Come join and be part of new accounting team at AURA’s Central Administrative Services group that supports the day-to-day operations for a $130 million division. AURA’s Centers enable the next decade of astronomical discoveries through world-class facilities and science.

AURA’s Central Administrative Services group is seeking a Senior Billing Specialist to support the day-to-day operations for a $130 million division. Requiring minimal supervision, this position is responsible for the full-cycle monthly billing process. The ideal candidate has significant experience in processing billing, according to various arrangements, utilizing Deltek Costpoint with a high degree of proficiency.

Essential Functions:

• Prepare billings for submissions to customers of various types of arrangements (i.e., cost reimbursable, firm-fixed-price, cost-plus-fixed-fee, fixed-fee, etc.)
• Maintain Deltek Costpoint project information according to contract invoicing and reporting requirements
• Resolve a variety of internal and external inquiries concerning billing status, billing discrepancies and collection issues in a timely and efficient manner
• Prepare, analyze, and reconcile schedules for accounts receivable and unbilled receivable
• Review aged receivables report and address outstanding receivable invoices over 30 days old, including collection inquiries
• Assist with the preparation of final/close-out invoices and reporting
• Ensure all billings are accurate and in compliance with applicable FAR, Uniform Guidance, internal processes, and other contractual requirements
• Ensure all billing and reporting deadlines are met
• Build, maintain and enhance cross-functional team relationships with Project Accounting, Contracts, Accounting, and other functional departments
• Assist in implementing processes and procedures that will improve efficiency and strengthen internal control
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Education/Experience/Skills/Abilities:

• Associates Degree; in lieu of a degree, 3-5 years of recent government contract billing experience
• Minimum 3-5years of billing experience in a non-profit and/or federal funded organization
• Experience adhering to the deadlines of a crisp month-end close schedule
• Experienced utilizing Microsoft Excel and the demonstrated ability to create useful analyses from raw data
• Organized multi-tasker that can prioritize multiple demands efficiently and effectively to always meet deadlines
• Detail-oriented professional with the ability to exercise sound judgement
• Ability to work independently as well as in a team environment, with little supervision.
• Strong and effective verbal and written communication skills with the ability to create clarity and provide timely responses to both internal and external customers

Preferred Education/Experience/Skills/Abilities:

• Bachelor’s Degree
• Experience working in a multi-cultural environment, in an international organization and/or in a high technology industry sector
• Working knowledge of the OMB Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (Uniform Guidance), Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), and/or Cost Accounting Standards (CAS)
• Fluency in Spanish

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

This work is mostly carried out in an office environment. Long periods of sitting may be required.

Given the international nature of AURA’s work, you may need to travel to the various observatory sites (Arizona, Chile, and Hawai’i) and other locations for business purposes.

AURA offers a mix-model workspace (office & virtual) and stimulating environments for all.

We also offer an excellent benefits package and competitive salary. Highlights:

• Health Benefits – Start first on the month following hire
• Retirement Options:
  • 401(a) Money Purchase Pension Plan / 10% Employer Contribution
  • 403(b) / Your own retirement contribution
• Paid Time Off:
  • Vacation / Accrual of up to 24 days per/yr.
  • Paid Sick Leave / 8 hour per/mo.
  • Holiday Time / 10 days per/yr.

And much more so please explore:

• Our benefits at: https://hr.aura-astronomy.org/employee-benefits-guide/
• All career opportunities through our website at: https://www.aura-astronomy.org/careers/

AURA, as a leader in the astronomical community, is committed to diversity and inclusion. AURA develops and supports programs that advance our organizational commitment to diversity, broaden participation, and encourage the advancement of diversity throughout the astronomical scientific workforce. Learn more at http://www.aura-astronomy.org/diversity

TO APPLY: Share your experience by uploading a resume and completing an online application. Applications received before November 15, 2021 will be given full consideration. Applications received after this date will be considered until the position is filled. Please list 3 professional references in your application (references will only be contacted later in the recruitment process) and attach a cover letter and CV or resume (PDF files preferred) to your application. Please name any attachments with the following format: LastnameDocname. Application documents that are not uploaded as part of the application may be sent to employment@aura-astronomy.org.

COVID-19 Policy Update: AURA has implemented a mandatory vaccination policy that requires all employees to be vaccinated, unless qualified for an exemption based on medical or religious reasons. All new employees will be required to comply with this policy and will be required to present proof of full vaccination or submit a completed request (including supporting documents, if applicable) for an exemption at least five (5) business days prior to their start of employment. Individuals who fail to meet this deadline may have their employment start date delayed.

This is a requirement for all employees working onsite or from home (telework or hybrid remote work schedule). Currently the vaccination requirement does not apply to any future AURA employees working in Chile, regardless of their nationality or type of contract.

Effective December 8, 2021, AURA will require all U.S. based employees to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19. Vaccination will be a condition of employment, with exemptions granted only for valid medical or religious reasons. This is requirement for all employees working onsite or from home (telework or hybrid remote work schedule). Currently the vaccination requirement does not apply to any future AURA employees working in Chile, regardless of their nationality or type of contract.

Preference will be given to qualified internal candidates and to qualified Native Americans living on or near the Tohono O'odham reservation in Arizona.

Veterans, disabled individuals, or wounded warriors needing assistance with the employment process should request assistance at employment@aura-astronomy.org.

The Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA) is a consortium of over 40 US institutions and three international affiliates that operates world-class astronomical observatories. AURA’s role is to establish, nurture, and promote public observatories and facilities that advance innovative astronomical research. AURA is responsible for managing the operations of the NSF’s NOIRLab, the National Solar Observatory, and the construction of the Vera C. Rubin Observatory and the Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope under cooperative agreements with the National Science Foundation and operations of the Space Telescope Science Institute under contracts with NASA.

As a recipient of U.S. Government funding, AURA is considered a government contractor and is subject to Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action regulations. As an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer, AURA does not discriminate based on race, sex, color, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity/gender identity expression, lawful political affiliations, veteran status, disability, and/or any other legally protected status under applicable federal, state, and local equal opportunity laws. The statements below as well as the requests for self-identification are required pursuant to these regulations. We encourage your participation in meeting these federal reporting requirements which are included for protection and to assist us in our recordkeeping and reporting. Your responses are kept strictly confidential.