Seattle Pacific Foundation, Director of Finance and Treasurer

Foundation Director Of Finance And TreasurerSeattle Pacific University is a Christian university fully committed to engaging the culture and changing the world by graduating people of competence and character, becoming people of wisdom, and modeling grace-filled community.The Seattle Pacific Foundation supports the mission and long-term sustainability of Seattle Pacific University through faithful stewardship of charitable assets, endowments, trusts, and donor-directed resources. Working closely with university leadership, the Foundation Board, and financial partners, the Foundation helps ensure resources are managed with integrity, accountability, and care in support of students, programs, and institutional priorities.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.Foundation Financial Leadership & StewardshipProvide financial leadership and oversight for Seattle Pacific Foundation accounting, treasury, trust, and investment-related operationsMaintain the integrity of Foundation financial records, transactions, and reporting systemsMonitor and strengthen financial controls, processes, and procedures to safeguard Foundation assets and ensure compliance with applicable policies and regulationsCoordinate with university financial leadership to ensure consistency in Foundation and University financial reporting, reconciliations, and related accounting activityFinancial Reporting, Audit & ComplianceSupervise preparation of Foundation financial statements, related schedules, and financial reporting materialsCoordinate and oversee annual Foundation financial statement audits and related audit activity, serving as liaison with independent auditorsEnsure compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Foundation policies, and applicable regulatory requirementsOversee preparation and filing of required financial and trust-related reports and tax filings, including Forms 990, 1099, 5227, and related reporting obligationsRoutinely analyze and interpret accounting guidance related to investments, charitable trusts, and nonprofit accounting practicesInvestment, Endowment & Trust AccountingCoordinate with investment managers to ensure accurate accounting and reporting of investment and trust activityOversee accounting for Foundation investment pools, endowment funds, trusts, and related financial activity, including market gains/losses, distributions, and unitized pool accounting proceduresMonitor endowment-related transactions and spending allocations to ensure appropriate accounting treatment and financial stewardshipSupport trustor relationships by assisting with financial reporting, distributions, and trust-related communication as neededBoard & Governance SupportPrepare and present financial reports, analysis, and supporting materials for the Foundation Board and Board committeesSupport financial reporting needs for University leadership, the Board of Trustees, and related governance groups as requestedMaintain appropriate financial records and documentation supporting Foundation governance and fiduciary responsibilitiesOperations, Systems & Staff SupervisionProvide oversight and supervision for Foundation accounting operations and staffSupervise, coach, and support the Foundation Staff Accountant through training, communication, performance feedback, and professional developmentSupport budget monitoring, disbursement systems, approvals, and financial controls related to Foundation transactionsCoordinate with university partners on accounting system improvements and financial reporting enhancementsWhat You BringBachelor's degree in Accounting or closely related fieldMinimum of eight years of progressively responsible accounting or finance experience, including supervisory experienceStrong knowledge of accounting principles, financial reporting, internal controls, and audit practicesExperience with investment accounting, charitable trusts, endowment accounting, or similar financial structuresFamiliarity with nonprofit, foundation, fund accounting, or higher education accounting environmentsStrong analytical skills and ability to interpret accounting guidance, professional literature, regulations, and financial informationHigh level of proficiency with Excel, spreadsheet design, financial systems, and reporting toolsStrong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skillsAbility to manage confidential information with professionalism, sound judgment, and discretionAbility to work independently while understanding both detailed financial activity and broader institutional prioritiesStrong organizational skills, attention to detail, and commitment to accuracy and stewardshipMission Alignment: 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 communityPreferred QualificationsCPA licensureExperience in higher education, nonprofit, foundation, or endowment accounting environmentsExperience supporting financial reporting to Boards, trustees, committees, or governance groupsExperience supervising audits and complex financial reporting processesMaster's degree or additional advanced accounting or finance courseworkCompensation & Position DetailsSalary: Starting at $140,000 annually, commensurate with experienceStatus: Full-time, exemptDepartment: Seattle Pacific FoundationReports To: Vice President for Business and FinanceLocation: On-campus in Seattle, WA (not eligible for remote work)Benefits: SPU pays employee premiums for medical, dental, and vision insurance; provides HSA/HRA contributions; contributes 7% to a retirement account with immediate vesting (as eligible); and offers a tuition discount program for employees and qualified dependents.