Description

Job Title: Accounting Manager
Reports To: Director of Operations
Location: Athens, Georgia  (On-Site)
Status/FLSA: Full-Time Exempt
Salary Range: $60,000-$70,000 annually, commensurate with experience
Schedule: Monday-Thursday, 8:00 AM-5:00 PM; Friday, 8:00 AM-12:00 PM.
Benefits: Health insurance, retirement benefits with employer contributions, paid time off, 14 paid holidays, company-provided short-term disability insurance, and professional development support

About The Cancer Foundation
The Cancer Foundation is a mission-driven nonprofit organization dedicated to alleviating the financial burden of cancer for individuals and families across 25 counties in Northeast Georgia. Through our Financial Assistance and Nutritional Assistance programs, we provide critical support to patients facing the overwhelming costs and practical burdens that often accompany cancer treatment.

Our work is grounded in compassion, accountability, integrity, and service. We are seeking a skilled, detail-oriented, and mission-driven Accounting Manager to lead the Foundation’s accounting function while ensuring that critical financial processes support both organizational health and direct service delivery.

Joining The Cancer Foundation means joining a team that believes financial relief is a form of care. Cancer affects far more than a person’s health. It can disrupt income, housing stability, access to food, transportation, and the ability to meet basic household needs. Our mission is to alleviate the financial burden of cancer, and every member of our team contributes to that work in a direct and meaningful way.

This role is especially important for someone who wants their professional skills to serve a purpose beyond routine business operations. At The Cancer Foundation, accounting is mission impact. Your attention to detail helps families receive support at critical moments. Your accuracy helps protect donor trust. Your judgment helps ensure resources are used responsibly and effectively. Your work helps turn generosity into real, timely assistance for people who need it.

We are looking for someone who is motivated not only by strong financial operations but also by the opportunity to be part of something deeply mission-driven. This is a role for a person who values precision, accountability, compassion, and service, and who wants to know that their work matters every single day.

When you join The Cancer Foundation, you become part of a collaborative team committed to helping individuals and families across Northeast Georgia navigate the financial realities of cancer with dignity and support. You will have the opportunity to strengthen systems, improve processes, and play a vital role in carrying out a mission that is both practical and profoundly human.

Position Summary
The Accounting Manager is the Foundation’s lead accounting professional and is responsible for both the strategic oversight and day-to-day execution of the organization’s accounting operations. This role manages financial reporting, budgeting support, payroll, accounts payable and receivable, donation and gift processing, financial assistance disbursements, vendor and payment issue resolution, grant and restricted fund tracking, audit preparation, and internal controls.

This is a hands-on, non-supervisory role in a lean nonprofit environment. The Accounting Manager does not supervise staff. Instead, this position independently manages the accounting function, works closely with the Director of Development and the Executive Director, partners across development and program teams, coordinates directly with the Foundation’s CPA firm on the annual audit, and helps maintain and improve financial systems and workflows over time.

This role is not a traditional back-office accounting position. Payment processing is a major and recurring part of the week, and the Foundation’s Financial Assistance Program processed more than 2,500 transactions in the last fiscal year. Success in this role requires strong accounting judgment, excellent organization, comfort with high-volume and time-sensitive transaction work, and an understanding that financial accuracy directly affects both patient stability and donor trust.

Key Responsibilities
Financial Management and Reporting

• Maintain accurate financial records, including the general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, cash activity, and supporting schedules.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements and internal financial reports for the Director of Operations, Executive Director, Board of Directors, auditors, grantors, and other stakeholders.
• Conduct monthly reconciliations of bank accounts, credit cards, investment accounts, payment platforms, and other financial records.
• Monitor cash flow and liquidity to ensure sufficient funds for payroll, operations, and financial assistance obligations.
• Prepare journal entries, review transaction coding, and support month-end and year-end close activities with complete and audit-ready documentation.
• Identify discrepancies, missing documentation, duplicate transactions, unusual activity, or coding errors and resolve or escalate them appropriately.
• Maintain strong internal controls and documentation standards to promote financial accuracy, accountability, and compliance.

