Senior Accounting Director

YMCA Of Greater Seattle • Seattle, Washington • Full Time • $100,000–$120,000 / year

Posted on Wed, Nov 11, 2026

Overview

Our Commitment to Equity
The Y actively promotes a culture free from bias and injustice. We are dedicated to removing institutional and systemic barriers that result in oppression and racism. We will be accountable to marginalized communities for creating equitable and sustainable environments where social justice is woven into every facet of our programs, and by caring for our communities in a culturally versatile and respectful manner.

Job Summary

This position has a direct effect on the financial operations of the Association, providing expertise and direction regarding complex accounting procedures including management of payroll, accounts payable, financial and tax compliance, and other areas of accounting as assigned. Provides leadership, direct, and evaluate the daily operations of these accounting teams. Provides leadership, training, and support to YMCA branch supervisors and staff. Manages the software vendor relationship as pertains to payables, payroll, and works closely with human resources on a partner and strategic level as related to payroll activities.

What you'll get from working at The Y

Membership to the YMCA of Greater Seattle for you and your household
Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life insurance
Retirement with generous employer contributions
Free access to mental health resources
Rapidly-accruing paid time off (PTO)
Discounts on qualifying YMCA of Greater Seattle childcare and day camp programs

Hiring Range: $100,000 to $120,000 annually

Responsibilities

Directs and manages the process of the Association’s payroll to meet deadlines for biweekly payroll.
Oversees electronic timekeeping entry for the YMCA. Reviews, analyzes and audits payroll to ensure that accurate information is processed.
Directs and manages the accounts payables team to meet deadlines for weekly check runs and other purchasing obligations, such as the employee purchase card process.
Direct and oversee other payroll and payables information such as manual and void checks, deductions, previous month corrections, contributions data, garnishments, and employee reimbursements.
Direct and oversee financial and tax compliance (including compliance analysts) for the Association.
Directs, manages, and reviews associated tax returns performed by team or the payroll provider: this includes 941, Unemployment and Workers Compensation, other State returns. Other tax returns as assigned.
Oversees W-2 and 1099 process and issue by federal deadline. Maintains internal records and files of each according to legal retention requirements.
Oversees journal entry preparation and check requests related to payroll and payables.
Reconciles payroll liability accounts monthly and investigate discrepancies. Recommend periodic accounting entries including calculations for liability accounts such as PTO, worker’s compensation, unemployment, other.
Hires, trains, evaluates, supervises and develops team members, and hires other accounting team members as assigned.
Serves as primary lead in managing payroll information system, including payroll system conversions. Works with the payroll vendor to ensure installation and success of system upgrades. Communicate software changes to appropriate staff.
Generates reports and provides information training and consultation to branch staff to ensure financial accuracy.
Maintains associated accounting guidelines by writing and updating policies and procedures. Recommends associated financial policy changes to management. Communicates implemented changes to staff and ensures compliance.
Complies with federal, state and local legislation by studying existing and new legislation and enforcing adherence to requirements.
Assists with month and year-end closing.
Performs various other duties including assisting with yearly audit and statistical reporting and analysis.

Leadership Competencies:

Cause Driven Leader Level: Team Leader

Decision Making – Makes sound judgments and transfers learning from one situation to another.
Quality – Strives to meet or exceed goals and delivers a high-quality result.
Change Capacity – Demonstrates an openness to change and seeks opportunities in the change process.
Inclusion – Champions inclusion activities, strategies and initiatives
Influence – Empathetically listens and communicates for understanding when negotiating and dealing with conflict.

Code of Conduct for Applicants

All employees and volunteers are responsible for adhering to abuse prevention policies, maintaining appropriate boundaries, completing required training, reporting suspicious or inappropriate behavior, and complying with mandated reporting requirements.

Responsible for ensuring staff are properly screened, trained, supervised and held accountable to the organization’s abuse risk management standards.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in accounting or equivalent preferred.
Five or more years of experience in related accounting functions.
Strong understanding of all relevant regulations and federal and state requirements.
Experience with software packages including Word, Excel, and Access, as well as Accounting, Financial, and HR/Payroll systems.
Proven analytical/conceptual skills required to identify and interpret problems and recommend and implement solutions.
Ability to exercise discretion.
Exceptional attention to accuracy and detail, strong organizational skills.
Ability to meet firm deadlines.

Preferred Attributions and Skills

Knowledge of and previous experience with diverse populations (language, culture, race, physical ability, sexual orientation, etc.).
Language proficiency in addition to English may be helpful.

You'll be a great fit for the Seattle Y if you:

Thrive on working in a collaborative environment
Are very adaptable
Have high ownership and strong work ethic
Are a great problem solver who can think on your feet
Truly enjoy being of service to people
Like being part of a team that cares about one another as people and enjoy working together
Want to know that the work you do contributes to building a better, stronger community for all

At the Seattle Y, we are an inclusive organization of people with a shared commitment to nurture the potential of youth, promote healthy living, and foster social responsibility. We also believe in supporting the wellbeing of our employees and offer a free Y membership as a benefit of employment.

Become a leader on our team at the YMCA of Greater Seattle where we promote a continuous learning environment and career opportunities.

YGS is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating a diverse and equitable work environment. Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by local, state, or federal law.

We are a drug & alcohol-free workplace; all job offers are contingent on the results of a background check. We participate in the Federal E-Verify system.

If you need assistance of any kind with the application process, reach out to recruiting@seattleymca.org.

MISSION STATEMENT:

Building a community where all people, especially the young, are encouraged to develop their fullest potential in spirit, mind, and body.

OUR VALUES:

Respect
Responsibility
Honesty
Caring
Passion for Excellence

Directs and manages the process of the Association’s payroll to meet deadlines for biweekly payroll.
Oversees electronic timekeeping entry for the YMCA. Reviews, analyzes and audits payroll to ensure that accurate information is processed.
Directs and manages the accounts payables team to meet deadlines for weekly check runs and other purchasing obligations, such as the employee purchase card process.
Direct and oversee other payroll and payables information such as manual and void checks, deductions, previous month corrections, contributions data, garnishments, and employee reimbursements.
Direct and oversee financial and tax compliance (including compliance analysts) for the Association.
Directs, manages, and reviews associated tax returns performed by team or the payroll provider: this includes 941, Unemployment and Workers Compensation, other State returns. Other tax returns as assigned.
Oversees W-2 and 1099 process and issue by federal deadline. Maintains internal records and files of each according to legal retention requirements.
Oversees journal entry preparation and check requests related to payroll and payables.
Reconciles payroll liability accounts monthly and investigate discrepancies. Recommend periodic accounting entries including calculations for liability accounts such as PTO, worker’s compensation, unemployment, other.
Hires, trains, evaluates, supervises and develops team members, and hires other accounting team members as assigned.
Serves as primary lead in managing payroll information system, including payroll system conversions. Works with the payroll vendor to ensure installation and success of system upgrades. Communicate software changes to appropriate staff.
Generates reports and provides information training and consultation to branch staff to ensure financial accuracy.
Maintains associated accounting guidelines by writing and updating policies and procedures. Recommends associated financial policy changes to management. Communicates implemented changes to staff and ensures compliance.
Complies with federal, state and local legislation by studying existing and new legislation and enforcing adherence to requirements.
Assists with month and year-end closing.
Performs various other duties including assisting with yearly audit and statistical reporting and analysis.