to analyze and evaluate continual changes in program plans and funding and their effect on financial and budget program milestones; and analyze financial and budgetary relationships to develop recommendations for financial and/or budgetary actions.
• Working knowledge of Office of Management and Budget (OMB), OMB circular 2 CFR 200, Cost Accounting Standards (CAS), GAAP, SAO, and SI policies, processes, procedures, and regulations sufficient to issue instruction or guidance on financial matters affecting sponsored projects or division/department spending or reporting.
• Comprehensive knowledge of the theories, regulations, current/revised guidance, management policies, and practices, including financial facets of SAO's sponsored projects awards, institutional (administrative and research) allotments, cost centers, federal budgets (one-year and no-year), endowments, and discretionary accounts.
• Knowledge of current requirements of financial interfaces with research sponsors. Knowledge of and skill in using enterprise financial information systems and other software tools and the ability to produce meaningful and accurate evaluations and concisely compiled financial analyses.
• Knowledge of standard business communication techniques sufficient to analyze, articulate, and understand issues or concerns related to financial matters.
• Knowledge of the SAO and SI planning- programming-budgeting information systems to advise and support a variety of budgeting functions required to conduct SAO's wide variety of scientific research programs.
• General knowledge of the operations of scientific research programs of SAO divisions and their budgetary restrictions and requirements.

Applicants, who wish to qualify based on education completed outside the United States, must be deemed equivalent to higher education programs of U.S. Institutions by an organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials. This documentation is the responsibility of the applicant and should be included as part of your application package.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE: Please use the following link to visit Smithsonian's Career Page: Smithsonian Institution Job Opportunities Site

The Smithsonian Institution provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation should contact the Human Resources Specialist listed. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis

Conditions of Employment

• Pass Pre-employment Background Check and Subsequent Background Investigation, as required.
• Complete a Probationary Period if applicable.
• Maintain a Bank Account for Direct Deposit/Electronic Transfer.
• The position is open to all candidates eligible to work in the United States. Proof of eligibility to work in U.S. is not required to apply.
• Applicants must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement.

The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity in our workplace.

Visit the SAO website at http://www.cfa.harvard.edu/

The Smithsonian Institution is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe that a workforce comprising a variety of educational, cultural, and experiential backgrounds supports and enhances our daily work life and contributes to the richness of our exhibitions and programs. For more information on the Smithsonian EEO program please see www.si.edu/oeema.