Seattle Pacific Foundation, Director of Finance and Treasurer

Seattle 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 Foundations 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 SPUs 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 Universitys mission by contributing to a Christcentered 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 mattersserving students, colleagues, and the broader University community in ways that reflect SPUs 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 & Stewardship

• 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

Financial Reporting, Audit & Compliance

• 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

Investment, Endowment & Trust Accounting

• 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

Board & Governance Support

• 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

Operations, Systems & Staff Supervision

• 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

• Bachelors 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
• Mission Alignment: A personal commitment to Christian faith; enthusiasm for supporting SPUs mission ; alignment with the Universitys Statement of Faith; and willingness to uphold the lifestyle standards of our Christian community

Preferred Qualifications

• 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
• Masters degree or additional advanced accounting or finance coursework

• Salary: Starting at $140,000 annually , commensurate with experience
• Status: Full-time, exempt
• Department: Seattle Pacific Foundation
• Reports To: Vice President for Business and Finance
• Location: 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.

How to Apply

Please complete the online application through Workday and be prepared to submit the following materials:

• Resume
• Cover Letter

We look forward to hearing how your unique talents and giftings make you a great fit for this role and how you can contribute to the mission of SPU!