Senior Accounting Manager

Open Space Trust; Palo Alto (CA); Hybrid; USD 126,000 - 141,000; Full time

Job summary

The Senior Accounting Manager plays a critical role in ensuring financial health at a leading organization committed to protecting open spaces. You will oversee compliance and advocate for financial efficiency while mentoring the finance team. This hybrid position requires strategic thought and strong accounting expertise, aiming to promote a mission-driven culture.

Benefits

Excellent benefits including healthcare

Retirement account contribution & matching

Generous time-off policy

Paid medical leave

Learning and wellness programs

Mobile/internet stipend

Commuter benefits

Qualifications

• 7-10 years of experience in accounting, audit or related field required.
• Experience with Form 990 filing and non-profit organizations preferred.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily, monthly, and quarterly accounting activities.
• Lead the annual financial audit and ensure compliance with standards.
• Collaborate on the budgeting process and financial decision-making.

Skills

Attention to detail

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor of Arts in Accounting

CPA certification or MBA (preferred)

Tools

Sage Intacct

Advanced Excel

Job description

Senior Accounting Manager

Bring your awesome accounting and finance skills to play a critical role within the Finance team at Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST)! You will directly contribute to the organization's financial health and operational efficiency while being part of achieving our mission to protect open spaces in our region for the benefit of all.

Reporting to the Director of Finance, the Senior Accounting Manager ensures the accuracy and integrity of all accounting activities, oversees compliance with audit and tax regulations, supports semi-monthly payroll processing and contributes to financial decision-making.

POST currently operates as a hybrid workplace. We don’t have a set number of days per week that everyone must be in our office. Hybrid work schedules are designedwithin the guidelines of our Hybrid Work Policy to suit the unique needsof each of our jobsand the teamsto which we belong, and they can vary. The successful candidate for this job should expect to be in the office a few days per week, and must reside within a reasonable driving distance to POST’s office in downtown Palo Alto, CA.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND FUNCTIONS

Accounting,Audit and Compliance

• Oversee daily, monthly, and quarterly accounting activities, ensuring accurate and timely recording of financial transactions and compliance with internal controls.
• Manage accounts payable, accounts receivable, journal entries, and accounting for real estate transactions.
• Ensure minimal accounting errors through thorough reconciliations, including bank accounts, payroll, corporate credit cards, and fixed assets.
• Lead the annual financial audit, including preparing reconciliations, schedules, and analyses to meet audit requirements.
• Direct the preparation and filing of Form 990 tax returns and other required corporate filings.
• Serve as the organization’s content expert on GAAP, IRS regulations, and other accounting policies, advising the Audit Committee and Finance team.

Strategic Financial Support

• Collaborate with the Director of Finance to design and implement new processes and systems to improve financial efficiency and accuracy.
• Provide financial analysis to support decision-making by senior management and staff.
• Prepare and manageaccounting and cash flow for Partnershipfor a high-profile project involving jointly owned real estate, large government grants, and multiple nonprofit partners.
• Support the annual budgeting process by preparing the Administration budget and providing ad hoc analysis as needed
• Build and maintain relationships with external providers and partners

Subsidiary and Trust Management

• Oversee accounting, tax filings, budgeting, and reporting for POST's subsidiary organizations.
• Manage the valuation, taxation, and distribution of 25+ charitable trusts and gift annuities.

Team Leadership and Development

• Mentor and develop the technical skills of Finance and HR staff, particularly in areas of accounting, tax compliance, and audit readiness.
• Review the work of Finance team members, including journal entries, reconciliations, and financial reports, and assist with resolving any identified challenges.

Payroll and Benefits Administration

• Ensure accurate, multi-state payroll processing, including taxation and related compliance concerns.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS REQUIRED TO PERFORM THIS JOB

Education and Experience

• Bachelor of Arts in Accounting, Business Administration or related field
• Requires 7-10 years of experience in accounting, audit or related field
• CPA certification or MBApreferred but not required
• Advanced knowledge of GAAP and all basic accounting procedures & controls
• Advanced Excel and analysis skills
• Prior experience with Sage Intacct, or similar cloud-based general ledger
• Experience supporting annual audits
• Advanced Non-profit organizational experience highly desired, with experience completing Form 990

Skills and Competencies

• Aptitude for analyzing numbers, recognizing patterns and errors
• Exceptional attention to detail, organizational skills, and commitment to accuracy.
• Ability to work independently in a lean team environment.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Regular and accurate communication with others and completion of work tasks involving the use of phone, computer, web, and video technology, the ability to interact effectively with digital and printed materials, and to operate required job-related equipment.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 10 lbs. of equipment and supplies in the office.
• This role has no responsibilities that require work in the field visiting POST properties. The individual in this job may occasionally visit POST properties to learn more about our work or to attend POST employee social events. In these cases, the ability to traverse uneven terrain or drive a company vehicle may be helpful but is not required.
• There are occasional duties that may occur outside regular working hours.
• Reasonable accommodations will be made to allow a person to perform essential functions of their job.

TO APPLY:

Please write a cover letter telling us why you are a great match for this role. We are not able to give the same level of consideration to applications submitted without a cover letter.

STARTING SALARY RANGE FOR THIS POSITION:
$126,450-$140,500 depending upon level of skills and experience, plus excellent benefitsincluding healthcare, retirement account contribution & matching, generous time off, paid maternity/paternity/family medical leave, excellent learning and mental/physical wellness programs, personal mobile/internet usage stipend, commuter benefits, and many more!

POST’s Core Values:

Nature Connects Us All: We believe that we are part of an interconnected web of life and that diversity of all types creates strength and resilience. In our work, we strive to protect andheal the ecosystems that support our collective well-being.

Act Today for the Long-Term: We take action today in ways that support our bold, long-term vision. We accept and balance the tension between the present and the future while staying true to our purpose.

Commit to Learning and Growth: We are creative, curious and courageous in our approaches and willing to change course when necessary. We learn from our successes and mistakes.

Care AboutHowWe Work: We believe all living things should be treated with dignity. We acknowledge the many injustices against people and nature. We are dedicated to strive for equity in our actions.

Honor Our Collective Strengths: We have the most positive impact when we work together toward a shared vision. We catalyze, collaborate and complement to support the best outcomes for all.

POST is an equal opportunity employer. We are committedto creating arespective, inclusive, values-driven workplace where all employees can thrive. Come join us!