Accounts Payable, Disbursements, and Expense Administration

• Oversee and execute accounts payable functions, including invoice review, coding, approvals, check runs, ACH payments, electronic payments, and vendor disbursements.
• Process organizational expenses accurately and in accordance with approved budgets, internal controls, and documentation requirements.
• Review employee expense reports, receipts, and supporting documentation for policy compliance, accuracy, and approval completeness.
• Maintain vendor files, W-9s, account records, payment histories, and supporting documentation.
• Support year-end finance administration, including preparation of 1099-related documentation and other required schedules.

Financial Assistance Payment Administration

• Process and manage a high volume of financial assistance payments on behalf of approved clients, including checks, ACH payments, and electronic disbursements.
• Issue payments to landlords, utility providers, insurance providers, transportation vendors, financial institutions, mortgage servicers, where applicable, and other approved payees in a timely and accurate manner.
• Verify client information, payee details, invoices, account numbers, mailing information, approvals, and supporting documentation before releasing payments.
• Ensure all financial assistance disbursements comply with organizational guidelines, internal approval requirements, funding restrictions, and documentation standards.
• Maintain precise, audit-ready records of financial assistance payments and related supporting materials.
• Coordinate closely with program staff to clarify approvals, resolve missing information, prevent avoidable delays, and track payment status through completion.
• Monitor assistance payment workflows and identify opportunities to improve speed, accuracy, and accountability.

Revenue, Deposits, Donation Processing, and Gift Reconciliation

• Receive, record, and process incoming revenue, including checks, online donations, electronic transfers, grant payments, donor-advised fund gifts, workplace giving receipts, and other contributed revenue.
• Prepare bank deposits and maintain complete supporting documentation for all receipts and deposit activity.
• Record gifts in the appropriate accounting and donor-related systems, ensuring consistency between financial records and donor database entries.
• Reconcile cash receipts, deposits, online giving activity, fundraising platform records, donor systems, and bank statements.
• Track restricted and unrestricted gifts accurately and code revenue in accordance with donor intent, campaign designation, event source, and grant restrictions.
• Coordinate with development staff to resolve gift discrepancies, duplicate entries, unclear donor designations, missing donor information, or posting errors.
• Prepare gift reports, revenue summaries, reconciliation schedules, and supporting documentation for leadership, board reporting, audit support, and fundraising reconciliation.
• Support accurate gift acknowledgment workflows by ensuring donation data is entered, tracked, and documented correctly.
• Record and track in-kind goods and services in the appropriate accounting and donor-related systems, ensuring consistency between financial records and supporting donor documentation.
• Reconcile in-kind contributions with donor records, program documentation, and applicable reporting requirements to ensure accurate classification, valuation, and audit-ready support.

Accounts Receivable and Billing Support

• Support accounts receivable functions, including invoice preparation, billing documentation, account statements, and payment posting.
• Track outstanding receivables and follow up on open balances, discrepancies, missing remittance information, or payment status questions as appropriate.
• Maintain complete receivable documentation and reconciliation trails for audit and reporting purposes.

Budgeting, Forecasting, and Financial Planning

• Assist the Director of Operations and Executive Director in developing the annual operating budget.
• Provide budget-to-actual reporting, variance analysis, and financial forecasts to support planning and decision-making.
• Collaborate with leadership and relevant staff to monitor departmental, programmatic, and grant-related spending.
• Support the financial planning needed to sustain organizational growth and operational effectiveness.

Grant Management and Restricted Fund Reporting

• Track grant income and expenses to ensure proper allocation of funds and adherence to grant guidelines.
• Monitor restricted funding, donor-restricted gifts, in-kind support, and designated revenue for compliance and accurate reporting.
• Prepare financial reports and supporting schedules for grantors, donors, leadership, and auditors, demonstrating transparency and accountability in the use of funds.

