Job Announcement: Accountant

  • Position: Accountant
  • Opening date: February 23, 2023
  • Closing date: March 10, 2023
  • Work hours: Full time

The Caribbean Coastal Ocean Observing System Inc. (CARICOOS), a non-profit organization, seeks a professional accountant to provide accounting and administrative services. CARICOOS is one of eleven regional associations that together form the US Integrated Ocean Observing System. Its mission is to provide accurate and timely coastal and ocean data and decision support tools to enhance safety on our coasts and ocean, improve the efficiency of maritime operations and support coastal resource management in the US Caribbean Exclusive Economic Zone (Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands, and Navassa). CARICOOS handles around $4M/year in funding which supports CARICOOS administrative and technical staff, subawardees, contractors as well as equipment acquisitions. The successful candidate should ideally be based near the southwestern or western coast of Puerto Rico. 

POSITION SUMMARY, RESPONSIBILITIES, AND QUALIFICATIONS 

CARICOOS is seeking an Accountant, CPA preferred, who is interested in being engaged in all business management aspects of the non-profit organization. The primary responsibility for this position is to be CARICOOS’ lead accountant and support the Executive Director with additional administrative services.

Responsibilities for the position

  • Maintain and be responsible for CARICOOS’ accounting system for financial transactions. 
  • Maintain record of all business receipts, invoices, and approvals for each invoice/bill.
  • Manage income and expenditure accounts.
  • Generate CARICOOS financial reports using income and expenditure data. 
  • Manage invoicing to funding entities and the Automated Standard Application for Payments (ASAP) by the US Federal Government.
  • Reconcile transactions and balance accounts in QuickBooks and Excel spreadsheets. 
  • Maintain general ledger by transferring subsidiary account summaries. 
  • Maintain historical accounting records and document filing system. 
  • Manage payments to CARICOOS benefit providers, and unemployment, retirement, and insurance agencies. Transfer funds into staff individual retirement accounts.  
  • Process payroll every two weeks and prepare payroll reports quarterly and annually. 
  • Provide monthly financial/individual grant reports and prepare monthly financial statements.
  • Prepare financial documentation for annual Federal audit, in consultation with the Executive Director, Deputy Director, Grant Administrator, and Finance Officer.
  • Prepare salary allocation memo/timesheet management (e.g., time and effort forms) for staff with various grants.
  • Comply with federal, state, and local legal requirements by studying requirements, enforcing requirements, filing reports, and advising management on needed actions.
  • Revise annual W2s and 1099s for CARICOOS staff and contractors (and other IRS and State forms as needed). 
  • Prepare various SF425 Financial Reports for NOAA awards. 
  • Issue all checks and pay invoices. 
  • Control, balance payments, and manage corporate credit cards.
  • Manage “Web Cash” and Internet Banking (BPPR) to make electronic payments and balance current accounts.
  • Generate transactions in the Department of the Treasury of Puerto Rico (SURI):
    • Monthly sales tax (IVU) return filing.
    • Preparation, payment, and monthly and quarterly filing of service contract withholdings.
    • Preparation, filing, and tables of annual information.
    • Registration renewal
  • Create and register purchase orders.
  • Aid with analogous tasks as designated by the Executive Director.

Required Qualifications

  • Knowledge and practical experience regarding basic computer skills, including QuickBooks, Microsoft Word, Excel, and cloud-based storage solutions (Dropbox). 
  • Excellent understanding of accounting rules and procedures including Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). 
  • Preferably, experience with Federal grants management (NOAA is preferred). 
  • Experience with funds- and accrual-based accounting, and indirect cost rates. 
  • Ability to work independently and present concise recommendations while adhering to deadlines. 
  • Must be able to work effectively with CARICOOS Executive Director and other staff.
  • Maintain CPA certification if applicable. 
  • Fully bilingual (English / Spanish) and strong communication (written and oral), and interpersonal skills.

Required Experience

  • Minimum five (5) years of experience as a bookkeeper/accountant for a non-profit or small business.
  • Holding a master’s or bachelor’s degree in accounting.
  • Preferably, hold a current CPA license.

COMPENSATION

Salary range: $55,000 – $65,000. According to experience. Employer sponsors health insurance and a 401(k)-retirement plan. There is a 6-month trial period.

HOW TO APPLY

Interested candidates can apply by sending: (1) a cover letter addressing skills and qualifications, (2) a formal resume that includes educational background and positions held, and (3) the name and contact information of three references (name, title, address, and phone number) to CARICOOS Deputy and Technical Director Dr. Patricia Chardón-Maldonado  (patricia.chardon@upr.edu).