Sarofim Foundation | Accounting Manager

SAROFIM FOUNDATION

Accounting Manager

Position Description

ABOUT THE FOUNDATION

As an expression of gratitude for the many opportunities he experienced during his lifetime, Fayez Sarofim created the Sarofim Foundation that will exist for perpetuity. The Foundation is rooted in Mr. Sarofim's legacy of generosity. When fully funded, the Foundation will be among the largest in Houston.

For more than five decades, Mr. Sarofim steadfastly supported education, healthcare, and arts organizations in Houston, across Texas, and beyond. The Board and Foundation team are continuing Mr. Sarofim's legacy through a strategic approach that honors his philanthropic priorities and addresses the ongoing needs and opportunities in the community. We are building a Houston-based institution intentionally focused on impact and looking to add to our dynamic team.

ABOUT THE POSITION

The Sarofim Foundation (SF) seeks an Accounting Manager to serve as the Foundation's day-to-day accounting subject-matter lead. Reporting to the Managing Director of Finance (MDF) and located in Houston, Texas, the Accounting Manager will be responsible for the integrity of the Foundation's general ledger and financial reporting, investment accounting, operating budget and forecast, annual audit, accounting systems, tax support, and grants payment process.

The Foundation operates through a small internal team and a network of shared-service and external partners. The Accounting Manager will maintain internal ownership of accounting quality, controls, and deliverables while coordinating work performed by internal staff, shared-service teams, and/or external providers. This approach will allow the Foundation's accounting model to evolve over time while preserving continuity, accountability, and high standards.

The ideal candidate will bring deep nonprofit accounting expertise, excellent technical judgment, and a high standard for accuracy and follow-through. The successful candidate will be comfortable moving between detailed accounting work and broader financial analysis, independently investigating complex questions, and serving as a trusted accounting resource to the MDF and Foundation team. The candidate will have a start-up mentality, a technology-forward approach to process improvement, a growth mindset, and a genuine commitment to the Foundation's mission.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

The responsibilities of the Accounting Manager will include the following:

Accounting, Financial Reporting, Audit & Controls

- Own the general ledger and financial close : Coordinate and manage month-end and year-end close; review journal entries, reconciliations, supporting schedules, and financial statements; and ensure accounting records are accurate, complete, and timely.
- Lead complex accounting matters : Research and resolve complex transactions, document conclusions, and ensure accounting treatments are consistently and appropriately applied across periods.
- Lead the annual audit and control environment : In partnership with the MDF, manage the audit from planning through completion, including preparation and coordination of requested schedules, financial statements, disclosures, and responses. Maintain accounting policies, procedures, and internal control documentation and implement improvements as needed.
- Manage accounting delivery and service providers : Direct and review work performed by internal staff, shared-service teams, and third-party accounting and accounts-payable providers, maintaining internal accountability for quality, timeliness, and issue resolution as the operating model evolves.

Investment Accounting, Budgeting & Financial Analysis

- Lead investment accounting : Coordinate with the OCIO, custodian, investment managers, and accounting partners to accurately record and reconcile investment activity, valuations, income, fees, capital calls, distributions, and realized and unrealized gains and losses.
- Partner on the operating budget and forecast : Work alongside the MDF and Foundation team to develop the annual operating budget, maintain the operating forecast, monitor actual results, investigate variances, and communicate financial implications. From time to time, prepare analyses related to the investment portfolio, operating scenarios, liquidity, taxes, and other finance matters.

Grants Payment Administration

- Own the post-approval grants payment process : Partner with Programs, the Grants Officer, and Operations to ensure grant payments are timely and accurate. Upon receipt of an approved grant package, perform grantee account verification, initiate and review payments, and confirm completion.
- Maintain accurate grant payment records and forecasts : Reconcile grants-management, accounting, and banking records; maintain grants payable and payment schedules; and provide reliable information for cash forecasting, financial reporting, and payout monitoring.

Systems, Tax & Broader Finance Support

- Own finance systems and process improvement : Administer accounting, payment, reporting, and budgeting tools; use technology, automation, and other tools to reduce manual work, strengthen controls, and improve visibility.
- Coordinate tax compliance and planning support : Assemble and review information for the Foundation's Form 990-PF, manage tax-recovery service providers, and perform initial research and investigation of tax issues and planning opportunities for review by the MDF and external advisors.
- Support the broader finance function : As requested, assist the MDF with banking, credit, tax, risk, insurance, investment operations, vendor management, and special projects; maintain clear documentation and help build resilient, scalable finance processes.

SKILLS & EXPERIENCE DESIRED

The ideal candidate will have at least five years of progressive experience in accounting, audit, financial reporting, or a related field, including significant responsibility for the general ledger, financial close, financial statements, and audit. Direct nonprofit or private foundation accounting experience is strongly preferred.

Specifically, the successful candidate will exhibit the following:

- Mission alignment : Genuine commitment to Sarofim Foundation's operating principles and passion for the work of the organizations it serves.
- Deep accounting fluency : Strong command of accounting principles and the ability to independently evaluate accounting treatments, identify errors or gaps, review the work of others, and serve as the Foundation's day-to-day accounting subject-matter resource.
- Nonprofit and private foundation knowledge : Strong understanding of nonprofit financial reporting, net asset classifications, grants, contributions, investments, fair value, and related accounting and tax considerations; private foundation experience is a plus.
- Investment accounting capability : Experience accounting for and reconciling complex investment activity, including alternative investments, and the ability to investigate discrepancies across custodial, manager, and general-ledger records.
- Audit and internal controls : Demonstrated ability to lead an audit, document policies and procedures, evaluate control design, and implement practical improvements.
- Analytical problem solving : Ability to synthesize detailed financial information, identify root causes, investigate unfamiliar issues, and translate analysis into clear conclusions and recommendations.
- Technology and systems fluency : Advanced Excel skills and strong experience with accounting, reporting, budgeting, payment, and data tools; comfort improving workflows and integrations. Experience with Sage Intacct, BILL, Salesforce, or comparable systems is preferred.
- Professional integrity : Impeccable ethics, judgment, and discretion with confidential information
- Growth mindset : Commitment to continuous learning and professional development.
- Customer orientation and empathy : Team player who strives to understand and deliver excellent customer service to internal and external customers.
- Adaptability : Willingness to take on varied tasks in service of the Foundation’s mission.
- Collaboration and service orientation : Ability to work productively with colleagues, auditors, advisors, and service providers and to communicate technical accounting matters clearly to nonaccounting audiences when needed.
- Emotional intelligence : High-level interpersonal skills with humility, optimism, and a sense of humor. A willingness to operate with an understanding that no task is too big or too small in service of the Foundation’s mission.
- Professional work environment : Comfort working in a formal, full-time, in-person office environment.
- Education and credentials : Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business, or a related field, or equivalent relevant experience, required. CPA preferred.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Sarofim Foundation offers competitive salaries commensurate with experience. Benefits include a comprehensive insurance plan (health, dental, vision, life, accidental death & dismemberment, long-term disability, and voluntary coverage options), professional development opportunities, an annual retirement benefit, and paid time off. This opportunity is a full-time, in-person position located in Houston, Texas.

Please visit our website at www.sarofimfoundation.org to learn more about the Foundation.

HOW TO APPLY

Interested candidates should apply here. Letters of interest including a cover letter and resume will be received until December 7, 2026. Applications will be reviewed as they are received so early applicants will get a priority review. We will contact those candidates who most closely match the requirements. We thank you in advance for your interest.