Payroll, Benefits, and Finance Administration

• Process payroll accurately and on time using internal systems, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local requirements.
• Oversee payroll-related documentation and reconciliations.
• Administer employee benefits-related accounting processes, including retirement contributions, health insurance deductions, and related reconciliations.
• Support tax documentation, routine filings support, finance correspondence, and other accounting administration tasks as needed.

Compliance, Audit, Procurement, and Operational Support

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, including nonprofit accounting standards, IRS requirements, and organizational financial policies.
• Coordinate the annual audit process, prepare schedules, and provide requested records and documentation to the Foundation’s CPA firm and external auditors.
• Partner with the Program Manager to record, track, and reconcile Nutritional Assistance Program inventory, including donated and purchased goods, inventory usage, and distribution activity associated with on-site and mobile pantry operations.
• Maintain accurate, current, and audit-ready records of in-kind goods, donated services, and Nutritional Assistance Program inventory to support financial reporting, internal controls, and program accountability.
• Maintain and improve accounting policies, procedures, workflows, and internal control practices.
• Assist with procurement and vendor coordination to support effective and cost-conscious organizational operations.
• Maintain accurate records of purchases, inventory, and donated food items associated with the Nutritional Assistance Program, including on-site and mobile pantry activity.
• Maintain orderly financial files, records retention systems, and documentation practices.
• Process incoming mail, route financial correspondence, and manage routine accounting-related administrative tasks as needed.
• Perform other related duties and special projects as assigned.

Vendor, Client, and Issue Resolution

• Serve as a primary finance contact for payment-related questions from vendors and external partners.
• Investigate and resolve rejected payments, returned checks, invoicing discrepancies, failed transactions, duplicate payments, incorrect payee information, and related issues.
• Communicate professionally and effectively with landlords, utility companies, billing departments, vendors, and other service providers, often in time-sensitive or high-stress situations.
• Support resolution of client-related payment questions in coordination with program staff while maintaining confidentiality, professionalism, and compassion.
• Document issues, actions taken, and resolutions thoroughly and consistently.
• Escalate unresolved, sensitive, or high-risk matters appropriately and proactively.
• Identify recurring process problems and recommend practical corrective actions.

Decision-Making and Authority
The Accounting Manager operates in accordance with The Cancer Foundation’s financial policies, accounting procedures, and internal control expectations.

• This position does not have check-signing authority.
• Spending limits and approval thresholds are established by the Executive Director and organizational policy.
• The Accounting Manager is expected to work independently, resolve issues within policy and scope, and elevate matters when approvals or exceptions are required.
• The position may recommend updates to accounting procedures, financial workflows, and internal practices as operational needs evolve.
• The role may communicate directly with auditors, grantors, vendors, and other external partners as appropriate to carry out assigned responsibilities.

Role Structure

• This position reports directly to the Director of Operations.
• This position does not supervise staff.
• This role manages the accounting function rather than a team.
• The Accounting Manager works directly with the Foundation’s CPA firm to support the annual financial audit.
• The role manages vendor relationships as appropriate to support payment operations, procurement, and financial administration.
• The position is expected to maintain current systems and recommend or implement workflow improvements as organizational needs evolve.
• The role works closely with development staff for gifts and donor reconciliation, program staff for client approvals and payment coordination, leadership for budgeting and reporting, and external auditors, grantors, vendors, and service providers.

Success in This Role
In the first year, success in this role will include:

• maintaining accurate and timely weekly and monthly accounting processes and reconciliations,
• ensuring reliable payroll, accounts payable, donation reconciliation, and financial assistance payment workflows,
• supporting a clean and well-prepared annual audit,
• producing clear and timely financial reporting for leadership and the Board,
• maintaining strong compliance with donor intent, grant restrictions, and internal controls,
• and identifying practical improvements to systems, documentation, and workflow efficiency.

Why This Role Matters
At The Cancer Foundation, this role is far more than accounting. Behind every payment processed, every reconciliation completed, and every financial record maintained is a person or family facing one of the most difficult seasons of their life. A rent payment may help a patient stay housed while undergoing treatment. A utility payment may mean a family can keep the lights on while income is interrupted. Fuel assistance may mean someone can get to medical appointments without added financial panic. The work of this role directly helps make those moments of stability possible.

