Foundation Accounting Manager

POSITION SUMMARY:

Date application must be received for priority consideration by: May 8, 2026
Anticipated Appointment Begin Date: June 1, 2026
Closing Date or if blank, Open Until Filled:
Job Family Group: Administrative and Professional
Division/Department: University Advancement/Development and Foundation
Compensation Range (commensurate with experience): $59,402.73-$68,279 1.0 FTE
FLSA Status: Exempt
Appointment Basis: 12-month
Time Type: Full-time
Benefits Eligible: Yes
Renewable/Non-renewable/Grants/Limited Duration/Temporary: Non-renewable/Gift-Funded
This position must possess and maintain a current, valid Driver License: Yes
This position is designated as a critical, security-sensitive or safety-sensitive position; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a Criminal Background Check: Yes
Lead Work/Supervisory Responsibilities: No
Work Location Type: On-campus
Work Hours: M-F (8:00a - 5:00p) Hours are subject to change with notice.
Worker Status: Must be able to legally work in the United States without visa sponsorship

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

Southern Oregon University (SOU) is looking for an experienced, analytical, and results oriented accountant to fill the position of Foundation Accounting Manager. This position is responsible for managing and overseeing the foundation's financial operations alongside a contracted fractional CFO. The primary focus of the position is on financial reporting, budgeting and forecasting, and accounting operations, including accounts payable and accounts receivable; month-end posting procedures; reconciliations; audit preparation, and other day-to- day functions of accounting services.

The Accounting Manager must be able to successfully balance multiple priorities, provide excellent service to staff and donors, and demonstrate strong analytical skills. Further, the Accounting Manager will play a key role in analyzing trends, helping to improve systems and performance, and effectively implement policies and procedures to support the growth of the university's giving programs. The Accounting Manager must be able to set their own priorities to meet business demands, make decisions autonomously, and work collaboratively with stakeholders.

Minimum Requirements

• BA/BS/BBA in Accounting or related field, plus minimum 2 years of related experience
• Demonstrated experience with general ledger management and reconciliations.
• A comprehensive understanding of accounting as a functional area, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, cash receipts, journal entries, reporting, reconciliations, posting procedures, and overall general ledger management.
• Ability to understand fund management databases, due-to/due-from accounting, and fund balances.
• Excellent computer skills and proficiency with a variety of computer applications including Microsoft Excel, word-processing, spreadsheets, and databases.
• Demonstrated skills in customer and service centered skills.
• Knowledge of Generally Accepting Accounting Principles (GAAP).

Preferred Requirements

• Non-profit accounting practices (fund accounting).
• Experience with The Financial Edge and Fundriver software

Essential Functions

Duties - The following examples are typical work activities that are meant to illustrate the general range of work functions and are not meant to be all-inclusive or restrictive:

(70%) Duties Include

Working alongside the foundation's fractional CFO, maintain overall quality, integrity and compliance of the Raiser's Edge and Fundriver databases--including, but not limited to:

• Applies complex accounting principles and procedures in working with specialized accounting records and reports. Assembles and analyzes data and transactions, prepares statements and reports relating to all foundation transactions.
• Creates and reviews procedures for compliance, internal controls, reconciliations, and accounting practices. Supports the preparation of the SOU Foundation audit and financial statements.
• Reviews, explains, interprets and executes policies and procedures on all aspects of financial data management.
• Creates, reviews, and verifies transactions for accuracy and compliance and to ensure audit trail requirements are being met and procedures for recording information have been followed.
• Prepares regular bank deposits, including completing electronic deposit of checks.
• Completes regular reconciliations in accounts payable, accounts receivable, cash receipts, fund balances, banking, and investments. Identifies and resolves accounting errors or discrepancies.
• Completes monthly posting procedures which include reconciliation and entry, fee assessment, distribution of investment earnings, posting of gift data.
• Uses accounting records and supporting documentation to compile financial statements, budget recaps, and other special reports. Prepares reports for Foundation committees and board meetings.

(20%) Duties Include

Extract data via lists and reports to support various engagement activities across the university with accuracy and in a timely fashion. Including, but not limited to:

• Develops complex queries/exports/reports to support the development staff, foundation affiliates and university stakeholders
• Presents data in the most meaningful way that is readily accessible, taking into consideration the level of knowledge of the requestor
• Collaborates with end users to gather requirements and ensure proper testing and validation
• Provides support/training to end users on running standardized and ad hoc reports

(10%) Other duties as assigned

Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

• Excellent communication skills; demonstrated ability to effectively communicate information in a clear and understandable manner, both verbally and in writing.
• Demonstrated customer service experience requiring a very high level of diplomacy and professionalism to effectively handle a broad range of sensitive interpersonal situations.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret and consistently apply a wide variety of complex policies and procedures where specific guidelines may not always exist.
• Expressed ability to work with frequent changes in policies and procedures, under pressure of deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated ability to proactively assess work operations and anticipate potential problems; ability to develop and implement strategies for preventing/resolving problems.
• Great ability to effectively perform work of a highly sensitive and confidential nature that requires access to information. Must be able to exercise sound judgment and discretion, tact, and diplomacy.
• Takes initiative in independently planning, organizing, and performing work assignments within broadly defined parameters
• Demonstrated ability to work with a high level of productivity and accuracy/attention to detail.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills with the demonstrated ability to set own priorities to coordinate multiple assignments with fluctuating and time-sensitive deadlines.
• Excellent computer skills and proficiency with a variety of computer applications including word processing, spreadsheets, databases, online systems, social media platforms, Internet as well as online calendaring and email.
• Demonstrated ability to initiate, establish, and foster communication and teamwork by maintaining a positive, cooperative, productive work atmosphere in and outside the University with the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships within a diverse population and with those from various cultural backgrounds.
• Willingness to and work effectively in a heavily bureaucratic environment which requires regular interaction with a number of levels within the organization and multiple outside agencies.
• Working knowledge or ability to quickly learn, university infrastructure, policies, and procedures.
• Demonstrated skills in an institutional/educational environment utilizing a customer-oriented and service-centered attitude.

Physical Demands

• Normal office activities such as sitting/standing at a desk, using a computer and communicating in person both in writing and via phone with others.