Accounting Specialist

LOCATION:	Greater Philadelphia area, Pennsylvania, USA
DEPARTMENT:	Finance and Accounting
REPORTS TO:	Senior Assistant Controller
FULL-TIME OR PART-TIME:	Full-time (30+ hours per week)
EMPLOYEE TYPE:	Regular
EXEMPTION STATUS:	Non–exempt

 

POSITION SUMMARY

The John Templeton Foundation and its subsidiaries (the Foundation) are seeking a detail-oriented and analytical Accounting Specialist to support the accuracy, efficiency, and integrity of our financial operations. Reporting to the Senior Assistant Controller, this role is responsible for managing daily accounting activities, ensuring accurate financial reporting, and maintaining robust internal controls and compliance with regulatory standards.

The Accounting Specialist plays a key role in supporting audits, budgeting, and the forecasting processes. The ideal candidate will bring a solid foundation in accounting principles, strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities, and the ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative team. This role also requires the ability to manage multiple deadlines, apply sound judgement, and the ability to build effective cross-functional relationships across departments.

The successful candidate will be comfortable navigating complex processes, interpreting financial policies, and resolving issues within their areas of responsibility. This individual will demonstrate a high level of professionalism, accuracy, confidentiality, and integrity while supporting the Foundation’s mission and commitment to operational excellence.

AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

• Supervise and manage the daily operations over accounts payable, vendor management, contract and grant compliance, bank reconciliations, and payroll functions.
• Manage general ledger functions, including journal entries, account analysis, and reconciliations.
• Monitor and manage cash activities and balances, coordinating with the Program and Grant Operations team to track of grant payments, refunds, and adjustments.
• Prepare monthly and annual financial statements and reports; analyze financial data and provide actionable insights to support strategic decisions.
• Lead the preparation and timely filing of annual tax returns, ensuring compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.
• Develop, document, and continuously improve accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls.
• Support the Senior Assistant Controller with external audits and tax return preparation.
• Assist in the annual budgeting and long-term financial planning processes by providing analysis and drafting memos and presentations for governance committee oversight.
• Serve as the primary contact for all banking relationships.

• Maintain up-to-date insurance schedules, coordinate the annual insurance renewals, and consult with insurance brokers on contractual risk matters.
  • Collaborate with other Finance team members and other departments on cross-functional projects to advance the Foundation’s strategic and operational goals.
  • Administer the Concur expense reporting system, the credit card program, and Amazon Business account.
  • Support the implementation of a new accounting system, including requirements gathering, vendor coordination, system testing, data migration, user training and post-implementation support.
  • Maintain expertise in all financial systems, including accounting, payroll, banking, and expense management; support the implementation, testing, troubleshooting, and ongoing system improvements.

CRITERIA & RELEVANT SKILLS

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field required.
• Eight to ten years of progressive accounting experience, including strong expertise in accounts payable, financial reporting and tax compliance.
• Demonstrated ability to prepare, analyze, and interpret financial statements and reports.
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively across departments and contribute to team-based environments.
• Proficiency in accounting systems and financial software; experience with expense reporting and payroll systems is preferred.
• Familiarity with tax compliance and federal filings for nonprofit organizations is preferred.
• A high integrity, sound judgment, and a strong commitment to excellent internal customer service.
• Personal alignment with the mission and values of the John Templeton Foundation.

BENEFITS

We are committed to caring for our employees and their families through exceptional benefits. We pay for 100% of employee medical, dental and vision premiums, and generously contribute to family premiums. We provide life insurance, short-term disability coverage and long-term disability coverage at no cost to employees. We offer a 401(k)-retirement savings plan with an employer match and additional discretionary contributions. Paid time off includes generous vacation, sick, and personal days. The Foundation offers a unique donation program, enabling employees the ability to direct a $5,000 donation to a mission aligned organization of their choice, with no employee donation required.

LOCATION

The position will be based in the Foundation’s offices, located in West Conshohocken, PA. The Foundation permits hybrid work in accordance with our hybrid work policy which allows team members to request a schedule that includes up to two days of remote work per week.

West Conshohocken, PA, is a short drive (~15 miles) from Philadelphia and there is a nearby commuter train station into downtown Philadelphia.