Foundation Accountant

Seattle Pacific University; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

HSA/HRA contributions

Employer contributes 7% to retirement

Tuition discount program for employees

Job summary

Seattle Pacific University seeks a detail-oriented Accountant to join the Seattle Pacific Foundation finance team. The role covers accounting for Foundation and University investments, endowments, trusts, and financial reporting in a mission-driven environment.

The successful candidate will handle journal entries, reconciliations, tax filings, audits, and donor communications while maintaining GAAP compliance and strong internal controls.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of professional accounting experience.
• Strong understanding of GAAP and internal controls.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Advanced attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong Excel skills and experience with accounting software.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Ability to work independently while contributing to a team.
• Interest in investment accounting, endowments, trusts, or nonprofit financial management.

Responsibilities

• Perform accounting for Foundation and University investment, trust, endowment, and financial activities.
• Prepare journal entries, reconciliations, adjustments, and closing entries.
• Maintain GAAP-compliant accounting records and monthly/quarterly/annual reporting.
• Assist with trust accounting and financial reporting for beneficiaries and trustees.
• Support IRS Form 990, trust returns, and regulatory filings; coordinate audits.
• Collaborate with Foundation Board, donors, and university finance teams.
• Enhance internal controls and accounting processes for accuracy and stewardship.

Skills

GAAP knowledge

Advanced Excel

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Integrity and fiduciary responsibility

Education

Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Accounting

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or related field (preferred)

Tools

Workday

Argos

Banner

Adavico

Job description

Job Description:Who We AreSeattle Pacific University is a Christian university fully committed to engaging the culture and changing the world by graduating people of competence and character, becoming people of wisdom, and modeling grace-filled community.The Seattle Pacific Foundation partners with Seattle Pacific University to steward charitable gifts, endowments, trusts, and investments that advance the University's mission for generations to come. Through sound financial management and careful stewardship, the Foundation supports scholarships, academic programs, faculty, and strategic initiatives that make a lasting impact on students and the broader SPU community.What We NeedSeattle Pacific University is seeking a detail-oriented and analytical Accountant to join the Seattle Pacific Foundation finance team.This position plays an important role in maintaining the financial integrity of both Seattle Pacific Foundation and Seattle Pacific University by supporting accounting, investment reporting, endowment and trust accounting, financial reporting, audits, tax filings, and board operations.The ideal candidate enjoys complex accounting work, has exceptional attention to detail, and values accuracy, collaboration, and stewardship. This position offers a unique opportunity to work with investment portfolios, charitable trusts, endowments, nonprofit accounting, and university finance within a mission-driven organization.The Foundation Accountant supports Seattle Pacific University’s mission by contributing to a Christ‑centered learning and working community committed to academic excellence, service, and engagement with the world. In this role, the employee brings their skills, gifts, and professional expertise to work that matters—serving students, colleagues, and the broader University community in ways that reflect SPU’s values and purpose. To that end, all University employees are required to be aligned with and supportive of SPU's Statement of Faith and its derivative policies and lifestyle expectations.What You'll DoAccounting & Financial ReportingPerform accounting for Foundation and University investment, trust, endowment, and financial activitiesPrepare journal entries, reconciliations, adjustments, and closing entriesMaintain accurate accounting records in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)Support monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reporting activitiesInvestments, Endowments & Trust AccountingMaintain accounting records for Foundation investment pools, endowments, and charitable trustsRecord investment income, market activity, capital gains, distributions, and other investment transactionsAssist with trust accounting and financial reporting for beneficiaries and trustorsMonitor investment activity and help ensure accurate valuation and reportingAudit, Tax & ComplianceAssist in preparing annual audited financial statements and supporting documentationSupport preparation of IRS Form 990, trust tax returns, Washington State filings, and other regulatory reportsAssist with annual audit activities and coordination with external auditorsHelp maintain strong internal controls to safeguard Foundation and University assetsFoundation Board & Donor SupportAssist in preparing reports and materials for Seattle Pacific Foundation Board meetingsCoordinate Foundation Board and committee meeting logistics, minutes, and recordsCommunicate professionally with donors, trustors, outside advisors, and board membersSupport annual trustor communications and stewardship activitiesCollaboration & Operational ExcellencePartner with University Finance and Business & Finance teams to ensure accurate financial reportingMaintain a thorough understanding of Foundation accounting systems and financial processesProvide exceptional customer service while maintaining confidentiality and fiduciary responsibilityContribute to continuous improvement of accounting procedures and financial operationsWhat You BringAssociate's or Bachelor's degree in Accounting or a related field3-5 years of professional accounting experienceStrong understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skillsAdvanced attention to detail and commitment to accuracyStrong Excel skills and experience using accounting softwareExcellent written and verbal communication skillsAbility to work independently while contributing to a collaborative team environmentHigh level of integrity, professionalism, discretion, and fiduciary responsibilityInterest in investment accounting, endowments, trusts, or nonprofit financial managementMission Alignment: A personal commitment to Christian faith; enthusiasm for supporting SPU's mission ; alignment with the University's Statement of Faith ; and willingness to uphold the lifestyle standards of our Christian community.Preferred QualificationsBachelor's degree in Accounting or a related field5+ years of accounting experienceCPA license or Accounting CertificateExperience with nonprofit, higher education, foundation, trust, or investment accountingFamiliarity with investment accounting, charitable trusts, endowments, and multiple asset classesExperience with Workday, Argos, Banner, Adavico, or similar enterprise financial systemsCompensation & Position DetailsSalary: $70,000 - $80,000, commensurate to experienceStatus: Full-time, exemptDepartment: Seattle Pacific FoundationReports To: Foundation Director of Finance & TreasurerLocation: Seattle Pacific University, Seattle, WA (on-campus position)Benefits: SPU pays employee premiums for medical, dental, and vision insurance; provides HSA/HRA contributions; contributes 7% to a retirement account with immediate vesting (as eligible); and offers a tuition discount program for employees and qualified dependents.Additional Information:How to ApplyPlease complete the online application through Workday and be prepared to submit the following materials:ResumeCover LetterWe look forward to hearing how your unique talents and giftings make you a great fit for this role and how you can contribute to the mission of SPU!