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Senior Accountant

Position Classification: Full-Time Benefited - Exempt

Reporting Unit: Tower Foundation

Reports to: Chief Operating Officer

This is a great position for an exceptional accountant who is a critical thinker, can work independently and collaboratively, has excellent verbal and written communication skills and would welcome the opportunity to work in a non-profit philanthropic environment on a university campus.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Tower Foundation Chief Operating Officer, the Senior Accountant is responsible for monthly, quarterly and annual accounting related to the Tower Foundation’s $100 million endowment, the underlying investment portfolio, creating financial models to calculate the annual endowment distribution, responding to donor and account holder questions, recommending appropriate action on a wide variety of legal and accounting issues related to endowments, and other projects as assigned.

The Senior Accountant is required to work directly with donors and the campus community on a daily basis.  He or she must be a detail-oriented, analytical, responsive, tactful and articulate individual capable of handling many details of the endowment and underlying investments, assisting with the monthly, quarterly and year-end accounting close while keeping an eye on the big picture.  Superior Excel and organization skills are required.

The position is also responsible for reviewing Memoranda of Understanding to determine appropriate accounting treatment in accordance with GAAP, GAS and UPMIFA, auditing ledgers, writing the investment footnote in the annual financial statements, preparing and reviewing journal entries, preparing schedules for endowment distribution account holders, monthly investment reconciliations, and performing or reviewing complex account reconciliations.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

  1. Detailed knowledge of and experience with generally accepted accounting principles (knowledge of Governmental Accounting Standards helpful), the Uniform Prudent Management of Institutional Funds Act (UPMIFA) desirable, accounting for charitable not-for-profit entities; financial record-keeping methods, procedures, and practices; the ability to perform arithmetic functions.
  2. Expert knowledge of accounting methods, practices and procedures; office practices, English grammar, business writing, punctuation and spelling. 
  3. Ability to review financial documents for accuracy and completeness; ability to identify, trace, and correct errors.
  4. Ability to compose and appropriately format correspondence and reports.
  5. Expert knowledge of Excel and Word.  Ability to operate standard office equipment and ability to use personal computers. Knowledge of Blackbaud Financial Edge, FileMaker Pro, Advance Web Access (AWA) and database management desirable.
  6. Ability to perform accurately in a detail-oriented environment.
  7. Ability to handle multiple complex work priorities, organize and plan work and projects.
  8. Ability to work under time-sensitive deadlines with minimal supervision.
  9. Ability to maintain confidentiality and appropriately handle sensitive communications with employees and external agencies.
  10. Ability to quickly learn and apply a variety of federal, state, IRS, CSU, and SJSU policies and procedures.
  11. Strong oral communication skills. Must possess excellent customer service and public relations skills.

Education and/or Experience

A bachelor’s degree in accounting and 5-7 years relevant experience preferred and/or equivalent accounting education, training and financial record-keeping experience necessary to perform the responsibilities listed above.  

Hiring Salary Range: $60,118 - 75,148 ann.

To apply for this position, submit a cover letter, resume, and salary history to towerjobs@sjsu.edu.

Tower Foundation is not a visa sponsoring organization.

Tower Foundation employment is separate and distinct from San Jose State University or State of California employment. Tower Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to nondiscrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender status, marital status, pregnancy, age, disability, or covered veteran’s status, consistent with all applicable federal and state laws. Reasonable accommodations will be provided for applicants with disabilities who self disclose.

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