Finance Manager

At the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, we first listen to the communities we serve, tap into our learnings and relationships, and bring everyone together to build and support programs that improve education, boost entrepreneurship, and help Kansas City thrive.

Finance Manager

The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation is a private, nonpartisan foundation that provides access to opportunities that help people achieve financial stability, upward mobility, and economic prosperity – regardless of race, gender, or geography. The Foundation uses its grantmaking, research, programs, affiliates, and initiatives to support the start and growth of new businesses, a more prepared workforce, and stronger communities. Our work is grounded in the principles of racial equity, diversity, and inclusion and is consistent with the aspirations of our founder, Ewing Marion Kauffman.

Based in Kansas City, Missouri, the Kauffman Foundation is one of the largest foundations in the United States with an asset base of approximately $3 billion. While striving to have national impact and global reach, the Foundation is deeply committed to Kansas City, as evidenced by work on initiatives that reach into neighborhoods and enrich the community and quality of life in the region. For more information about the Foundation, please visit the website at www.kauffman.org.

Reporting to the Director of Financial Reporting, this position will be responsible for overseeing core financial operations of the Foundation and Affiliates, ensuring accurate financial reporting, maintaining strong internal controls, and supervising finance staff. This role manages the payroll function and month-end close process and ensures compliance with accounting standards, tax regulations, and compliance with organizational policies.  

Specific responsibilities include:

Compliance & Controls

• Upholds and maintains financial policies and procedures for accurate and clear financial reporting.
• Support audit preparation by gathering documentation, preparation and review of PBC’s and report and related disclosures and responding to requests as well as assist in managing the relationship with our audit firm.

Financial Operations & Reporting

• Provides monthly financial reporting for the Foundation and Affiliates in accordance with not-for-profit GAAP.

• Lead the month-end close process and review and approve financial statements, reconciliations, monthly journal entries, and bank reconciliations.
• Oversee accounting for investment portfolio including reviewing investment reconciliations and reporting prepared by staff.
• Generate recurring monthly and quarterly financial reports including reports used for board reporting.
• Lead variance analysis and provide explanations for differences for leadership review.
• Manage the general ledger and review and maintain the chart of accounts. Add or edit posting rules as needed to accomplish coding goals.
• Complete various surveys as requested of the Foundation.
• Identify and implement reconciliations and process improvements to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and controls with the general ledger.

Tax Preparation

• Ensure the Foundation adheres to tax requirements including overseeing the preparation of the 990PF, 990T, and UBIT, tax estimates, and related projections for the Foundation.
• Provide support to external tax accountants and consultants for completion of Foundation annual tax return filings.
• Manage and respond to federal and state tax notices and other tax-related correspondence.
• Provide research and guidance on federal, state, local, and other tax issues concerning not-for-profit organizations.
• Assist in managing the relationship with external tax accountants and consultants, handling inquiries and requests throughout the year.

Payroll Oversight

• Oversee the payroll function, ensuring timely and accurate processing.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll regulations.
• Oversee payroll reconciliations and related general ledger entries.
• Manage relationships with payroll providers and address discrepancies as needed.

Team Leadership

• Supervise and mentor finance staff (e.g., Senior Finance Specialist, Payroll Administrator).
• Review work for accuracy and completeness.
• Provide training and support professional development.
• Foster a collaborative and accountable team environment.

Education: Bachelor of Science degree in accounting, business management, finance, or related degree is required. A CPA or previous public accounting experience is preferred.

Work Experience: At least five years of experience in finance-related positions with heavy financial reporting experience. 3+ years of supervisory experience.

Travel: This position may require occasional business travel.

Qualified candidates for this position must be highly motivated, capable of self-direction, detail oriented and able to work collaboratively in a teamwork capacity.  Candidates must exhibit a keen sense of responsibility and enjoy working with multiple demands, shifting priorities and constant change.

• Must possess a solid knowledge of general ledger accounting, budgets, spreadsheets and reports.
• Must possess strong analytical skills with an ability to assimilate new information and processes quickly.
• Exceptional organization skills including the ability to meet or exceed expectations with regard to deadlines.
• Must possess excellent skills in math and technology including advanced spreadsheet experience, e.g., pivot tables, macros. Basic computer knowledge, including hands on experience using multiple business technologies, including Microsoft Office, and tax/accounting software is required. Must be adaptable to accounting systems.
•  Can manage staff or teams using strong coaching and mentoring skills. Superior communication skills (verbal, written and listening) including the ability to understand and translate information for lay audiences.
• Must exhibit a high degree of motivation with an ability to work independently, but also able to work collaboratively in a team-oriented capacity.
• Ability to change focus and shift priorities with short notice while maintaining accuracy and productivity.
• Candidates must exhibit a keen sense of responsibility, ability to think independently and ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Must possess poise, maturity, a high level of energy and drive with a customer service oriented and results-driven mindset.
• Must possess passion, commitment, intellectual acumen, honesty and humility, combined with solid interpersonal skills to establish and maintain professional positive working relationships with staff, affiliates, auditors and business partners.
• Has the ability to develop a solid understanding of the content, processes, deliverables and overall objectives of the Foundation’s initiatives in order to act as an ambassador.
• Detail orientation and organization are a must. The individual must embody a philosophy to “do things right the first time.”
• Must be able to collect data, analyze and present analyses to support procedures.
• Should have a personal values system that encompasses the highest standards of honesty, integrity, loyalty, and professional ethics reflective of the Kauffman Foundation.
• Should be tactful and diplomatic with good listening skills and an approachable personality. Must be capable of building and sustaining long-term relationships.
• Distinctive problem solving and analytical skills, combined with solid judgment and decision-making abilities.  
• Workday experience preferred.

All of the statements in this position description are intended to describe the general nature of the work being performed and are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required. This document describes the position currently available.  The organization reserves the right to modify job duties or job descriptions at any time.

NON-DISCRIMINATION

The EMKF provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other protected category under applicable law.

TO APPLY

Interested applicants can apply for this position by submitting a cover letter and resume. Job posting will be removed at 5:00 pm CT on May 20, 2026.

 

Please note that this role is Kansas City, MO based and associates must reside in the Kansas City metropolitan area.