Accounting & Finance Associate

Tucson Industrial Development Authority (Tucson IDA) and Groundswell Capital are mission-driven organizations focused on economic development, housing, and clean energy investment in Southern Arizona. We manage bond programs, revolving loan funds, grants, and public-private financing initiatives that support community growth and resilience.

We are seeking a full-time Accounting & Finance Associate to strengthen our internal financial infrastructure and support two closely related organizations.

This role is ideal for a skilled accounting professional who thrives in a small, high-accountability environment and can operate independently with precision and sound judgment.

The Accounting & Finance Associate will work directly with the Director of Finance to support accounting operations, compliance tracking, loan fund reporting, bond administration, budgeting support, and audit preparation.

We are looking for someone who understands accounting fundamentals, nonprofit or public-sector compliance, and financial systems. Your work will directly reduce organizational risk, improve reporting clarity, and support long-term financial sustainability.

• Maintain accurate accounting records in QuickBooks Online, including transaction review, coding, reconciliations, and month-end support.
• Support grant compliance and reporting, including SEFA tracking, budget alignment, and audit-ready documentation.
• Track and reconcile revolving loan fund activity, including principal, interest, capital sources, and funds availability reporting.
• Assist with bond compliance, administration, fee invoicing, and post-issuance tracking requirements.
• Support annual budgeting, budget-to-actual analysis, and preparation of Board and Financial Committee reporting materials.
• Maintain audit readiness year-round by organizing documentation, preparing schedules, and supporting external auditors.
• Document and improve accounting processes and internal controls to strengthen financial systems and reduce organizational risk.
• Exercise independent judgment in financial reconciliations, compliance tracking, and identification of accounting discrepancies or control improvements.

• One of the following:
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting
• Bachelor’s degree in Finance with strong accounting coursework and professional accounting experience
• Master’s in Accounting or Finance
• 2-5 years of progressive accounting experience with hands-on responsibility for reconciliations, month-end close, and audit support.
• Strong understanding of GAAP; familiarity with nonprofit fund accounting required (GASB exposure a plus).
• Experience supporting audits and maintaining audit-ready documentation.
• Experience tracking restricted funds, grants, or compliance-driven programs preferred. 
• Strong Excel skills required; ability to build financial models and perform budget-to-actual analysis.
• Ability to operate independently and manage recurring compliance deadlines.