Staff Accountant: Payroll & Accounting Operations

About University of Massachusetts Amherst Foundation

Established in 2003, the University of Massachusetts Amherst Foundation (UMAF), a private 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, exists to raise philanthropic funds in support of the University of Massachusetts Amherst’s mission and highest aspirations. Located on the Amherst campus and wholly dedicated to supporting the University’s mission, UMAF is a separately governed nonprofit organization with its own health, wellness, and retirement benefits. UMAF serves the University of Massachusetts Amherst community by serving as a best practices resource for fundraising strategy and implementation. 

About the role

The University of Massachusetts Amherst Foundation (UMAF) is seeking a detail-oriented and highly organized Staff Accountant: Payroll & Accounting Operations to join our finance team. This role is responsible for managing payroll processing and supporting core accounting operations including accounts payable, bank reconciliations, balance sheet reconciliations, and journal entries.

The ideal candidate will have strong experience in payroll administration, a solid foundation in accounting principles, and familiarity with accounting systems such as QuickBooks and Oracle NetSuite. This position plays an important role in ensuring financial accuracy, compliance, and timely processing of financial transactions.

Location: This is a full-time hybrid position based in Hadley, MA. The position requires regular on-site presence. While there is flexibility in scheduling, employees should expect to be on site multiple days most weeks, depending on operational needs.

Responsibilities

Payroll Administration (Applicants without at least 3 years of direct payroll processing responsibility will not be considered.)

• Process and administer biweekly payroll accurately and on schedule
• Maintain payroll records and ensure compliance with applicable federal and state regulations
• Coordinate payroll changes including new hires, terminations, and compensation updates
• Reconcile payroll accounts and ensure proper recording in the general ledger; perform periodic reconciliation of employee deductions. 401K, parking, gifts
• Address payroll inquiries from employees and resolve discrepancies
• Related tax filings and reporting

Accounts Payable

• Process vendor invoices and ensure timely and accurate payments
• Maintain vendor records and ensure appropriate documentation and approvals
• Monitor accounts payable aging and resolve discrepancies
• Prepare 1099 forms for vendors
• Request and maintain W-9 forms and Liability Insurance documentation from vendors where applicable

Accounting Operations

• Prepare and post journal entries to the general ledger
• Perform monthly bank reconciliations
• Prepare and review balance sheet reconciliations
• Assist with month-end and year-end close activities
• Support travel and business expense system and corporate credit card users and help resolve issues as they arise
• Support internal and external audit requests as needed

Cash Management

• Manage and monitor positive pay transactions and banking controls
• Assist with monitoring daily cash activity and ensuring accuracy of banking records

Other Duties as Assigned 

• UMAF is building and growing, and this position will support those efforts with other duties and projects as assigned from time to time.

Qualifications

• Required Qualifications:
• • Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance
  • Must have 3–5+ years of payroll processing experience
  • Strong understanding of accounting principles and financial processes
  • Experience with QuickBooks and/or Oracle NetSuite
  • Experience with accounts payable, bank reconciliations, and journal entries
  • Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP) 
  • Excellent organizational and communication skills
  • Ability to work independently in a hybrid environment
• Preferred Qualifications:
• • Experience in higher education or nonprofit accounting
  • Familiarity with payroll compliance and multi-state payroll processing
  • Experience supporting month-end close processes

Note: We’re passionate about building a diverse team. If your experience is close, but not an exact match, please consider applying. Experience comes in many forms, and skills are transferable. We know that diverse teams make better decisions and deliver better results, which is why we’re committed to adding new perspectives and encourage everyone to apply. 

BENEFITS

• 20 vacation days, 12 holidays, 12 sick days, 5 personal days, and 2 office closure days.
• 4-day summer work week.
• 401(k) plan. You contribute 5% and receive a 10% match.
• Health insurance packages for medical, dental, and vision.
• 16 weeks of paid parental leave to use within 1 year of childbirth. An additional 6 weeks available for the birthing parent. Part-time work for full-time pay for the first 4 weeks post parental leave.
• Learn more about our benefits.

Proposed Annual Salary Range:
 $85,000 - $93,000

DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION 

At the UMass Amherst Foundation, we understand the value that diversity, equity, and inclusion bring to our workplace, our constituents, and our community. We welcome and value diversity in all its forms and recognize that a diverse and inclusive team strengthens our work and advances our mission. We recognize that the benefits of a diverse team are fully realized when people of all races, gender identities, ages, ethnicities, cultural heritages and nationalities; educational backgrounds; religious and political beliefs; sexual orientations; abilities; and socioeconomic and veteran status are valued, respected, and included at every level. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact careers@uma-foundation.org to request accommodation.

OUR VALUES

Connection: Foster relationships based on trust, respect, and belonging.
Courage: Demonstrate integrity and lead through challenges.
Curiosity: Commit to learning and support a culture of growth.

Questions regarding the position or anything else related to careers with UMAF may be directed to the People & Culture team at careers@uma-foundation.org 

PI3542bef7205c-37641-39948902