Accountant

Full-Time | Exempt | New York, NY (Hybrid)

Role Impact

In this role, you will:

• Ensure accurate, timely general accounting and accounts payable processes that support monthly close and reporting.
• Collaborate with colleagues to identify, test, and refine process improvements that support more effective and efficient financial operations.

The Opportunity

The accountant is a key contributor and collaborator within the Finance and Operations team, supporting the Foundation’s stewardship of resources in service of its mission. This is a generalist accounting role, with a primary focus on general accounting and accounts payable, as well as some payroll- and benefits-related responsibilities.

This position is well suited for someone who values impactful collaboration, manages multiple priorities effectively, leads with an owner’s mindset within established and approved processes, and is curious about how systems and workflows can continue to evolve. The role offers meaningful exposure to a full accounting and finance function within a private foundation environment.

The accountant works closely with colleagues across Finance and Operations, Human Resources, and external partners. This position reports to the Controller, who leads the accounting function, with overall Finance and Operations leadership provided by the Chief Financial Officer.

Key Responsibilities

General Accounting

• Prepare monthly and quarterly reconciliations of assigned general ledger accounts, with a focus on operating and grant-related expenses.
• Prepare operations- and grant-related schedules and journal entries; conduct variance analyses to ensure accuracy and GAAP compliance.
• Support annual audit and tax filing requirements; partner with external auditors as needed.
• Support workers’ compensation audits, including compensation details, payroll filings, and related documentation.

Accounts Payable

• Ensure compliance with internal and external payment policies and procedures.
• Review agreements and invoices for accuracy and completeness.
• Onboard vendors, including verification of W-9 and banking information.
• Prepare year-end 1099 reporting and required IRS filings.
• Process and review team member travel and business expenses, including expense reports and credit card transactions.
• Reconcile assigned subledgers to the general ledger on a monthly basis.

Payroll and Employee Benefits 

• Support payroll processing by partnering with Human Resources on updates related to hires, separations, deductions, and earnings.
• Ensure employee deductions align with elections and IRS limits, including retirement and benefit programs.
• Collaborate with HR to resolve payroll- and benefits-related questions and ensure accurate processing.

Experience and Skills

Required

• Three to five years of relevant professional accounting experience, with a strong foundation in general accounting.
• Bachelor’s degree in accounting.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and the Microsoft Office suite.
• Experience working with accounting systems and workflows (specific systems not required).
• Strong attention to detail, sound judgment in execution, and a commitment to confidentiality.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills within a small, team-based environment, demonstrating a service-oriented approach to Finance by providing accurate, responsive, and mission-aligned support to colleagues.
• Proven interpersonal skills and self-awareness, including the ability to receive and effectively act on feedback, manage conflict constructively, and build trust-based working relationships.

Preferred

• CPA or master’s degree in accounting.
• Public accounting and/or audit experience.

Professional credentials and public accounting experience are valued, particularly for candidates interested in deepening their generalist foundation within a mission-driven organization.

Success Factors

• Solutions-oriented and proactive, with a demonstrated owner’s mindset.
• Committed to impactful collaboration and strong working relationships.
• Curious about current-state processes and motivated to help shape future-state improvements.
• Comfortable managing multiple priorities, pitching in where needed, and learning in a dynamic, mission-driven environment.
• Demonstrated alignment with the foundation's mission and values.

Compensation, Benefits, and Hybrid Work Schedule

The current starting salary for this position is $110,578. We review compensation regularly using a market-based approach, with salaries informed by current market data, a New York City geographic premium, and a commitment to internal equity.

Benefits include medical plan choice, a healthcare reimbursement account and a 403(b) retirement plan with a 15% employer contribution upon eligibility, and a stand-alone mental health benefit. The Foundation also recognizes volunteer hours through contributions to eligible nonprofit organizations.

The Foundation follows a hybrid work schedule, with in-person collaboration Tuesday through Thursday and flexibility to work remotely on Mondays and Fridays.

Our Commitment to an Equitable and Transparent Hiring Process

The Foundation is an equal opportunity employer committed to maintaining a diverse workplace where differing perspectives are a source of strength. We uphold an equitable hiring process by using a structured interview approach and assessing all candidates based on the same role-related criteria and competencies.

We aim to provide a candidate interview experience that is respectful, transparent, and accessible, and we welcome requests for reasonable accommodations at any stage of the process. For candidates who move through the hiring process, the journey typically includes:

• Introductory conversations led by the external talent advisor.
• First-round interview (online) with the hiring manager and an HR partner.
• Second-round interview (in-person “Day at Wallace”) to meet key stakeholders and learn more about our work, culture, and community.
• A final conversation may be included if needed.

Please submit a resume and cover letter, and any requests for reasonable accommodations, by email to Courtney Keegan at Clarity Recruiting, the external talent partner leading this process on behalf of the foundation.

About The Wallace Foundation

We are an independent, national research foundation based in New York City that traces its origins back more than half a century to DeWitt and Lila Acheson Wallace, founders of The Reader’s Digest Association. Our work is grounded in our mission – to help all communities build a more vibrant and just future by fostering advances in the arts, education leadership, and youth development.

Our core values guide how we work together and with our partners. At Wallace, we strive to do excellent work in service to and with others. Together, we aspire to create an engaging and inclusive work environment based on mutual trust and respect, and driven by equity, diversity, transparency, collaboration, and continuous learning.