Careers

Optica is looking for a Staff Accountant, GL.

For more than 100 years, Optica has been at the forefront of advancing optics and photonics worldwide. We are recruiting for a GL Staff Accountant that will play an integral part in supporting the monthly, quarterly, and yearly financial close process. The ideal candidate would have at least 2 years of experience in recording journal entries, reconciling accounts, and strong Excel skills. 

This role might be a great fit if you:

• Want to work for an industry-leading organization with a growing global presence
• Are looking for an organization that values diversity, equity, and inclusion and located within minutes of the Dupont Circle Metro
• Enjoy working in Excel and have an affinity for debits and credits
• Are looking for a role that provides support across the entire organization
• Thrive in a fast-paced and collaborative environment
• Possess strong problem-solving skills with attention to detail
• Have strong communication and time management abilities

Reporting to the Senior Accounting Manager, this position supports various aspects of finance and accounting for Optica and Optica Foundation. Primary duties include supporting the monthly, quarterly, and year-end financial closing process by recording transactions, running reports, creating schedules, and reconciling accounts. 

Primary Responsibilities

1. Record Optica Foundation monthly entries for revenue, update pledge schedule and calculate contribution match; prepare net assets schedules and quarterly reconciliations of due to/due from Optica.  
2. Prepare monthly investment entries and schedules; apply interest income to meetings with prepaids. 
3. Maintain fixed assets schedules, enter purchases into fixed asset software, prepare depreciation expense entry. 
4. Run monthly and ad hoc project reports and account drilldowns for stakeholders.
5. Review invoices and prepare wire payments for entry to bank portal. Serve as Accounts Payable backup as needed.
6. Complete balance sheet reconciliations.
7. Review and reconcile meeting registration transactions and assist with closing out conferences.
8. Create recurring monthly journal entries, including but not limited to bank and credit card fees allocations, flexible spending, payroll, postage meters, accruals for building services, deferred meetings, corporate credit card expenses.

Secondary Responsibilities

1. Respond to staff and vendor inquiries.  
2. Serve as backup to Accounts Payable as needed.
3. Assist DSD Finance, Senior Accounting Manager and teammates as needed.

Education and Experience

1. Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance, CPA or candidate preferred.
2. Two to four years of applicable experience
3. Experience performing high-volume data reconciliations with accuracy
4. Demonstrated experience in meeting deadlines and managing goals through teamwork.
5. Experience with Microsoft Dynamics SL, Management Reporter, PN3 Payable, Sage Fixed Assets, NetForum CRM.  

Skills and Abilities

1. Accounting, GAAP, and internal controls
2. Microsoft Office suite; advanced Excel skills required
3. Excellent mathematical skills and computational abilities
4. Effective verbal and written communication skills,
5. Strong critical thinking skills, attention to detail and accuracy.

About Optica

Located in the Dupont Circle neighborhood of Washington, DC, Optica offers a competitive salary and benefits. Please send your resume and cover letter with salary requirements to resumes@optica.org.

Optica is an equal employment opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of race, color, age, sex, national origin, disability, religion, marital status, veteran's status, personal appearance, political affiliation, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, matriculation, or any other basis prohibited by law.

About Optica

Optica (formerly OSA) is dedicated to promoting the generation, application, archiving, and dissemination of knowledge in optics and photonics worldwide. Founded in 1916, it is the leading organization for scientists, engineers, business professionals, students, and others interested in the science of light. Optica’s renowned publications, meetings, online resources, and in-person activities fuel discoveries, shape real-life applications and accelerate scientific, technical, and educational achievement.

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