Seattle Pacific Foundation, Director of Finance and Treasurer

Seattle Pacific University•Lexington, MA

31d•Onsite

About The Position

Seattle Pacific University is seeking a Foundation Director of Finance and Treasurer to provide financial leadership, stewardship, and oversight for the Seattle Pacific Foundation’s accounting, treasury, investment, trust, and financial reporting activities. This is an on-campus position based in Seattle, WA. Reporting to the Vice President for Business and Finance, this role is responsible for maintaining the integrity of Foundation financial operations through strong accounting practices, internal controls, audit coordination, investment and trust accounting, regulatory compliance, and governance reporting. The Director serves as an important partner to Foundation leadership, the Foundation Board and its committees, University Advancement, and SPU’s Business & Finance division to ensure Foundation assets are managed responsibly and financial reporting remains accurate, transparent, and compliant. The ideal candidate combines strong technical accounting expertise with sound judgment, professionalism, discretion, and attention to detail. This role requires an individual who can understand both financial detail and broader institutional priorities, work independently, supervise Foundation accounting operations, and communicate effectively with trustees, auditors, staff, and university leaders. The Foundation Director of Finance and Treasurer position supports Seattle Pacific University’s mission by contributing to a Christ‑centered learning and working community committed to academic excellence, service, and engagement with the world. In this role, the employee brings their skills, gifts, and professional expertise to work that matters—serving students, colleagues, and the broader University community in ways that reflect SPU’s values and purpose. To that end, all University employees are required to be aligned with and supportive of SPU's Statement of Faith and its derivative policies and lifestyle expectations.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or closely related field
Minimum of eight years of progressively responsible accounting or finance experience, including supervisory experience
Strong knowledge of accounting principles, financial reporting, internal controls, and audit practices
Experience with investment accounting, charitable trusts, endowment accounting, or similar financial structures
Familiarity with nonprofit, foundation, fund accounting, or higher education accounting environments
Strong analytical skills and ability to interpret accounting guidance, professional literature, regulations, and financial information
High level of proficiency with Excel, spreadsheet design, financial systems, and reporting tools
Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
Ability to manage confidential information with professionalism, sound judgment, and discretion
Ability to work independently while understanding both detailed financial activity and broader institutional priorities
Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and commitment to accuracy and stewardship
A personal commitment to Christian faith; enthusiasm for supporting SPU’s mission; alignment with the University’s Statement of Faith; and willingness to uphold the lifestyle standards of our Christian community

Nice To Haves

CPA licensure
Experience in higher education, nonprofit, foundation, or endowment accounting environments
Experience supporting financial reporting to Boards, trustees, committees, or governance groups
Experience supervising audits and complex financial reporting processes
Master’s degree or additional advanced accounting or finance coursework

Responsibilities

Provide financial leadership and oversight for Seattle Pacific Foundation accounting, treasury, trust, and investment-related operations
Maintain the integrity of Foundation financial records, transactions, and reporting systems
Monitor and strengthen financial controls, processes, and procedures to safeguard Foundation assets and ensure compliance with applicable policies and regulations
Coordinate with university financial leadership to ensure consistency in Foundation and University financial reporting, reconciliations, and related accounting activity
Supervise preparation of Foundation financial statements, related schedules, and financial reporting materials
Coordinate and oversee annual Foundation financial statement audits and related audit activity, serving as liaison with independent auditors
Ensure compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Foundation policies, and applicable regulatory requirements
Oversee preparation and filing of required financial and trust-related reports and tax filings, including Forms 990, 1099, 5227, and related reporting obligations
Routinely analyze and interpret accounting guidance related to investments, charitable trusts, and nonprofit accounting practices
Coordinate with investment managers to ensure accurate accounting and reporting of investment and trust activity
Oversee accounting for Foundation investment pools, endowment funds, trusts, and related financial activity, including market gains/losses, distributions, and unitized pool accounting procedures
Monitor endowment-related transactions and spending allocations to ensure appropriate accounting treatment and financial stewardship
Support trustor relationships by assisting with financial reporting, distributions, and trust-related communication as needed
Prepare and present financial reports, analysis, and supporting materials for the Foundation Board and Board committees
Support financial reporting needs for University leadership, the Board of Trustees, and related governance groups as requested
Maintain appropriate financial records and documentation supporting Foundation governance and fiduciary responsibilities
Provide oversight and supervision for Foundation accounting operations and staff
Supervise, coach, and support the Foundation Staff Accountant through training, communication, performance feedback, and professional development
Support budget monitoring, disbursement systems, approvals, and financial controls related to Foundation transactions
Coordinate with university partners on accounting system improvements and financial reporting enhancements