Description

Director of Foundation Finance & Accounting

Job ID: 300628

Location: Savannah State Recruiting Loc

Full/Part Time: Full Time

Regular/Temporary: Regular

About Us

Savannah State University established in 1890, is the first public historically black college or university in the state of Georgia and the first institution of higher learning in the city of Savannah. The university's students select majors from five colleges:

• Business Administration
• Education
• Engineering and Computing
• Media, Arts, and Communication
• Science and Humanities

The campus is by far the most picturesque in the state of Georgia. The moss-laden sweeping oak trees, expansive marsh and historic architecture create a resplendent yet tranquil atmosphere. Beneath the beauty and splendor is a vibrant residential campus bursting at the seams with the vim and vigor of quality collegiate life: relevant academic majors, engaging lectures, cutting-edge research, quality student-faculty engagement and a nurturing environment.

Job Summary

The Director of Foundation Accounting is responsible for the strategic oversight and day-to-day management of all accounting functions for the Savannah State University Foundation. This role is housed within the Division of University Advancement and ensures the integrity of financial reporting, compliance with nonprofit accounting standards, and effective stewardship of foundation assets, including endowments and agency funds. The Director serves as a key financial partner to the Executive Director and leadership team, supporting sound fiscal management and donor accountability.

NOTE: In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required eligibility verification form upon hire. This position does not offer sponsorship for employment visas. This role is a position of trust.

Responsibilities

Financial Management & Reporting

• Oversee all accounting operations, including general ledger, financial reporting, and account reconciliation.
• Prepare and present monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements to Foundation leadership and Board of Directors.
• Ensure compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and nonprofit accounting regulations.
• Coordinate and manage the annual audit process and serve as primary liaison with external auditors.
• Process payments for the Community Development, LLC and Real Estate Ventures, LLC.

Endowment & Investment Accounting

• Manage accounting and reporting for endowed funds, including tracking corpus, earnings, and spending allocations.
• Ensure compliance with donor intent, Foundation policies, and applicable regulations (e.g., Uniform Prudent Management of Institutional Funds Act (UPMIFA)).
• Work closely with investment advisors to reconcile investment activity and performance reporting.

Agency & Restricted Fund Accounting

• Oversee accounting and reporting for agency accounts and restricted funds.
• Ensure proper fund classification, tracking, and reporting in accordance with donor restrictions and institutional policies.
• Partner with campus departments to provide accurate financial reporting and guidance on fund usage.

Systems & Process Management

• Maintain and optimize accounting systems, with preference for experience in Blackbaud Financial Edge or similar nonprofit financial systems.
• Develop and implement internal controls and best practices to safeguard Foundation assets.
• Continuously assess and improve accounting processes for efficiency and compliance.

Leadership & Collaboration

• Supervise accounting staff and provide leadership, training, and performance management.
• Collaborate with Advancement, Finance, and University stakeholders to ensure alignment of financial practices.
• Support strategic initiatives and provide financial analysis to inform decision-making.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of progressive accounting experience, including nonprofit or foundation accounting.
• Minimum 3-5 years of management experience.
• Demonstrated experience managing endowments and restricted funds.
• Knowledge of nonprofit financial reporting and compliance requirements.
• Experience and or knowledge of Blackbaud Raiser's Edge.
• Experience with nonprofit accounting systems such as Financial Edge.

Preferred Qualifications

• CPA or advanced degree in Accounting or Finance.
• Experience working with Financial Edge
• Experience working with university or higher education foundations.
• Strong understanding of investment and endowment accounting practices.

Proposed Salary

The salary range for this position is $90,000.00 to $100,000.00 annually.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• High level of integrity and attention to detail
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines
• Commitment to stewardship, transparency, and accountability

Apply Before Date

Review of applications will begin upon receipt. For best consideration, apply by August 12, 2026.

Contact Information

For more information or questions about a job posting, please contact the Department of Human Resources at mailto:hr@savannahstate.edu. For technical support, please call the USG Service Desk at (877) 251.2644, or email mailto:support@usg.edu.

USG Core Values

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.

Institutional Values

At Savannah State University, five core values shape everything we do:

• Belonging - Building a community where all voices are valued and respected.
• Collaboration - Working together across disciplines and communities for shared success.
• Discovery - Pursuing knowledge, research, and exploration that expand horizons.
• Excellence - Committing to superior achievement in every endeavor.
• Resilience - Rising stronger through challenges with determination and adaptability.

These principles guide our culture, inspire our teams and define the kind of workplace we strive to build; one where every individual can thrive, contribute, and grow.

Conditions of Employment

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with Savannah State University, as determined by Savannah State University, its sole discretion, confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. Applicants may be subject to a pre-employment drug test. Offers are made expressly subject to the applicable federal and state laws, to the statutes, rules and regulations of this institution and to the Bylaws and Policies of the Board of Regents (BOR) of the University System of Georgia (USG), which are available for your inspection upon request.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Equal opportunity and decisions based on merit are fundamental values of the University System of Georgia (USG). The Board of Regents prohibits discrimination on the basis of an individual's age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status ("protected status"). No individual shall be excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or otherwise subjected to unlawful discrimination, harassment, or retaliation under, any USG program or activity because of the individual's protected status; nor shall any individual be given preferential treatment because of the individual's protected status, except that preferential treatment may be given on the basis of veteran status when appropriate under federal or state law.

All employment processes and decisions, including but not limited to hiring, promotion, and tenure, shall be free of ideological tests, affirmations, and oaths, including diversity statements. The basis and determining factor for all such decisions should be that the individual possesses the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities associated with the role, and is believed to have the ability to successfully perform the essential functions, responsibilities, and duties associated with the position for which the individual is being considered. At the core of any such decision is ensuring the institution's ability to achieve its mission and strategic priorities in support of student success.

For questions or more detailed information regarding this policy please contact the Savannah State University, Office of Human Resources at mailto:hr@savannahstate.edu. Individuals requiring disability related accommodations for participation in any event or to obtain print materials in an alternative format, please contact the Office of Human Resources at mailto:hr@savannahstate.edu.

Special Applicant Instructions

• Applicants must include a list containing the name, e-mail address and telephone number for three (3) professional references (e.g. supervisor, mentor, colleague).
• Applicants must upload transcript(s) with the application. Unofficial are acceptable. Official transcript(s) required upon hire.

To apply, visit https://apptrkr.com/7332918