What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Accountant position at University of South Dakota Foundation & Alumni Association?
Create Lasting Impact.
At the University of South Dakota Foundation & Alumni Association (USDFAA), our mission is simple: Create lasting impact. Every day, we partner with donors, alumni, and the University of South Dakota to advance opportunities that transform lives. We're looking for a collaborative, detail-oriented accounting professional who is passionate about stewardship, financial excellence, and supporting a mission that makes a difference.
As our Senior Accountant, you'll play a critical role in ensuring the accuracy, integrity, and transparency of the Foundation's financial operations. Working closely with the Controller, Vice President of Finance, and Finance team, you'll support complex accounting functions, financial reporting, investments, gifts, scholarships, and audit activities that help ensure the responsible management of philanthropic resources.
What You'll Do
As a key member of our Finance team, you will:
- Maintain accurate and timely accounting records that support financial reporting and strong internal controls.
- Prepare journal entries, account reconciliations, and supporting schedules for monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes.
- Perform bank reconciliations and resolve outstanding items promptly.
- Assist in preparing financial statements and supporting financial analyses.
- Support the annual external audit by preparing schedules, reconciliations, and documentation.
- Reconcile investment activity across financial systems, custodial statements, and the general ledger.
- Process and reconcile stock gifts, donor gifts, gift transfers, and related accounting activity.
- Prepare and reconcile scholarship accounting and reporting.
- Process wire transfers while ensuring proper documentation and approvals.
- Process sales and use tax activity, trust accounting, and receivable bond reconciliations.
- Prepare quarterly and annual financial reporting schedules, reconciliations, and variance analyses.
- Partner with Finance leadership to strengthen accounting processes and improve operational efficiency.
- Provide exceptional service to Foundation staff, University partners, donors, vendors, and other stakeholders.
- Stay current on nonprofit accounting standards, regulations, and best practices.
- Perform other duties that support the mission of the organization.
What You'll Bring
We're looking for someone who combines strong technical accounting skills with a collaborative mindset.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field (or an equivalent combination of education and experience).
- Three or more years of professional accounting experience.
- Strong understanding of financial accounting principles and reconciliation processes.
- Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
- Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
- Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
- Experience with CRM and financial systems such as Raiser's Edge, Financial Edge, or Paciolan is preferred.
- Valid driver's license with a safe driving record.
Our Values
At USDFAA, our values shape how we work together and how we serve our mission.
Drive – We move with purpose, take initiative, and deliver high-quality work that advances our mission.
Accountability – We take ownership of our commitments, communicate openly, and follow through with integrity.
Commitment – We show up fully, prioritize mission-driven outcomes, and support one another through challenges.
Collaboration – We build trust through open communication, respect diverse perspectives, and work together to achieve shared success.
Why Join USDFAA?
This is more than an accounting role—it's an opportunity to help steward philanthropic investments that create opportunities for students, faculty, and the University of South Dakota for generations to come. You'll join a collaborative team committed to excellence, continuous improvement, and meaningful impact.
If you're an experienced accounting professional who values integrity, collaboration, and purpose-driven work, we'd love to hear from you.
Apply today and help us create lasting impact.
Please submit a resume and letter of interest to careers@usdfoundation.org. Additional details can be found on our website at www.usdalumni.com/careers.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $70,000.00 - $88,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Education:
- Bachelor's (Required)
Work Location: In person
Salary : $70,000 - $88,000