Gift Accounting Manager

ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW

As a center for Jewish philanthropy, the Jewish Community Federation and Endowment Fund (the Federation) mobilizes assets to support the most pressing issues of our time, while building and sustaining thriving Jewish communities in the Bay Area, Israel and beyond for generations to come. We inspire personal and collaborative philanthropy, and facilitate grantmaking, impact lending, and advocacy to make the world a better place.

With our work guided by Jewish values, the Federation operates as a community foundation, partnering with individuals and families to implement their charitable visions as well as to connect and strengthen the Jewish non-profit sector. In 2024, the Federation granted and loaned more than $222 million, making it the single largest funder of Jewish causes in the state of California. Learn more about us.

The Federation is seeking a highly motivated and qualified individual with a variety of skill sets who wants to join a team working to build a new model of 21st century and next generation Federation engagement.

ROLE SUMMARY

The Gift Accounting Manager is responsible for overseeing the accurate and timely recording, reporting, and management of the foundation’s gift intake process including all charitable gifts, donations, and pledges. This role ensures that gifts are properly recorded in compliance with accounting standards, donor restrictions, organizational policies and nonprofit regulations. This role reports to Director of Finance and Administration. We are currently working in hybrid set up with two days in the office (usually Wednesdays and Thursdays).

MANAGERIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

The Gift Accounting Manager will lead a team responsible for processing gifts and coordinating with the appropriate donor relation and stewardship teams for proper gift acknowledgements.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Gift Intake and Processing

• Oversee the intake, processing, and recording of all incoming gifts, including cash, checks, online donations, stock gifts, bequests, and in-kind contributions.
• Ensure that donor information is accurately captured, categorized, and recorded in CRM database.
• Manage the process for pledges, including tracking pledge payments and ensuring proper recognition.
• Process donor-directed gifts, ensuring compliance with donor intentions and restrictions (e.g., restricted funds, designated funds).
• Be the accounting point of contact for any external online giving platforms (e.g., Classy, PayPal, Benevity) and ensure gifts received through these platforms are recorded properly.

Collaboration and Communication

• Work closely with the development, donor relations, and stewardship to ensure seamless coordination in gift processing, donor stewardship, and financial reporting.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for questions regarding gift intake.
• Collaborate with the fundraising team to support annual campaigns, events, and special fundraising initiatives through efficient gift processing.
• Work with the Data team to resolve any system issues and improve the gift intake process, including developing and implementing process improvements.

Reporting and Analysis

• Ensure accurate reporting of financial information, including the reconciliation of charitable gifts, donations, and pledges from CRM with the general ledger.
• Assist with month-end close, preparation of journal entries, account reconciliations, and annual audit.
• Prepare monthly bank reconciliations and research of variances or unusual transactions; confirm all incoming payments, including checks. Electronic transfers and online donations are recorded accurately and timely.
• Reconcile accounts receivable and calculate the annual allowance for bad debt.
• Prepare and maintain pledge rollforward schedule and all gift related schedules for annual financial audit and tax return filing.

Audit and Compliance

• Support the preparation of annual audits, preparing PBCs and addressing audit inquiries in areas related to contributed revenue and donor restrictions.
• Maintain proper documentation for donations, grants, and pledges to meet audit and regulatory requirements.
• Ensure compliance with IRS guidelines for charitable contributions and donor acknowledgement.
• Track and monitor restricted gifts and ensure that donor restrictions are honored and tracked properly.
• Prepare IRS report filing (Form 8283) as needed.

Team Management and Training

• Manage a team responsible for gift intake, ensuring that all members understand and follow the organization's policies and procedures for processing gifts.
• Provide training, guidance, and support to staff involved in the gift intake process, ensuring they are knowledgeable about donor policies, database management, and compliance requirements.
• Review team performance and provide feedback and support to ensure efficient and accurate processing of gifts.

Other Projects

• Other projects & tasks assigned by the Director of Finance, Controller and/or the CFO.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES

Required:

• Strong understanding of gift processing systems, donor databases (e.g., Salesforce), and tax regulations related to charitable donations.
• Strong interpersonal and communicational skills
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks with accuracy, attention to detail, and confidentiality.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate to leadership and collaborate across teams.
• Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to address and resolve issues quickly and professionally.
• Team player with the capacity to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment and across departments.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word), in accounting software (e.g., NetSuite), and in donor database software (e.g., Salesforce).
• Knowledge of IRS rules and regulations related to charitable donations and tax receipts.

Bonus Points if You Have:

• Experience working with Salesforce and NetSuite.
• Experience in managing or supervising staff.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• 5+ years of accounting experience, preferably in reconciliation, nonprofit accounting, or fund accounting.

Salary commensurate with experience. Excellent benefits — medical, dental, vision, vacation, sick pay, holidays (including Jewish), and retirement plan.

EMPLOYMENT PRACTICES

The Federation views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a company culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible talent pool to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values. The Jewish Community Federation and Endowment Fund is an equal opportunity employer