The Accounting Manager is essential to the execution of our Financial Assistance Program. This position helps ensure that approved funds move accurately, responsibly, and on time to the people who depend on them. When this work is done well, patients experience fewer delays, fewer administrative obstacles, and less financial stress during cancer treatment. That is not just good accounting. It is mission delivery.

This role also protects the trust that makes our work possible. Donors, grantors, Board members, and community partners rely on The Cancer Foundation to steward resources with integrity, accuracy, and accountability. The Accounting Manager plays a critical role in honoring that trust by ensuring funds are managed carefully, restricted gifts are tracked properly, payments are documented thoroughly, and financial systems remain strong.

For the right person, this is an opportunity to use financial expertise in a deeply meaningful way. It is a chance to bring order, accuracy, and compassion to a mission that changes lives every day. The person in this role will not work on the edges of impact. They will help make it possible.

Equal Opportunity Statement
The Cancer Foundation is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to fostering a workplace that values respect, professionalism, and inclusion. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit a resume and a tailored cover letter describing their relevant experience and interest in The Cancer Foundation’s mission. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Employment is contingent upon a successful background check.

Requirements

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and progressively responsible experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of accounting experience, including experience managing full-cycle accounting responsibilities.
• Strong nonprofit accounting experience preferred, including experience with restricted funds, grants, in-kind support, and donor-related revenue.
• Demonstrated experience preparing financial statements, managing reconciliations, maintaining the general ledger, and supporting month-end and year-end close.
• Experience in processing accounts payable, accounts receivable, deposits, payroll, and routine disbursements with a high degree of accuracy.
• Experience with donation processing, gift reconciliation, and maintaining consistency between accounting records and donor or fundraising systems.
• Experience handling detailed financial documentation, audit preparation, and compliance-oriented recordkeeping.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently in a lean environment without internal bookkeeping or payroll support staff.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP and sound accounting controls.
• Proficiency with QuickBooks Online and Microsoft Office 365, especially Excel.
• Comfort working across multiple systems and platforms while maintaining strong accuracy and documentation.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• High level of integrity, confidentiality, and professional judgment.
• Demonstrated empathy, patience, and professionalism when communicating with individuals under financial or emotional stress.
• Commitment to the mission of The Cancer Foundation and sensitivity to the needs of those affected by cancer.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced accounting experience in the Nonprofit sector.
• Experience with Ramp, Gusto, Salesforce, Bloomerang/Kindful, or comparable systems.
• Experience supporting external audits, board financial reporting, and grant financial reporting.
• Experience in a healthcare, human services, or other mission-based nonprofit environment.
• Experience with ACH platforms, online bill pay tools, payment portals, and integrated accounting/fundraising workflows.
• Experience managing high-volume payment operations involving multiple stakeholders, approval requirements, and documentation standards.
• Experience improving accounting workflows, process efficiency, or internal documentation practices in a small organization.

Core Competencies

• Financial accuracy and accountability
• Attention to detail
• Operational execution
• Analytical thinking
• Problem-solving and issue resolution
• Time management and prioritization
• Professional communication
• Confidentiality and discretion
• Process improvement
• Customer service and empathy
• Collaboration and follow-through

Work Environment and Physical Requirements
This role primarily operates in a professional office environment and routinely uses standard office equipment, including computers, phones, printers, copiers, and scanners. The position requires the ability to remain seated for extended periods, use a computer for prolonged periods of review and data entry, communicate effectively by phone and email, and occasionally lift or move files, office materials, or deposit-related materials.

This position is primarily on-site in Athens, Georgia, with flexibility for occasional remote work as approved. Occasional evening or weekend hours may be required to support audits, month-end close, special projects, or time-sensitive operational needs.

Reasonable accommodations are available for qualified applicants with disabilities.

Confidentiality
This position handles sensitive financial, donor, vendor, employee, and client information and is expected to maintain strict confidentiality, exercise sound judgment, and comply with organizational policies on privacy, documentation, and records management.