Senior Accountant

ABOUT THE APPLICATION PROCESS

Please reach out to Briana Wales-Thaxton, Vice President for People and Culture at bwales@communityfoundation.org or 413-417-6399 if you need assistance or an accommodation to complete your application. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. 

ABOUT THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS (CFWM) 

Everything we do begins with local generosity: People in our region who want to give back to their communities in Franklin, Hampden, and Hampshire counties. When our donors give to us, they know that their gifts will be invested, stewarded, and shared to support people where they need it most. 

As your community foundation, we’re passionate about serving by bringing together resources, expertise, and devoted regional partners to tackle complex and complicated issues. We’re deeply devoted to seeking solutions, building connections, and collaborating to have an effective and positive impact where we live. 

CFWM is committed to working together across our community to increasing equity and opportunity so that all who live in our three counties have access to a satisfying quality of life.   

ABOUT OUR HYBRID WORKPLACE MODEL 

Our hybrid model is designed to keep community at the heart of what we do. We offer a hybrid workplace as part of our ongoing efforts to respond to employees’ needs and feedback that allows for individual needs to be met while balancing our ability to collaborate and build relationships in our workplace and across our community. We continue to recognize that some of our work can be done remotely, some work must be performed in the office, and much of our work takes place in our travels and activities throughout the region. All employees are required to come into the office, and work across the region for some CFWM events and activities. Some positions may require more of an office or community presence than others. 

 ABOUT YOU

• You have a degree in accounting and experience in a nonprofit setting.
• You are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. 
• You are detailed oriented and possess strong technical and project management skills
• You have at least 5  years experience as an accountant.
• You are a team player with willingness to grow, learn and teach others. 

WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING   

Investments 

• Review investment account activity including journal entries and Investment Summary report.  
• Sell any stock gifts and provide documentation to accounting manager and development for gift recording.  
• Reconcile investment accounts to balance sheet, maintain monthly investment portfolio reconciliations. 
• Review quarterly investment performance report to ensure alignment with accounting records. Review and update quarterly performance information for website 
• Support preparation of Investment Committee materials along with the VP Finance, track and monitor any requests from Investment Committee meeting. 
• Complete all external and government surveys as required 

Cash Management 

• Responsible for overall cash management among operating and investment accounts, including cash management among accounts and cash flow forecasting. 
• Monitor checking and brokerage accounts for cash and gift activity daily.  
• Help with electronic payments system as needed.   

Loans  

• Responsible for overall accounting and management of student loan processing and collections.   
• Respond to any student calls relating to their Student Loans 
• Collaborate with VP of Finance on hardship requests (e.g., settlements, write offs) annual review of allowance for doubtful accounts.   
• Review deposits posted from loan processor and collection agency as recorded by Accountant. 
• Ensure collection agency, loan processor & Foundation records reconcile 
• Work with Educational Impact Team to support loan cancellations, special payment requests, loan processing timelines to support overall loan program. 

Annual Audit & Tax Returns 

• Review and/or prepare schedules for year-end audit, Form 990 and other tax filings 
• Review and submit 1099’s (NEC & MISC for vendors, C for loan cancellations, R for annuitants) 
• Assist in preparation of related footnote disclosures. 
• Monitor tax developments and FASB changes pertinent to community foundations and take appropriate actions or make recommendations as needed.  

General: Write & update internal accounting procedures. Create and implement process improvements. Assist staff in other departments with financial issues and questions. Work as a member of intra-departmental teams to ensure the effective and efficient operations of the Foundation. Provide research and analysis on other projects as requested, provide back up to Accounting Manager. 

Education:  Bachelor’s Degree with concentration in Accounting required; CPA preferred

Experience:  Minimum of 5 years relevant experience.  Knowledge of and experience in nonprofit accounting, especially fund accounting is critical.   

Skills: In-depth understanding of GAAP accounting principles, financial record-keeping, and nonprofit tax filings. Fully proficient in use of computerized accounting systems, Microsoft Excel and relational databases.  Ability to effectively communicate within and outside the organization.  Attention to detail and strong organizational skills a must.  Strong commitment to the local community and demonstrated cultural competency. Problem solving mentality.