Job 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