Full-Time, Exempt
Salary Range: $75,000–$82,000 annually based on skills and experience
Make-A-Wish Greater Bay Area creates life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. Together with generous donors, supporters, staff and volunteers, Make-A-Wish delivers hope, strength, and joy to children and their families when they need it most. Since 1984, our chapter has granted more than 9,900 wishes in our Northern California territory, stretching from Monterey County to the Oregon border.
The Senior Finance Associate is a key member of the Finance team, responsible for ensuring accurate financial reporting, maintaining accounting records, and supporting compliance across all financial operations. This role blends hands-on accounting with collaborative budgeting and analytical work. The ideal candidate will bring nonprofit finance experience, strong technical accounting skills, and a proactive, solutions-oriented mindset. The person in this role will work closely with our Operations and Data Associate and report directly to the VP of Operations and Finance.
This full time, non-exempt position is required to work in the Make-A-Wish Greater Bay Area office at least 2 days a week on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, as part of the current hybrid work model.
Financial Management, Analysis and Reporting
- Review, reconcile, and maintain monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in coordination with our Shared Financial Services (SFS) Accounting Partners
- Assist in production of financial and data analysis for monthly reporting to our Board and Senior Team
- Support the development of financial reports and financial cover memos for board meetings, donors, and stakeholders
- Assist in the preparation of the annual audit and tax filings, ensuring compliance with all federal and state regulations.
- Assist with the analysis of financial data and provide insight into financial trends, projections, and variances; support and use of Power BI Data Analytics
- SFS Bi-weekly check in calls – liaison between the organization and the SFS accounting team
- Oversee all aspects of daily, month-end and year-end closing processes for review with VP of Finance and Operations
Audit & Compliance
- Prepare schedules and documentation for the annual financial audit and IRS Form 990
- Ensure compliance with internal financial controls and nonprofit accounting standards
- Stay up to date with regulatory changes relevant to nonprofit finance and reporting
Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, and Credit Card Expensing
- Review, code, and process vendor invoices and staff reimbursements for AP approval process
- Ensure proper documentation and approval workflows for disbursements
- Maintain records of receivables, including grants, pledges, and earned revenue
- Track and manage restricted and unrestricted grants and donations, ensuring compliance with donor restrictions and nonprofit accounting standards
- Support invoicing and tracking of payments related to programs or events
- Review Expense Reports and invoicing for approvals
- Oversee Quarterly Sales Tax Filing and processing
- Fund/activate Wish Cards; reconciliation of monthly wish card statements for wish planners
- Assist with daily check/deposit processing; credit card processing; DCC processing
Payroll, 401 K, & Benefits Support
- Assist with biweekly or monthly payroll processing by preparing timesheets or payroll data uploads
- Review payroll reports to ensure accuracy of wages, deductions, and allocations
- Coordinate and upload 401(k) contributions and other benefit-related withholdings
- Liaise with payroll and benefits vendors to resolve discrepancies and ensure compliance
- Maintain payroll and benefit records for audit and reporting purposes
Budgeting & Forecasting:
- Assist in the preparation of the annual budget including data analysis
- Monitor spending against budget, identifying any variances, and advising leadership on budgetary issues.
- Cash flow forecasting on a minimum bi-weekly basis
- Assist other departmental leaders in production of their specific budgets
Internal Controls & Compliance
- Assist in maintaining internal controls to ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements, GAAP, and nonprofit accounting standards
- Implement and monitor policies and procedures to safeguard organizational assets and financial resources
- Perform background checks and updates in our Associate’s portal within the standards of Make-A-Wish America Requirements
- Recommend and implement improvements to financial workflows and systems
- Help optimize accounting and payroll systems for integration and reporting efficiency
- Develop and maintain written financial procedures and standard operating processes
Team Support
- Assist accounting/data staff; collaborate on Accounts Receivables and Data Analysis processes and reconciliation
- AR Aging follow ups for outstanding funds owed
- Collaborate with other departments to ensure financial accuracy and efficiency across the organization.
- Work closely with our Development and Events Departments for reconciliations of AR for fundraising, internal and external events
- In-kind tracking, reconciliation, and reporting
- Highly proficient in accounting software (NetSuite, Greater Giving) and Microsoft Excel
- Experience with month- and year-end closing processes, assisting 990 filings, and reconciliations
- Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to work independently, meet deadlines, and handle multiple tasks simultaneously
- High level of attention to detail and accuracy
- Ability to multi-task throughout day and handle related issues as they arise
- Strong commitment to the mission and values of Make-A-Wish Greater Bay Area
- Ability to work collaboratively in a diverse and inclusive environment
- Accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions
- Bachelor's degree in accounting, Finance, or related field
- Minimum 5–7 years of progressive accounting experience, with at least 2–4 years in a nonprofit environment
- Strong knowledge of nonprofit accounting principles (FASB), GAAP, and financial processes
- Experience supporting payroll and 401(k) benefit uploads
- 18 recognized paid holidays and one half-day pre-holiday/early release day for calendar year 2025
- Competitive Paid Time Off
- Medical, Dental, and Vision benefit offerings; coverage will be available the first day of employment
- Employer Paid Term Life Insurance and AD&D for employee coverage only
- Additional Optional Employee Paid Voluntary Life & AD&D and Voluntary Critical Illness Insurance
- Optional Employee Paid Commuter Benefits
- Employer Sponsored Retirement Plan with up to a 4% employer match. Participation can begin the first of the month, following date of hire.
- Remote work capabilities: in-office required days Tuesdays and Wednesdays, with office and resources available throughout each week
- Employee Assistance Program
Please email jobs@sf.wish.org with your cover letter and resume. No phone calls, please.
Position is open until filled. While we sincerely appreciate the interest of all applicants, due to the high volume of submissions, we will reach out only to candidates whose skills and experience closely match the role requirements. Thank you for your understanding.
An Equal Opportunity Employer
Diversity makes us stronger. Make-A-Wish Greater Bay Area is committed to diversity in its service and creating an inclusive work culture and environment that is reflective of the San Francisco Bay Area. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.