Accounting Manager

The Fund for Science and Technology is a new private foundation that is part of the Paul G. Allen philanthropic ecosystem. Founded in 2022 and launched in 2025, we enable accelerated discovery and catalyze progress for people and the planet through transformational science and technology. The foundation works to advance bioscience, accelerate solutions for the environment, and leverage the power of AI for the benefit of people and planet. Together, we strive to advance the frontiers of science and maximize the benefits it offers the world.  

Play a pivotal role in building high-impact teams in support of the Foundation’s mission. Collaborate across functions and influence organizational design, DEI, and culture. Thrive in a mission-centric workplace that values diversity, creativity, and accountability.

POSITION SUMMARY

We are seeking an Accounting Manager to lead all day-to-day accounting and payroll functions. This position requires proactive interaction across the foundation as well as precise, detailed, hands-on work. This role directs the work and coordinates the compilation and maintenance of the accounting records and financial reports. This role will have the opportunity to shape policies and will have end-to-end ownership of the accounting systems in our dynamic and growing foundation. 

This position has access to and regularly works with sensitive, highly confidential, and strategic information that requires considerable discretion, independent judgment, and tact. It also requires a professional attitude and strong interpersonal communication skills.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Supervise complex accounting projects and manage accounting staff.
• Maintain the general ledger, including month-end account reconciliations and closing, and preparation of monthly financial statements in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• Use judgment and strong professional skills to determine the appropriate procedures for preparing accounting records, researching transactions, and reporting. Provide guidance to less experienced staff on appropriate accounting treatment.
• Ensure timely and accurate reconciliation of foundation assets, grant disbursements, and operational expenditures.
• Function as primary point of contact for annual financial statement audit, including preparation of audit schedules and drafting financial statements.
• Provide functional expertise and guidance to staff for accounting systems and software applications.
• Assist in resource planning and perform hiring for the accounting department.
• Provide mentoring, guidance, and training to develop the accounting staff.
• Assist in determining accounting policies and procedures and maintaining the documentation of those policies and procedures. Identify opportunities for process and procedure improvements.
• Prepare and analyze monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements and other reports for management use. Design and format reports and assist senior accounting staff in determining the type of information to be included in reports.
• Process bi-weekly payroll, ensuring accurate handling of time, earnings, leave, deductions, benefits, and taxes for employees residing in various states.
• Support payroll training for staff and provide responsive assistance with payroll questions.
• Research, test, and resolve payroll tax issues with the IRS and state or local jurisdictions, including registering new local and state tax accounts as needed.
• Ensure timely and accurate W-2 preparation and review wage data submissions to state and local governments.
• Ensure accurate and timely monthly, quarterly, and year-end reporting by payroll company, including ESD, L&I, and 941.
• Prepare 990-PF tax schedules and direct accounting staff in the preparation of basic schedules. Apply knowledge of tax rules to assist the tax accountants in preparing tax returns.
• Implement and interpret the company's financial policies and procedures. Bring inconsistencies and problems to the attention of senior management.
• Communicate independently with other company personnel and contacts outside the company. Supervise accounting staff in these communications.
• Work effectively both independently and in a collaborative team environment.
• Demonstrate honesty, responsibility, integrity, and fulfillment of commitments.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Management Responsibilities:
This position directly manages one or more employees. The manager performs responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Management responsibilities include, but are not limited to interviewing, hiring, and training employees; coaching; mentoring; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; managing performance; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

Knowledge, Experience, Skill, and/or Ability Required:

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or equivalent
• Deep knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• Expert level of payroll fundamentals, including federal and multi-state tax regulations, payroll taxes, and compliance-sensitive processing.
• Expert-level experience with MS Office and Excel required.
• Expert-level skills with accounting software/systems.
• Expert-level understanding of financial systems, processes, and internal controls.
• High degree of flexibility with a service-oriented attitude.
• Demonstrated success in a fast-paced, highly collaborative environment.
• Detail orientation, organizational skills, and an analytical approach to tasks.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, demonstrating a high level of independent judgment, tact, and diplomacy.
• Strong commitment to mission alignment, equity, and collaborative organizational culture.

Preferred

• Advanced knowledge of MS Office (Excel, Outlook, PowerBI).
• Experience with private foundations, not-for-profit accounting, and fund accounting
• Experience with Sage Intacct.
• Experience with data warehouses, system queries, and/or other data compilation methods.
• Experience with FloQast or similar close management software tools.
• Experience with managing new accounting system integration.

Education/Experience/Certifications:

Bachelor’s degree (B.A. or B.S.) from an accredited institution plus a CPA, CFA, CMA, or Masters Degree and eight-plus years of relevant experience, OR equivalent combination of education and experience.

Special remarks regarding work environment:

This role requires Monday-Thursday in the office, and Fridays are remote days each week.  The hybrid work environment is an organizational decision that benefits employees, may differ from job to job, and is subject to change as needed.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS 

The salary range for this position is expected to be $136,000 – $183,000 per year. The upper portion of the salary range is typically reserved for existing employees who demonstrate strong performance over time or candidates who exceed our experience and skill set expectations.  

We personalize offers for each chosen future employee, carefully considering various factors when reviewing each candidate. These factors include experience, professional achievements, education, individual backgrounds, and internal equity, any of which could affect the compensation offer.  

The total compensation package for this position will also include other elements, including reasonable and customary benefits.  

Subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable plans then in effect, eligible employees may participate in a retirement savings plan and deferred compensation plan, as well as in Company-sponsored medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance plans for the employee and the employee’s eligible dependents.  The Company has not yet finalized a list of all available benefits for eligible employees and will update this description with any changes.   

Employees will also receive up to 16 annual vacation/personal days in the first two years, seven paid holidays, and paid time off for the day after Thanksgiving and the weekdays between December 25 and January 1. Employees will also receive up to 10 days of paid sick leave annually, and unused time may be carried over to the following year, up to the maximum unused time cap. Eligible employees may also take up to eight weeks of paid pregnancy disability and up to eight weeks of paid parental leave. Employees may be eligible for up to 13 weeks of short-term disability benefits.  

We’re committed to inclusion and equal opportunity. 

FFST is an equal-opportunity employer. Every qualified applicant will be considered for employment. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, national origin, religion, marital status, sex, disability, political ideology, veteran status, or other protected class.  

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The job description listed above is representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

If you need accommodation during the application or hiring process, don't hesitate to contact HR@ff-st.org.