Job Description:

Who We Are

Seattle Pacific University is a Christian university fully committed to engaging the culture and changing the world by graduating people of competence and character, becoming people of wisdom, and modeling grace-filled community.

The Seattle Pacific Foundation partners with Seattle Pacific University to steward charitable gifts, endowments, trusts, and investments that advance the University's mission for generations to come. Through sound financial management and careful stewardship, the Foundation supports scholarships, academic programs, faculty, and strategic initiatives that make a lasting impact on students and the broader SPU community.

What We Need

Seattle Pacific University is seeking a detail-oriented and analytical Accountant to join the Seattle Pacific Foundation finance team.

This position plays an important role in maintaining the financial integrity of both Seattle Pacific Foundation and Seattle Pacific University by supporting accounting, investment reporting, endowment and trust accounting, financial reporting, audits, tax filings, and board operations.

The ideal candidate enjoys complex accounting work, has exceptional attention to detail, and values accuracy, collaboration, and stewardship. This position offers a unique opportunity to work with investment portfolios, charitable trusts, endowments, nonprofit accounting, and university finance within a mission-driven organization.
The Foundation Accountant supports Seattle Pacific University’s mission by contributing to a Christ‑centered learning and working community committed to academic excellence, service, and engagement with the world. In this role, the employee brings their skills, gifts, and professional expertise to work that matters—serving students, colleagues, and the broader University community in ways that reflect SPU’s values and purpose. To that end, all University employees are required to be aligned with and supportive of SPU's Statement of Faith and its derivative policies and lifestyle expectations.

What You'll Do

Accounting & Financial Reporting

• Perform accounting for Foundation and University investment, trust, endowment, and financial activities

• Prepare journal entries, reconciliations, adjustments, and closing entries

• Maintain accurate accounting records in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)

• Support monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reporting activities

Investments, Endowments & Trust Accounting

• Maintain accounting records for Foundation investment pools, endowments, and charitable trusts

• Record investment income, market activity, capital gains, distributions, and other investment transactions

• Assist with trust accounting and financial reporting for beneficiaries and trustors

• Monitor investment activity and help ensure accurate valuation and reporting

Audit, Tax & Compliance

• Assist in preparing annual audited financial statements and supporting documentation

• Support preparation of IRS Form 990, trust tax returns, Washington State filings, and other regulatory reports

• Assist with annual audit activities and coordination with external auditors

• Help maintain strong internal controls to safeguard Foundation and University assets

Foundation Board & Donor Support

• Assist in preparing reports and materials for Seattle Pacific Foundation Board meetings

• Coordinate Foundation Board and committee meeting logistics, minutes, and records

• Communicate professionally with donors, trustors, outside advisors, and board members

• Support annual trustor communications and stewardship activities

Collaboration & Operational Excellence

• Partner with University Finance and Business & Finance teams to ensure accurate financial reporting

• Maintain a thorough understanding of Foundation accounting systems and financial processes

• Provide exceptional customer service while maintaining confidentiality and fiduciary responsibility

• Contribute to continuous improvement of accounting procedures and financial operations

What You Bring

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Accounting or a related field

• 3-5 years of professional accounting experience

• Strong understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)

• Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills

• Advanced attention to detail and commitment to accuracy

• Strong Excel skills and experience using accounting software

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative team environment

• High level of integrity, professionalism, discretion, and fiduciary responsibility

• Interest in investment accounting, endowments, trusts, or nonprofit financial management

• 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

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or a related field

• 5+ years of accounting experience

• CPA license or Accounting Certificate

• Experience with nonprofit, higher education, foundation, trust, or investment accounting

• Familiarity with investment accounting, charitable trusts, endowments, and multiple asset classes

• Experience with Workday, Argos, Banner, Adavico, or similar enterprise financial systems

Compensation & Position Details

• Salary: $70,000 - $80,000, commensurate to experience

• Status: Full-time, exempt

• Department: Seattle Pacific Foundation

• Reports To: Foundation Director of Finance & Treasurer

• Location: Seattle Pacific University, Seattle, WA (on-campus position)

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.

Additional Information:

How to Apply

Please complete the online application through Workday and be prepared to submit the following materials:

• Resume

• Cover Letter

We look forward to hearing how your unique talents and giftings make you a great fit for this role and how you can contribute to the mission of SPU!