Company Name
The California Wellness Foundation
Company City
Los Angeles
Company State
CA
Job Location
Los Angeles, CA
Company Information
The California Wellness Foundation (Cal Wellness) is a private, independent foundation established in 1992 with a mission to protect and improve the health and wellness of the people of California. As one of the largest health-focused foundations in California, with over $1 billion in assets, Cal Wellness is a nationally recognized leader for its strategic core operating support for grantees; public policy grantmaking; and a focus on violence as a public health issue. It is Cal Wellness’ desire to promote equity and level the playing field so that everyone has access to good-paying jobs; healthy and safe neighborhoods; and quality health care services.
The foundation’s current Advancing Wellness grantmaking strategy includes four interrelated portfolios. Since its founding, Cal Wellness has awarded nearly 12,400 grants totaling more than $1.3 billion. In addition to its grantmaking, the foundation has committed to using its voice, influence, and endowment dollars to advance its mission.
Cal Wellness has a diverse staff of approximately 45 located in its Los Angeles and Oakland offices and a diverse 13-member Board located throughout the state of California. The foundation’s work underscores a belief that wellness requires social justice, a deep commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), and sustained efforts to eliminate systemic barriers that prevent access to health care, education, employment, and safety.
Please visit our website for more information.
Job Description
THE OPPORTUNITY
The Accounting Manager is a newly created role that will add capacity to a robust finance and accounting team. This key position will have responsibility in critical areas that include financial and cost analysis, financial planning, treasury, audit and tax support. As our investments portfolio continues to grow in scope and complexity, the Accounting Manager is also responsible for investment accounting and managing the financial operations for the program-related investments (PRI). This position will be a key partner and support to the Controller, having responsibility for developing and strengthening internal processes, operations and infrastructure.
The person who steps into this role will have the opportunity to partner with an outstanding eight-person finance team. They will bring substantial accounting and investment accounting experience. They will be a highly experienced and knowledgeable accountant, keen to roll up their sleeves and be hands on with the work, and capable of mentorship and being a team player.
This is a unique opportunity to join an organization committed to utilizing and leveraging its financial resources to further its mission, align its values and serve communities. Cal Wellness has committed to aligning its entire endowment by building a portfolio that has positive impact on the foundation’s mission and reflects the foundation’s core values of racial and gender equity, while earning market rate return and contributing to the foundations long-term financial stability. Learn more about our impact investing here.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Investment Accounting- Approximately 40%
• Oversees the communication with investment advisors and custodial bank regarding any issues that may arise related to investment accounting.
• Reviews and approves monthly cash investment bank reconciliation.
• Reviews and approves quarterly investment reconciliation and investment journal entries.
• Supports accounting staff and provides knowledge and guidance on investment accounting related issues.
• Analyzes information and prepares reports and projections on the Foundation’s investments, payout and related tax planning.
• Reviews, monitors and oversees the maintenance of the year-end private equity investment accounting log.
• Assists with investment audit and 990PF related schedules.
• Oversees PRI invoicing and prepare wires for capital calls.
• Reviews and analyzes reports from PRI agencies and PRI Advisor.
• Develops best practices for all investment accounting functions.
• Recommends and implements process improvements for all investment accounting functions.
Accounting – Approximately 40%
• Responsible for general ledger activity, including but not limited to entering monthly journal entries, executing monthly closing of the general ledger, and reconciling general ledger accounts.
• Conducts second review of month-end Concur expense reports and approves and posts related journal entries.
• Reviews and approve vendor bills and grants to insure correct coding and proper approvals.
• Recommends and implements process improvements; updates all necessary business policies and accounting practices; maintains the finance department’s overall policy and procedure manual.
• Prepares cashflow forecasts for use in grant and operation payouts.
• Assists with tax return and audit schedules as needed.
• Supports Controller with preparation of annual budget, partners with budget managers on routine budget the actual and forecasting analysis.
Additional Responsibilities – Approximately 20%
• Participates in professional development activities.
• Provide backup to Controller.
• Special projects and other duties as assigned.
Job Qualifications
CANDIDATE PROFILE
The ideal candidate will have deep experience in accounting, with the strong blend of interpersonal skills, analytical skills and communications, enabling them to partner effectively with multiple stakeholders, including other foundation staff and consultants.
• A minimum of five (5) years of progressive experience and growth in a finance function at a complex and relevant organization (e.g. a foundation, large nonprofit, university, audit/consulting firm, etc.).
• Clear record of achievement in investment accounting, financial management and experience with the intersection of finance, accounting, and compliance.
• A CPA is a plus.
• Knowledge of US GAAP, investment theory, financial markets, tax concepts and regulations and financial analysis.
• Experience with accounting systems, Netsuite is highly preferred
• Exceptional written and verbal communications skills and ability to convey complex information and data visually and orally in a concise, effective, and engaging way.
• An effective manager with demonstrated ability to develop strengths of individual team members and to build effective, values-based teams.
• Ability and willingness to travel periodically.
• Passionate about The California Wellness Foundation’s mission to protect and improve the health and wellness of the people of California.
CORE COMPETENCIES
The ideal candidate will embody Cal Wellness’ core competencies:
• Commitment to Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
• Communication
• Innovation
• Leadership
• Teamwork and Collaboration
LOCATION & TRAVEL
Cal Wellness operates with a hybrid work model that supports in-office and remote work. In-office attendance will typically be required Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Travel is estimated at up to 10% to engage with the team and have a periodic presence at our Los Angeles headquarters and our Oakland office and to attend meetings and convenings across the State. This position will be based at our Los Angeles headquarters.
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
The target starting salary for the newly hired Accounting Manager is $145,000 per year. The full salary grade for the role is $112,000 to $168,000 per year.
Highlights from our benefit package include: a variety of medical insurance plans (fully covered for staff, covered at 90% for dependents, subject to plan limits), dental and vision insurance (covered at 90-95%), a generous 401(k) retirement savings plan (with a 16% employer contribution!), flexible paid time off, tuition reimbursement (up to $5,250 per year), professional development opportunities, matching gifts (for every $1 you give to an eligible organization, we’ll match $3), and the opportunity to work at a mission and values driven organization.
How to Apply
Please apply here and upload a cover letter and resume by Friday, March 22, 2024.
Resume review begins immediately, and candidates will be considered on a rolling basis. Those selected for advancement will be asked to participate in several rounds of interviews (virtual and in-person), complete a writing assignment, and provide a list of professional references. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in our application process, please let us know.
The California Wellness Foundation is partnering on this search with Matthew Cruz of GHJ Advisors. Please direct all inquiries to the search firm. No other agency referrals please.
The California Wellness Foundation is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes a diverse candidate pool. Additionally, we are a fair chance employer and welcome candidates with lived experience with the criminal justice system.
The above job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed and is not intended to limit the scope of potential work assignments. This is only a summary of the typical functions of the job and duties may differ from those as outlined above.