Senior Accountant (Scientific Partnerships)
The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's ResearchJob Title: Senior Accountant (Scientific Partnerships)
Position Summary:
The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research ("the Foundation") is seeking top talent for its Senior Accountant (Scientific Partnerships) position. Reporting to the Controller, this position is responsible for the accurate accounting, reporting, and compliance oversight of sponsored research revenue for the Foundation. This role ensures revenue recognition aligns with donor intent, award terms, and U.S. GAAP (ASC 958), supports month-end close activities, and partners closely with FP&A, Research Operations and Development teams to provide sound accounting across a diverse portfolio of restricted funding and net asset reporting.
This position can be based anywhere in the U.S. and will be expected to work east coast hours (standard business hours are 9:00am – 5:00pmEST).
Key Responsibilities:
Pledges & Restricted Revenue Accounting
- Manage revenue recognition for sponsored programs in accordance with ASC 958 and foundation policies
- Review donor agreements to determine conditional vs. unconditional revenue treatment and donor restrictions
- Record and reconcile pledge receivables, deferred revenue, and net assets with donor restrictions
- Monitor allowable costs and ensure expenses are properly matched to funding sources
- Contribute to the preparation and review of pledge payment requests, invoicing, and financial reporting to sponsors in collaboration with FP&A and Research Operations teams
Month-End Close & Financial Reporting
- Own sponsored revenue close processes including journal entries, account reconciliations, and variance analysis
- Prepare schedules supporting financial statements, audits, and Form 990 reporting
- Partner with FP&A to support budget vs. actual reporting for restricted programs
- Support Accounting team processes and projects as needed
Compliance & Internal Controls
- Ensure adherence to donor terms and internal policies
- Support external audits by preparing workpapers and responding to auditor inquiries
- Maintain documentation of revenue recognition positions and sponsored donor files
- Identify and implement process improvements to strengthen controls and scalability
Cross-Functional Partnership
- Collaborate with Research Operations and Development on award setup, agreement modifications, and closeouts, ensuring net assets are released within gift scope
- Support system enhancements related to pledges, revenue automation, and net asset reporting
- Train staff on restricted revenue concepts and procedures
Qualifications & Skills:
- Relevant experience with complex reconciliations and month-end close
- Strong knowledge of ASC 958 and restricted fund accounting
- Advanced Excel skills and experience with ERP systems (e.g., NetSuite)
- Excellent communication skills (verbal and written), work ethic, and professionalism in engagement with superiors, peers, and subordinate staff.
- Pro-active, self-motivated and organized with a desire to learn new skills and software
- Ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines and strong problem-solving skills
Compensation & Benefits
Individual compensation for this role is dependent on a variety of factors, including, but not limited to, qualifications, skillsets, and applicable laws. In addition to salary, the Foundation offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:
- 15+ options for medical insurance (with the Foundation paying 90 percent of the premiums)
- Competitive dental and vision plans
- 401(k) plan with 6 percent employer contribution
- Flexible spending accounts
- Employer paid life and disability insurance
- 18 Vacation Days; 12 Well-Being (Sick) Days; 2 Personal Days; summer Fridays (office closure at 2pm) and a summer holiday week over July 4
- Flexible work environment. We trust all employees to work closely with their manager and colleagues to determine when, where and how programs and projects get done.
Employees are also eligible for a discretionary bonus on an annual basis. The Foundation provides staff and leadership cultivation through regular training courses and events.
How to Apply:
Interested candidates should submit a resume and thoughtful cover letter describing through examples, their specific qualifications and interest in the position. If you think that your skills are transferable and can add value to this role, please apply. Applicants who best match the position’s needs will be contacted.
About Us:
The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research was founded in 2000 with one clear objective: accelerating meaningful therapeutic advances and, ultimately, a cure for Parkinson’s disease (PD). The Foundation applies extraordinary scientific, business and media assets to this singular focus—thus creating a unique and dynamic organization. Since inception, MJFF has quickly grown into the largest nonprofit funder of Parkinson’s disease research, having funded over $2 billion in research projects in both academic and industry labs worldwide.
Visit www.michaeljfox.org for more information.
Research has shown that people from marginalized communities apply to roles only when they meet 100% of the job requirements. If you think that your skills are transferable and can add value to this role, and you are someone who will contribute to our efforts to build and support a diverse, equitable and inclusive workforce, we strongly encourage you to apply.