Seattle Pacific Foundation, Director of Finance and Treasurer

Foundation Financial Leadership & Stewardship

Provide financial leadership and oversight for Seattle Pacific Foundation accounting, treasury, trust, and investment-related operations.

Maintain the integrity of Foundation financial records, transactions, and reporting systems.

Monitor and strengthen financial controls, processes, and procedures to safeguard Foundation assets and ensure compliance with applicable policies and regulations.

Coordinate with university financial leadership to ensure consistency in Foundation and University financial reporting, reconciliations, and related accounting activity.

Financial Reporting, Audit & Compliance

Supervise preparation of Foundation financial statements, related schedules, and financial reporting materials.

Coverage and oversight of annual Foundation financial statement audits and related audit activity, serving as liaison with independent auditors.

Ensure compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Foundation policies, and applicable regulatory requirements.

Oversee preparation and filing of required financial and trust-related reports and tax filings, including Forms 990, 1099, 5227, and related reporting obligations.

Routinely analyze and interpret accounting guidance related to investments, charitable trusts, and nonprofit accounting practices.

Investment, Endowment & Trust Accounting

Coordinate with investment managers to ensure accurate accounting and reporting of investment and trust activity.

Oversee accounting for Foundation investment pools, endowment funds, trusts, and related financial activity, including market gains/losses, distributions, and unitized pool accounting procedures.

Monitor endowment-related transactions and spending allocations to ensure appropriate accounting treatment and financial stewardship.

Support trustor relationships by assisting with financial reporting, distributions, and trust-related communication as needed.

Board & Governance Support

Prepare and present financial reports, analysis, and supporting materials for the Foundation Board and Board committees.

Support financial reporting needs for University leadership, the Board of Trustees, and related governance groups as requested.

Maintain appropriate financial records and documentation supporting Foundation governance and fiduciary responsibilities.

Operations, Systems & Staff Supervision

Provide oversight and supervision for Foundation accounting operations and staff.

Supervise, coach, and support the Foundation Staff Accountant through training, communication, performance feedback, and professional development.

Support budget monitoring, disbursement systems, approvals, and financial controls related to Foundation transactions.

Coverage and coordination with university partners on accounting system improvements and financial reporting enhancements.

What You Bring

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or closely related field
• Minimum of eight years of progressively responsible accounting or finance experience, including supervisory experience
• Strong knowledge of accounting principles, financial reporting, internal controls, and audit practices
• Experience with investment accounting, charitable trusts, endowment accounting, or similar financial structures
• Familiarity with nonprofit, foundation, fund accounting, or higher education accounting environments
• Strong analytical skills and ability to interpret accounting guidance, professional literature, regulations, and financial information
• High level of proficiency with Excel, spreadsheet design, financial systems, and reporting tools
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
• Ability to manage confidential information with professionalism, sound judgment, and discretion
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and commitment to accuracy and stewardship
• Mission Alignment: A personal commitment to Christian faith; enthusiasm for supporting SPU's mission; alignment with the University's Statement of Faith; and willingness to uphold the lifestyle standards of our Christian community

Preferred Qualifications

• CPA licensure
• Experience in higher education, nonprofit, foundation, or endowment accounting environments
• Experience supporting financial reporting to Boards, trustees, committees, or governance groups
• Experience supervising audits and complex financial reporting processes
• Master's degree or additional advanced accounting or finance coursework

Compensation & Position Details

Salary: Starting at $140,000 annually, commensurate with experience

Status: Full-time, exempt

Department: Seattle Pacific Foundation

Reports To: Vice President for Business and Finance

Location: On-campus in Seattle, WA (not eligible for remote work)

Benefits: SPU pays employee premiums for medical, dental, and vision insurance; provides HSA/HRA contributions; contributes 7% to a retirement account with immediate vesting (as eligible); and offers a tuition discount program for employees and qualified dependents.