Senior Accountant

University of South Dakota Foundation; Vermillion (SD); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

University of South Dakota Foundation is seeking a Senior Accountant to ensure the accuracy, integrity and transparency of financial operations, partnering with the Controller and Finance team to support accounting, reporting, investments and donor activity.

You will manage journal entries, reconciliations, audit support and complex financial analyses, while upholding nonprofit accounting standards and internal controls. This position offers impactful work within a mission-driven organization.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance or related field.
• Three or more years of professional accounting experience.
• Strong understanding of accounting principles and reconciliations.
• Excellent analytical, organizational and communication skills; detail-oriented.

Responsibilities

• Maintain accurate accounting records to support financial reporting.
• Prepare journal entries and reconciliations for monthly, quarterly, and annual closes.
• Perform bank reconciliations and resolve outstanding items.
• Assist in preparing financial statements and analyses.
• Support annual external audit with schedules and documentation.
• Reconcile investment activity across systems and general ledger.
• Process stock gifts, donor gifts, and related accounting activity.
• Prepare and reconcile scholarship accounting and reporting.
• Process wire transfers with proper documentation and approvals.
• Handle sales and use tax activity, trust accounting and receivable bonds.
• Prepare quarterly and annual reporting schedules and variance analyses.
• Collaborate with Finance leadership to improve processes and efficiency.

Skills

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Problem-solving

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Collaboration

Excel proficiency

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance or related field

Tools

Raiser's Edge

Financial Edge

Paciolan

Job description

At the University of South Dakota Foundation & Alumni Association (USDFAA), our mission is simple—to Create Lasting Impact. Every day, we partner with donors, alumni and the University of South Dakota to advance opportunities that transform lives. We're looking for a collaborative, detail-oriented accounting professional who is passionate about stewardship, financial excellence and supporting a mission that makes a difference.

As our Senior Accountant, you'll play a critical role in ensuring the accuracy, integrity and transparency of the USDFAA's financial operations. Working closely with the Controller, Vice President of Finance and Finance team, you'll support complex accounting functions, financial reporting, investments, gifts, scholarships and audit activities that help ensure the responsible management of philanthropic resources.

What You'll Do

As a key member of our Finance team, you will:

• Maintain accurate and timely accounting records that support financial reporting and strong internal controls.
• Prepare journal entries, account reconciliations and supporting schedules for monthly, quarterly and annual close processes.
• Perform bank reconciliations and resolve outstanding items promptly.
• Assist in preparing financial statement and supporting financial analyses.
• Support the annual external audit by preparing schedules, reconciliations and documentation.
• Reconcile investment activity across financial systems, custodial statements and the general ledger.
• Process and reconcile stock gifts, donor gifts, gift transfers and related accounting activity.
• Prepare and reconcile scholarship accounting and reporting.
• Process wire transfers while ensuring proper documentation and approvals.
• Process sales and use tax activity, trust accounting and receivable bond reconciliations.
• Prepare quarterly and annual financial reporting schedules, reconciliations and variance analyses.
• Partner with Finance leadership to strengthen accounting processes and improve operational efficiency.
• Provide exceptional service to USDFAA staff, university partners, donors, vendors and other stakeholders.
• Stay current on nonprofit accounting standards, regulations and best practices.
• Perform other duties that support the mission of the organization.

What You'll Bring

We're looking for someone who combines strong technical accounting skills with a collaborative mindset.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance or a related field (or an equivalent combination of education and experience).
• Three or more years of professional accounting experience.
• Strong understanding of financial accounting principles and reconciliation processes.
• Excellent analytical, organizational and program-solving skills.
• Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Strong written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
• Experience with CRM and financial systems such as Raiser's Edge, Financial Edge or Paciolan is preferred.
• Valid driver's license with a safe driving record.

Our Values

At USDFAA, our values shapes how we work together and how we serve our mission

• Drive — We move with purpose, take initiative and deliver high-quality work that advances our mission.
• Accountability — We take ownership of our commitments, communicate openly and follow through with integrity.
• Commitment — We show up fully, prioritize mission-driven outcomes and support one another through challenges.
• Collaboration — We build trust through open communication, respect diverse perspectives and work together to achieve shared success.

Why Join the USD Foundation & Alumni Association?

This is more than an accounting role—it's an opportunity to help steward philanthropic investments that create opportunities for students, faculty and the University of South Dakota for generations to come. You'll join a collaborative team committed to excellence, continuous improvement and meaningful impact.

If you're an experienced accounting professional who values integrity, collaboration and purpose-driven work, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply here

Please submit your resume and cover letter to Joe Hoose, chief of staff & vice president of talent management, at [e-mail] .