Accounting Associate

Description The Accounting Associate is part of a strong and deep team of finance, accounting and program professionals at the Jewish Federation. The Accounting Associate plays a key role in the transactional work and administration of the Foundation for Jewish Day Schools (FJDS) Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC/OSTC) programs. The responsibilities include processing donations, producing financial reports, tracking and verifying scholarship allocations, regulatory compliance, supporting program operations, and stakeholder engagement. Reporting to the the Director of EITC (Educational Improvement Tax Credit) and working closely with the Director, Finance Department, and the Fundraising department's EITC Committee, the Accounting Associate supports core program workflows, regulatory compliance, and data-driven decision-making. The role requires strong project management, analytical, and communication skills to coordinate across schools, donors, board members, and partners. Program Operations & Financial Administration Complete donation process workflows (checks, wires, stock transfers, credit cards) with accurate entry, documentation, and compliance with Finance protocols, FJDS policies, and DCED regulations. Reconcile contributions across all PEP LLC entities by school, tax program, and fiscal year; Identify discrepancies and resolve variances in collaboration with PEP. Generate, record and distribute donor receipts and acknowledgment communications in accordance with regulatory requirements. Maintain and ensure accuracy of donor, board, and school contact data, including tracking terms and engagement history. Scholarship & Fund Management Coordinate scholarship allocation processes, including entering approved funding into third-party platform and ensuring scholarship assignments align with state guidelines and FJDS policy. Create and maintain spreadsheets to track undesignated funds. Complete encumbered fund tracking and reconciliation, including analysis of school utilization, preparation of fund transfers (MOUs), and ensuring timely use prior to expiration. Maintain EIO-specific contribution and disbursement processes, ensuring proper data entry, documentation and audit readiness. Implement disbursement process of interest earned from investment account(s). Compliance, Reporting & Analysis Compile financial, scholarship, and demographic data to support audits, IRS filings (990), DCED renewals, and other compliance requirements. Collaborate with Finance to ensure integrity and accuracy of data, program reporting and data systems. Monitor adherence to program guidelines and proactively identify risks or compliance gaps. Stakeholder Engagement & Communications Coordinate communications with schools regarding eligibility, funds available, scholarship parameters and allocations, compliance requirements, and donor updates. Support clear, timely communication with donors, board members, school administrators and partner organizations. Maintain targeted communication lists for donor engagement/stewardship initiatives. Board & Committee Support Coordinate logistics and materials for quarterly Board and committee meetings, including scheduling, communications, attendance tracking, Zoom meetings, and preparation of summaries. Support the Director in managing EITC Committee engagement, including maintaining records, preparing materials, and coordinating follow-ups. Events & Programmatic Initiatives Lead coordination of the Foundation’s Continuing Education events, including logistics, accreditation, participant communications, and post-event follow-up. Maintain calendar of large-scale school events such as annual fundraising gala, and coordinate related JFGP involvement (e.g., gala ads). Support program-related events and initiatives as needed. Cross-Functional Collaboration & Special Projects Collaborate with Finance, Marketing, External Affairs and FRD teams (as needed). Contribute to ongoing enhancements of systems, workflows, and program effectiveness. Complete tasks and projects assigned by the Director. Requirements Excellent organizational skills with meticulous attention to detail. Strong written/verbal communication skills with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders. Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and projects. Self-starter, works independently and adheres to self-accountability. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills related to financial and program data. High level of discretion and professionalism in handling confidential information. Client-service orientation with strong interpersonal skills. Proficiency in Microsoft Excel (including pivot tables and reporting) and database management; experience with accounting and financial systems preferred. This position requires a minimum of two days per week in the office, with additional in-office time as needed during peak program periods. Education & Training Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in business, nonprofit management, finance, or a related field preferred. Minimum of 3+ years of relevant experience in program coordination, operations, finance, or administrative support in a professional setting. Experience working with databases and reporting tools required. Familiarity with nonprofit, education, or tax credit programs is a plus. Overview Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia offers a competitive compensation and benefits package, including a hybrid work schedule, medical, dental, vision, prescription drug program, life insurance, generous paid time off and 403b retirement savings program. Our Mission The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia mobilizes financial and volunteer resources to address the communities’ most critical priorities locally, in Israel and around the world. Commitment to Diversity We deeply value the diversity of insight, perspective, and experience brought by people from backgrounds typically underrepresented in Jewish institutions. This includes Black, Latinx, and Asian people, Black Jews, Jews of Color, lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and gender non-conforming people, and people with disabilities. We also welcome applications from people of diverse religious, spiritual, and cultural backgrounds. About the Organization Since 1901, the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia has served as the hub of the region’s Jewish communities, providing an infrastructure of support for Jewish people and organizations in need. Through grants, emergency funding, restricted gifts, endowments, and our partnership with the Foundation for Jewish Day Schools, we care for those in need, combat antisemitism and global crisis, and strengthen Jewish identity. Benefits Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia offers a competitive compensation and benefits package, including a hybrid work schedule, medical, dental, vision, prescription drug program, life insurance, generous paid time off and 403b retirement savings program.