Staff Accountant
Company Overview: Join our team at The UMASS Foundation, a leading foundation based in Newton, MA, dedicated to advancing philanthropy and supporting vital causes. We are seeking a detail-oriented and finance-savvy Staff Accountant to join our Finance department. As part of our team, you'll play a crucial role in managing endowment funds, processing gifts, and ensuring the accurate recording of financial transactions.
Position Overview: Under the direction of the Assistant Controller, the Staff Accountant supports the Finance department with the maintenance of all financial procedures and compliance.
This role is responsible for maintaining the Foundation’s accounts payable, vendor management, and financial reporting. The Staff Accountant works closely with the Finance team to assist with month-end close, year-end audit, and other assigned projects.
The Financial Operations Group handles endowment administration functions, including onboarding new endowment funds, processing gifts, allocating monthly investment returns, and disbursing annual spending rate payouts. Additionally, the Group supports investment activities managed by the Foundation, including instructing trades and wires to our custodian bank. The Operations Group is responsible for maintaining the books and records of the Foundation, including the preparation of the annual operating budget, audited financial statements, and federal and state tax returns.
Key Responsibilities:
The Staff Accountant will handle various accounting functions:
- Weekly A/P processing:
- Process and adhere to Foundation accounts payable policy and procedures.
- Obtain a complete and correct Form W-9 and ACH authorization form, verifying the taxpayer identification number, from each vendor before issuing any payments.
- Handle all inquiries regarding vendor payments, account balances, and stale checks. Fill out payment request forms when needed.
- Work closely with UMass Amherst Athletics Department regarding accounts payable activity and vendor payments related to booster team current fund accounts (i.e., Grid Iron Club, Pond Club, Court Club, etc.).
- Monthly check deposit:
- Maintain check register and list of outstanding checks.
- Review The Foundation’s employee credit card expense receipts and GL coding to ensure completion and accuracy.
- Maintain Fixed Asset schedule, Prepaid Expenses, and Accrued Expenses.
- Participate in month-end close, reconciling various B/S accounts including cash accounts, Planned Giving Accounts, and Student Managed Funds.
- Assist in ACH and Wire transfers upon the request of the Controller and Director of the Investment Office.
- Participate in Year-End Audit.
- Support Ad-Hoc financial analyses and other projects.
- Perform all other duties as assigned.
Other Functions/Responsibilities:
- Attend periodic staff meetings and training sessions.
- Comply with proper paperwork procedures, prompt follow-up communications, and departmental policies.
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree preferred in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration.
- Three days on-site required, flexible with schedule.
- 1+ years of experience in accounting, finance, or endowment management, or relevant internship experience.
- Familiarity with cloud-based accounting software is preferred.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, especially Excel and Word.
- Strong attention to detail, financial acumen, problem-solving skills, and ability to handle multiple tasks efficiently.
Location: Newton, MA
Why Join Us:
- Be part of a dynamic team dedicated to making a positive impact through philanthropy.
- Opportunity to grow and develop within a supportive and collaborative work environment.
- Competitive salary and benefits package.
If you're looking for a rewarding opportunity to contribute to a mission-driven organization and possess the required financial qualifications, we invite you to apply for the Staff Accountant- Development position at The UMASS Foundation. Please submit your resume and cover letter highlighting your relevant experience and why you are interested in joining our team. We look forward to hearing from you!
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree preferred in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration.
- Three days on-site required, flexible with schedule.
- 1+ years of experience in accounting, finance, or endowment management, or relevant internship experience.
- Familiarity with cloud-based accounting software is preferred.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, especially Excel and Word.
- Strong attention to detail, financial acumen, problem-solving skills, and ability to handle multiple tasks efficiently.