Restricted Funds Accountant

We’re Growing! The Southern Education Foundation, Inc. (SEF), based in Atlanta, Georgia seeks applicants to fill our Restricted Funds Accountant position. For 158 years, SEF has made major contributions to improving education, from early childhood education through post-secondary completion. SEF works to improve equity, excellence, and opportunity in education in the South and across our nation, with an emphasis on increasing opportunities for students of color and students in low-income families. SEF pursues its mission through research, policy analysis, advocacy, leadership development, and direct services to schools.

The Restricted Funds Accountant reports to the Controller. To learn more, please visit www.southerneducation.org.

The Opportunity:

The Southern Education Foundation, Inc. is hiring a Restricted Funds Accountant to support the overall SEF financial operations. This position will work with all levels and functional areas of the SEF team. The chosen individual will possess knowledge of not-for-profit fund accounting and operations. This individual should be self-motivated to learn about SEF’s strategy for strengthening the relationships with those donors and partners who support the work and mission of SEF.

TYPICAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Focus on restricted fund accounting and financial trend reporting and modeling
Assist with managing all grants and reporting to all donors
Conduct reviews of cash flow analysis for restricted funds
Collaborate with the Controller and Development Office to ensure the appropriate coding of contributions, gifts, and grants to the appropriate budget, grant, and restriction codes
Analyze data by reviewing and comparing the budget vs the actual restricted funds
Process journal entries to ensure all business transactions are recorded promptly and accurately
Performs restricted funds bank account and balance sheet reconciliations
Assist in the preparation of SEF balance sheets, income statements, and other financial statements in accordance with non-profit fund accounting standards
Review all assigned general ledger expenses
Update financial data in the accounting software (Abila and Salesforce) in a timely and accurate manner
Ensure that grants are recorded following the appropriate revenue recognition rules
Assist the Controller in the preparation of SEF monthly financial statements and various financial reports
Aid in the preparation and management of the annual budgeting process
Contribute to the preparation of PBC audit schedules and annual financial audit reports
Champion automation processes to enhance financial reporting
Maintain financial records in accordance with retention policy requirements
Performs other duties as assigned

REQUIRED EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/SKILLS:

A Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or a related field is required
Possess a minimum of five years’ work experience in general ledger and financial statement preparation
Demonstrated experience in data analysis and interpretation
Proven ability to work both independently and collaboratively on multiple projects
A strong commitment to cost containment practices
Highly organized with keen attention to detail
Possess excellent communication skills
Consistently exhibit ethical behavior
Familiarity with Abila-MIP Fund Account and Salesforce is a plus
Maximize the use of technology when applicable
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, with expertise in using v-lookups and creating pivot tables
A sense of humor and the ability to exhibit grace under pressure, while navigating ambiguity comfortably
A commitment to promoting equity and excellence for low-income students in the South

Preferred Qualifications:

A CPA or CMA designation is highly preferred or candidates actively pursuing licensure or certification
Previous experience in not-for-profit accounting, particularly involving restricted funds, along with relevant reporting experience is required

Compensation for this role is $85,000 along with a competitive benefits package. The Southern Education Foundation is an Atlanta based organization. This is a full-time position working Monday – Friday. Presently, SEF is working a hybrid work schedule where employees work remotely and, in the office, based on the needs of the business. The expectation, however, is that employees are available to easily report to the office as needed.

Interested candidates should submit: 1) a letter of interest; 2) a current resume; 3) names and contact information of three references to Human Resources with Restricted Fund Accountant in the subject line of the email. Applications will be accepted until February 29, 2025.

The Southern Education Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Flexible work from home options available.

Southern Education Foundation

is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization supported by partners and donors committed to advancing equitable education policies and practices that elevate learning for low-income students and students of color in the southern states. We develop and disseminate research-based solutions for policymakers and grow the capacity of education leaders and influencers to create systemic change.

We believe education equity is essential to achieve quality and fairness in the public education system.

Equity exists when race and income are no longer the most reliable predictors of student success and systems work to ensure that each child receives what they need when they need it, to develop to their full academic and social potential. We envision a world where every student, regardless of background, enjoys an education that propels them toward the opportunity-rich life they deserve.

Our Mission

Since 1867, the mission of Southern Education Foundation has been to advance equitable education practices and policies in the South through research, advocacy, and leadership development that will result in every student regardless of background attaining a high-quality education that propels them toward the opportunity-rich life they deserve.

(if you already have a resume on Indeed)