Accounting Associate

About Us 

Blandin Foundation, located in Grand Rapids, Minn., is a private philanthropic organization focused on championing rural communities across Minnesota. Through grantmaking, advocacy, and community-building, we work to strengthen and elevate rural voices, address critical issues, and cultivate vibrant, thriving communities in our region. The Accounting Associate is an integral part of the Finance team, ensuring accurate and timely financial operations that support the Foundation’s ability to steward resources effectively and advance our mission of moving rural places forward. 

The Finance team plays a key role in stewarding the Foundation’s resources by ensuring financial data is accurate, timely, and aligned with strong internal controls. As part of this team, the Accounting Associate provides essential day-to-day accounting and administrative support. By managing payroll support, accounts payable, and other transactional processes, this position helps maintain the accuracy and efficiency of financial operations that make it possible for the Foundation to advance its mission. 

Position Summary 

The Accounting Associate provides day-to-day accounting and administrative support for the Foundation’s financial operations.  This role processes payroll and accounts payable and performs general accounting functions.  

 Key Responsibilities 

1. Payroll  

• Process payroll through the Foundation’s third-party payroll system; ensure timecards are entered and approved, collaborate with HR to ensure any payroll changes are updated, and process appropriate journal entries.  

• Prepare and submit HSA and retirement contribution reports, ensuring accurate and timely upload to the respective vendor portals. 

• Assist with payroll-related audit and tax schedules,5500 annual census, and provide information for surveys and workers’ compensation audits. 

• Review payroll forms (including Form 941, W-2) for accuracy. 

• Develop and maintain proficiency in the payroll system, utilizing it effectively to support efficiency and continuous quality improvement, while proactively bringing forward ideas for process enhancements. 

     2. Accounts Payable 

• Process accounts payable in accordance with organizational procedures. 

• Enter invoices into the Financial Management System, ensuring accurate coding, and timely processing. 

• Track and obtain vendor documentation (e.g., W-9s), ensuring compliance with 1099 reporting requirements. 

• Prepare Forms 1099 and 1096 for review. 

• Develop and maintain proficiency in the financial management system, utilizing it effectively to support efficiency and continuous quality improvement, while proactively bringing forward ideas for process enhancements. Ensure finance-related contracts are drafted and signed in accordance with Finance policies and procedures   

      3.  Accounting and Audit Support 

• Assist with month-end, quarter-end, and year-end processes. 

• Draft audit and tax schedules related to payroll and accounts payable for timely review. 

• Assist with other audit and tax preparation, as requested. 

• Provide support for miscellaneous finance projects. 

     4. General Administrative Support 

• Maintain accurate documentation of procedures and processes for assigned responsibilities, assisting with other finance documentation as needed. 

• Provide additional administrative and accounting support as needed. 

Experience & Qualifications 

• Two years of post-secondary education in accounting or related field preferred, but not required. 

• 2–3 years of payroll and accounts payable experience. 

• Experience utilizing payroll and financial management systems. 

Skills & Abilities 

• Service-oriented communicator who builds trust at all levels. 

• Meticulous attention to detail and commitment to confidentiality. 

• Ability to juggle multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing needs  

• Ability to exercise independent judgment, initiative, and commitment. 

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills. 

• Be a leader in your role and a contributor in a team-driven environment.  

• Demonstrate Blandin Foundation’s values. 

• Commitment to Equity. 

• Act with integrity, accountability, confidentiality, and transparency. 

• Practice continuous learning to grow knowledge, skills, and abilities. 

• Excellent time management, prioritization, and organizational skills. 

• Ability to work with others from a wide range of cultural backgrounds. 

• Ability to work proficiently in Microsoft Office 365. 

Typical Physical Requirements for the Position 

• Sitting at desk/computer, up to 8 hours per day. 

• Repetitive motions of hand, finders, wrists are needed 3/5 hours per day (keyboarding usage). 

• Occasional lifting, up to 15 pounds. 

• Occasional travel required. 

Salary : $33 - $34