Accounting Specialist

Job Purpose

The Accounting Specialist reports directly to the Controller and works to maintain the Foundation's financial records in a manner consistent with generally accepted accounting principles and best practices. This position is responsible for accounts payable and related tax filings, contract management, general accounting, supporting financial reporting, and supporting the annual audits, budget, and tax filings. This position serves as back-up as needed to the Junior Accountant.

Key Job Responsibilities and Essential FunctionsAccounts payable, tax, grant, audit, and other accounting

• Process and oversee all transactions and documents related to foundation accounts payable, including invoicing, payments, banking transactions, account reconciliation, year-end processes, and other accounts payable activity.
• Coordinate and execute payments related to contract administration.
• Manage fixed asset and lease activity, including reconciliation, depreciation projections, tracking and inventory.
• Supports the contract management process for the foundation.
• Prepare and file tax forms related to all foundation vendors.
  
  

Reconcile grants in accounting software and Board/Committee minutes.

• Prepare and reconcile audit workpapers and support audit preparation. Respond as appropriate to auditor's questions.
• Perform prepaid asset accounting, benefit accounting, and reconcile bank accounts.
• Collaborate with non-finance staff in conditional grant accounting and other activities, as required.
  
  

Reporting and special projects

• Provide analysis and metrics of expenses and accounts payable, as assigned.
• Prepare and distribute monthly and ad hoc reporting, as required.
• Assist with special short- and long-term projects, as assigned.
• Other duties and projects, as assigned.
  
  

Team engagement and performance

• Identify and implement process improvements to streamline accounts payable process.
• Monitor Finance team document retention policy compliance
• Serve as liaison with IT/others for finance-related software issues.
• Collaborate with foundation staff to develop appropriate training and onboarding content.
  
  

Participate in Foundation-wide meetings and events

• Attend and actively participate in staff meetings, retreats, DEIB sessions, and other foundation wide meetings.
• Participate in cross-functional work groups, as appropriate.
  
  

Required CompetenciesFoundation-wide Competencies

• Collaborates, Communicates Effectively, Manages Complexity, Builds Networks, Being Resilient, Drives Results, Strategic Mindset and Instills Trust
  
  

QualificationsMinimum Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree, in accounting or finance, and
• Three years professional experience working in a foundation, nonprofit, or government organization in finance or accounting, including a minimum of two years managing accounts payable, or
• Equivalent combination of education, training and experience, as determined by Human Resources.
  
  

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of not-for-profit or foundation accounting with an understanding of generally-accepted accounting principles
• Skilled at organizing tasks, managing time, and prioritizing projects
• Ability to manage heavy load of highly detailed work with speed and accuracy
• Ability to adhere to high standards of accuracy and to exhibit a strong attention to detail
• Proven ability to communicate professionally and effectively and work collaboratively, with a customer service focus, both internally and externally.
• Skilled at recognizing inefficiencies and identifying and driving process improvements.
• Ability to work with high level of proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and OneNote.
• Expertise in Microsoft Excel including proficiency using advanced formulas, tables and formatting, advance charting, pivot table & pivot reporting, and VBA and macros
• Proficiency in Sage Intacct or comparable accounting software
• Experience with Concur Solutions or similar accounting software/systems
• Ability to work well both independently and in a team environment.
  
  

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

• Work is normally performed in an office work environment but includes bending, stooping, and kneeling for filing.
• Regular operation of normal office machines (computer, copier, and fax) is required.
• Lift objects up to 15 lbs., such as file boxes or other office equipment.
• Occasional evenings and weekends required.
• Minimal business travel is anticipated.
  
  

This opportunity is a full-time, exempt position based in Minneapolis. The position salary is $78,612.69.

Posting is open until filled but applicants are strongly encouraged to apply as soon as possible with application review beginning December 17, 2025. Please upload both a resume and cover letter.

McKnight is an equal opportunity employer and proudly values diversity. We encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply.More information about The McKnight Foundation can be found on our website at: www.mcknight.org.

The above statements are not intended to encompass all functions and qualifications of the position, rather, they are intended to provide a general framework of the requirements of the position. Job incumbents may be required to perform other functions not specifically addressed in this description.

Job Posted by ApplicantPro