Senior Accountant

We’re Growing! The Southern Education Foundation, Inc. (SEF), based in Atlanta, Georgia seeks applicants to fill our Senior 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 Senior Accountant reports to the Controller. To learn more, please visit www.southerneducation.org.

The Opportunity:

The Southern Education Foundation, Inc. is seeking to hire a Senior Accountant to assist with restricted funds and the overall financial operations of SEF. This role will engage with various levels and functional areas of the SEF team. The selected candidate will have a deep understanding of not-for-profit fund accounting and operations. This individual should exhibit a self-driven desire to learn SEF’s strategic initiatives aimed at strengthening relationships with donors and partners who support the mission and objectives of SEF.

TYPICAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Must have restricted fund experience in accounting, financial trend reporting, and modeling
Candidates should have experience in the non-profit sector, as well as with private and government organizations
Assist in managing all grants and reporting to all donors
Manage the life cycle of a grant
Monitor grant budgets, expenditures, and projections to ensure that funds are utilized in compliance with grant regulations
Conduct thorough reviews of cash flow analysis for restricted funds
Collaborate with the Controller and Development Office to ensure the accurate coding of contributions, gifts, and grants to the appropriate budget, grant, and restriction codes
Analyze data by reviewing and comparing the budget against the actual restricted funds
Process journal entries to ensure that all business transactions are recorded promptly and accurately
Perform reconciliations of restricted funds bank account and balance sheet
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
Timely and accurately update financial data in the accounting software (Abila and Salesforce)
Ensure that grants are recorded in accordance with the designated revenue recognition guidelines
Assist the Controller in the preparation of SEF monthly financial statements and financial reports
Support in the preparation and management of the annual budgeting process
Contribute to the preparation of PBC audit schedules and annual financial audit report
Champion automation processes to enhance financial reporting
Maintain financial records in accordance with the requirements of retention policy
Performs additional duties as assigned

REQUIRED EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/SKILLS:

A Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or a related discipline is essential
Minimum of five years of professional work experience in general ledger and financial statement preparation
Demonstrated experience in data analysis and interpretation
Proven ability to work both autonomously and collaboratively across multiple projects
A strong commitment to cost containment practices
Exceptionally organized, with keen eye for detail
Excellent communication skills are imperative
Consistently exhibit ethical conduct
Familiarity with Abila-MIP Fund Accounting and Salesforce is a plus
Maximize the use of technology whenever feasible
Proficient in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, with advanced skills in v-lookups and creating pivot tables
A sense of humor and the ability to exhibit grace under pressure while navigating ambiguity with confidence
A commitment to fostering equity and excellence for low-income students in the South on a daily basis

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. Candidates from the Atlanta metro area are encouraged to apply. 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 Senior Accountant in the subject line of the email. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

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

Compensation: $85,000.00 per year

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.

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