Accounting Associate

University-of-Oregon-Foundation; Eugene (OR); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Oregon Foundation is seeking an Accounting Associate to provide operational and transactional accounting support across the organization, enabling accurate processing of financial transactions, vendor management, scholarship administration, and customer service while reinforcing the accounting team’s effectiveness.

You will serve as a key liaison for internal and external stakeholders, support month-end and year-end activities, assist with reconciliations and reporting, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in a relevant field.
• Minimum two years of accounting experience.
• Experience in nonprofit or higher education environments preferred.

Responsibilities

• Process and review Cash Disbursement Requests for completeness and compliance.
• Coordinate scholarship payment processing and related accounting activities.
• Maintain vendor records and documentation; ensure IRS and organizational compliance.
• Prepare assigned balance sheet reconciliations and close processes.
• Monitor and respond to accounting service requests via Zendesk.

Skills

Attention to detail

Time management

Communication skills

Customer service

Confidentiality

Excel proficiency

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field

Tools

Zendesk

Job description

SUMMARY

The Accounting Associate provides operational and transactional accounting support to ensure the accurate and timely processing of financial transactions across the organization. This position performs a variety of accounting, disbursement, reconciliation, vendor management, scholarship administration, and customer service functions while supporting the overall effectiveness of the accounting team.

The Accounting Associate serves as a key point of contact for internal and external stakeholders, helping facilitate daily financial operations, maintain accurate records, and support month-end, year-end, and special project activities.

BEHAVIORAL EXPECTATIONS:

• Follow the principles of the Foundation's core values:

1. Trust
2. Respect
3. Integrity
4. Commitment

• Motivated to value-add to the success of the Foundation
• Effective communicator
• Collaborative
• Dependable
• Detail-oriented
• Adaptable, receptive to change
• Teach through example and service
• Practice professional curiosity and desire to learn
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work with a diverse constituency
• Maintain confidentiality
• Work safely

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Cash Disbursement Request (CDR) Processing

• Process and review Cash Disbursement Requests (CDRs) for completeness and compliance
• Coordinate approvals and supporting documentation
• Process payments and monitor disbursement activity, reviewing for compliance with Foundation policy, donor intent, and all applicable laws and regulations
• Respond to questions regarding payment requests and disbursement status
• Ensure timely and accurate processing of daily transactions.

Scholarship Administration

• Coordinate scholarship payment processing and related accounting activities
• Maintain scholarship records and support documentation
• Reconcile scholarship transactions and balances
• Support annual scholarship reporting requirements

Vendor Management & Accounts Payable Support

• Maintain vendor records and documentation
• Coordinate vendor onboarding and updates and assist with vendor inquiries
• Ensure compliance with IRS and organizational requirements
• Support annual vendor reporting and compliance activities

Reconciliations & Financial Record Maintenance

• Prepare assigned balance sheet reconciliations
• Perform accounts payable check reconciliations
• Research and resolve routine discrepancies
• Maintain supporting documentation for reconciliations and audits
• Assist with month-end and year-end accounting activities

Budget & Reporting Support

• Assist with annual budget preparation activities
• Distribute monthly budget-to-actual reports
• Compile and organize financial information for reporting purposes
• Support routine and ad hoc reporting requests
• Assist accounting staff with data gathering and report preparation

LLC & Special Entity Accounting Support

• Maintain accounting records for assigned LLCs and special entities
• Assist with transaction review and reconciliations
• Support preparation of financial information related to entity activity
• Maintain supporting documentation and schedules

Compliance & Annual Reporting

• Coordinate annual 1099 processing and reporting
• Process IRS and state tax payment requests
• Maintain records supporting compliance requirements
• Assist with regulatory reporting activities as assigned
• Support annual audit requests and documentation preparation

Customer Service & Accounting Operations

• Monitor and respond to accounting service requests and Zendesk tickets
• Serve as a customer service resource for internal and external stakeholders
• Route inquiries to appropriate accounting staff when necessary
• Assist with issue resolution and follow-up communication
• Maintain positive and professional relationships with stakeholders

Project & Administrative Support

• Participate in accounting projects and process improvement initiatives
• Support department meetings, training efforts, and documentation updates
• Cross-train with other accounting team members to provide operational coverage
• Perform other accounting and administrative duties as assigned

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Solid knowledge of accounting principles and financial processes
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy
• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Strong customer service and communication skills
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel
• Ability to learn and effectively utilize accounting and financial systems

Requirements

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field preferred
• Minimum two years of relevant experience
• Experience in nonprofit, higher education, or foundation environments preferred.
• Experience working with accounting software and financial systems.
• Experience in providing customer service and operational support.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• This job is conducted in an office work environment, sitting most of the time
• Approximately 90% of this position’s duties require use of a computer
• Must be able to exert up to 20 lbs. of force occasionally
• Some travel may be required