Senior Accountant

About the Foundation 

The Heising-Simons Foundation is a family foundation based in Los Altos and San Francisco, California. The Foundation and the Heising-Simons Action Fund, its affiliated 501(c)(4) organization, work with its many partners to advance sustainable solutions in climate and clean energy, enable groundbreaking research in science, enhance the education of our youngest learners, and support human rights for all people.   

The Foundation’s grantmaking is guided by the values of humility, courage, justice, opportunity, sustainability, innovation, relationships, and integrity. Since its first grant in 2008, the Foundation has awarded more than $1 billion across over 3,800 grants.   

The Opportunity 

The Heising-Simons Foundation’s Finance team seeks a Senior Accountant to manage day-to-day financial operations and support a variety of complex accounting activities. The Finance team ensures scalable, effective, and efficient accounting processes and works closely with all departments across the Foundation, especially grantmaking program teams, grants management, human resources, and IT. This role works closely with the Director of Finance and cross-functional teams to ensure efficient accounting processes as well as the accuracy and integrity of financial data in accordance with GAAP and non-profit accounting principles.  

This full-time (37.5 hours per week) exempt (salary) position is based in the San Francisco Bay Area and reports to the Director of Finance. 

The successful candidate must live in the San Francisco Bay Area. Currently, the Foundation has a flexible hybrid approach to work, allowing staff to work from home or the office while maintaining a regular in-person cadence of three consecutive days per month for community building, learning, collaboration, and direction setting. In addition, the Finance team meets in person at least quarterly and as needed to fulfill departmental objectives.   

Primary Responsibilities 

General Ledger & Month-End Close 

• Perform month-end closing activities, including journal entries, general ledger management, credit card statement, bank reconciliations, and balance sheet analysis. 
• Maintain and reconcile general ledger accounts, ensuring accurate and timely recording of all transactions.  
• Ensure accurate and timely reconciliation of accounts, including expenses, and payroll & allocations. 
• Prepare and post journal entries to record financial transactions, capitalize or write off assets, including accruals, adjustments, and corrections.  
• Prepare schedules for prepaid expenses and fixed assets. 
• Perform other month-end close activities as required. 

Payroll Administration & Benefits 

• Manage semi-monthly payroll processing, ensuring accurate calculation of wages, taxes, 401(k) deductions, employee benefits, and other deductions. 
• Prepare quarterly payroll reconciliations and other relevant reports. 
• Maintain payroll records and ensure compliance with applicable labor laws and tax regulations across multiple states. 
• Review and ensure accurate administration of employee 401(k)and 457(b) contributions and employer matching, reporting, and timely remittance to plan provider. 
• Coordinate with human resources on employee compensation, leaves of absence, and benefits updates as well as onboarding and offboarding as it relates to payroll and financial systems. 

Accounts Payable & Invoice Management 

• Set up, review, code, and process vendor invoices and employee reimbursements. 
• Ensure timely and accurate payment of accounts. 
• Maintain vendor records and respond to inquiries regarding payments. 
• Conduct banking verification calls for grantees. 

Year End 

• Prepare contractors’ 1099 forms for distribution, which includes liaising with 3rd party accounting vendor.  
• Assist with the preparation for and participation in annual audit as pertains to payroll, fixed assets and monthly close.  
• Prepare information for annual tax return (990-PF), annual Workers’ Compensation audit, property taxes (Los Altos and San Francisco), and Welfare Exemption filings.  
• Perform other year end activities as required. 

Systems & Reporting 

• Set-up new hires in finance systems in coordination with Human Resources.  
• Conduct onboarding and refresher trainings on financial management reimbursement systems. 
• Recommend systems for improved accounting procedures and financial controls. 
• Prepare ad hoc analysis and reporting as required from various systems. 

Foundation-wide Responsibilities 

• Contribute to a positive, inclusive, and dynamic organizational culture.   
• Participate in Foundation-wide activities, such as committees, internal culture-building, training, and strategic planning.   
• Provide regular feedback to supervisor and colleagues both informally and as a part of the annual review process.  
• Train new colleagues. 

Desired Experience & Attributes 

• 4+ years of progressive accounting experience with a strong understanding of GAAP, accounting principles, internal controls and financial reporting. 
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field (required); CPA or CPA track preferred. 
• Experience working with a Professional Employer Organization (PEO) required, with strong preference for TriNet experience.  
• Advanced knowledge of Excel and experience with systems and platforms such as BILL, Intacct, and Expensify.  
• Strong problem-solving skills and solutions orientation, with the ability to proactively identify and resolve accounting and payment-related issues. 
• Ability to analyze complex financial data and translate it into actionable insights. 
• Strong attention to detail, particularly when managing sensitive financial records and reports.  
• Demonstrates sound judgement, maintains confidentiality, and handles sensitive financial and payroll data with discretion.  
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines efficiently. 
• Track record of working collaboratively across functions in support shared goals.  
• Communicates clearly and professionally with internal teams, vendors, and grantees/customers. Approaches inquiries with professionalism and a helpful attitude. 

Compensation & Benefits 

The target starting salary for this position is $110,000 to $132,000 per year, depending on experience.  

The Heising-Simons Foundation offers a comprehensive employee benefits package designed to support employee wellness at work and in life. Benefits include employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and dependents. In addition, the Foundation offers a flexible spending account (FSA) for medical and childcare expenses, a 401(k) plan with an employer match of up to 16%, 3 weeks of vacation per year, and paid time off for sick, personal reasons, and holidays.   

Application Process 

The Foundation is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes a diverse pool of applicants. Foundation policy prohibits unlawful discrimination based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, marital status, physical disability, mental disability, military service, legally protected medical condition, reproductive health decisions, or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state, or local laws. Reasonable accommodation will be made so that qualified applicants with disabilities may participate in the application process. Please advise in writing of special needs at the time of application.  

Our success is dependent on our ability to build teams that include people with different experiences and expertise who can challenge each other’s assumptions with new viewpoints and bring different perspectives to the team. We encourage women, people of color, formerly incarcerated individuals, immigrants, LGBTQ+, people with disabilities, and others with diverse perspectives and experiences to apply.  

Please upload a cover letter that describes your relevant experience and interest in this position, as well as your resume.