Restricted Funds Accountant

Restricted Funds Accountant

We’re Growing! The Southern Education Foundation, Inc. (SEF), based in Atlanta, Georgia seeks applicants to fill our Restricted Funds Accountant position. For 158 years, SEF has made major contributions to improving education, from early childhood education through post-secondary completion. SEF works to improve equity, excellence, and opportunity in education in the South and across our nation, with an emphasis on increasing opportunities for students of color and students in low-income families. SEF pursues its mission through research, policy analysis, advocacy, leadership development, and direct services to schools. 

The Restricted Funds Accountant reports to the Controller. To learn more, please visit www.southerneducation.org.

The Opportunity:

The Southern Education Foundation, Inc. is hiring a Restricted Funds Accountant to support the overall SEF financial operations. This position will work with all levels and functional areas of the SEF team. The chosen individual will possess knowledge of not-for-profit fund accounting and operations. This individual should be self-motivated to learn about SEF’s strategy for strengthening the relationships with those donors and partners who support the work and mission of SEF.

TYPICAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Focus on restricted fund accounting and financial trend reporting and modeling
• Assist with managing all grants and reporting to all donors
• Conduct reviews of cash flow analysis for restricted funds
• Collaborate with the Controller and Development Office to ensure the appropriate coding of contributions, gifts, and grants to the appropriate budget, grant, and restriction codes
• Analyze data by reviewing and comparing the budget vs the actual restricted funds
• Process journal entries to ensure all business transactions are recorded promptly and accurately
• Performs restricted funds bank account and balance sheet reconciliations
• Assist in the preparation of SEF balance sheets, income statements, and other financial statements in accordance with non-profit fund accounting standards
• Review all assigned general ledger expenses
• Update financial data in the accounting software (Abila and Salesforce) in a timely and accurate manner
• Ensure that grants are recorded following the appropriate revenue recognition rules
• Assist the Controller in the preparation of SEF monthly financial statements and various financial reports
• Aid in the preparation and management of the annual budgeting process
• Contribute to the preparation of PBC audit schedules and annual financial audit reports
• Champion automation processes to enhance financial reporting
• Maintain financial records in accordance with retention policy requirements
• Performs other duties as assigned

REQUIRED EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/SKILLS:

• A Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or a related field is required
• Possess a minimum of five years’ work experience in general ledger and financial statement preparation
• Demonstrated experience in data analysis and interpretation
• Proven ability to work both independently and collaboratively on multiple projects
• A strong commitment to cost containment practices
• Highly organized with keen attention to detail
• Possess excellent communication skills
• Consistently exhibit ethical behavior
• Familiarity with Abila-MIP Fund Account and Salesforce is a plus
• Maximize the use of technology when applicable
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, with expertise in using v-lookups and creating pivot tables
• A sense of humor and the ability to exhibit grace under pressure, while navigating ambiguity comfortably
• A commitment to promoting equity and excellence for low-income students in the South

Preferred Qualifications:

• A CPA or CMA designation is highly preferred or candidates actively pursuing licensure or certification
• Previous experience in not-for-profit accounting, particularly involving restricted funds, along with relevant reporting experience is required

Compensation for this role is $85,000 along with a competitive benefits package. The Southern Education Foundation is an Atlanta based organization. This is a full-time position working Monday – Friday. Presently, SEF is working a hybrid work schedule where employees work remotely and, in the office, based on the needs of the business. The expectation, however, is that employees are available to easily report to the office as needed.

Interested candidates should submit: 1) a letter of interest; 2) a current resume; 3) names and contact information of three references to Human Resources with Restricted Fund Accountant in the subject line of the email.

The Southern Education Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.