Accounting Manager

Come work at Gathering Waters! You’ll join a team that’s focused on protecting land and water in Wisconsin and supporting over 40 nonprofit land trust organizations across the state.

Position Summary:

Gathering Waters seeks a part-time Accounting Manager to provide accounting support and human resources (HR) administration. This position is responsible for maintaining accurate financial records, preparing financial reports, managing payroll and benefits administration, and supporting the organization’s fiscal health and compliance.

The Accounting Manager reports to the Executive Director and works collaboratively with the Leadership Team to ensure sound financial management and HR best practices.

This is an hourly position that will average 30 hours per week with a limited number of exceptions.

Responsibilities:

Accounting and Financial Management

• Review cash disbursements and credit card charges posted to QuickBooks; record bank deposits (cash, checks, ACH payments) and general journal entries into QuickBooks
• Prepare monthly bank reconciliations and maintain subsidiary schedules
• Review and reconcile fund development reports to QuickBooks to ensure accurate tracking of donations and grants
• Prepare quarterly and year-end financial statements in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)
• Prepare financial reports for the Board of Directors, Finance Committee, and Executive Director
• Attend Finance Committee meetings and serve as the staff liaison to the committee
• Review cash reserve balances and make recommendations based on anticipated short-term needs and organizational cash flow requirements
• Build and manage effective financial systems to support organizational efficiency

Audit, Tax, and Compliance

• Coordinate with outside CPA firm to prepare schedules necessary for the year-end audit report and tax returns
• Serve as staff liaison for the annual audit process
• Ensure compliance with and filing of relevant tax, registration, and licensing documents
• Assist with preparation of Form 990 and supporting schedules
• Assist with preparation of annual accounting for GW Advocacy Fund (affiliated 501(c)(4) organization) and provide outside CPA firm with documents to complete annual Form 990

Budget Planning

• Work with the Executive Director and Leadership Team to develop the annual budget
• Monitor adherence to the budget and provide variance reports as needed
• Assist with expense tracking and reporting for grants and restricted funds

Payroll Administration

• Process payroll through third-party payroll vendor
• Maintain accurate payroll records and coordinate payroll-related reporting

Human Resources and Benefits Administration

• Assist with the annual employee benefits renewal process
• Perform benefits administration including enrollment, changes, and terminations
• Assist with onboarding and offboarding of employees, including coordination of benefits
• Maintain personnel files and other HR document archives in accordance with legal requirements
• Assist with HR management and compliance with employment laws and regulations
• Support the Executive Director with HR-related policies and procedures

Additional Responsibilities

• Administer business insurance policies (workers' comp, auto, D&O, cyber, etc.)
• Collaborate with the Executive Director and staff to revise duties as needed to ensure Gathering Waters obtains required financial reporting in conjunction with sufficient internal controls
• Attend monthly peer group calls with operations and finance staff of our member land trusts
• Perform other general accounting and administrative functions as needed to support organizational operations

Preferred Qualifications and Experience:

We know there are great candidates who may not have all the following experience or check every box. We also know you might bring unique skills we haven't considered. If that applies to you, don't hesitate to apply and tell us about yourself.

Education

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or related field preferred

Experience

• Minimum of 3-5 years of accounting or bookkeeping experience
• Experience in nonprofit accounting and fund accounting
• Experience with financial statement preparation and working with auditors
• Experience with human resources administration, benefits management, or payroll

Skills and Competencies

• Demonstrated proficiency in QuickBooks (QuickBooks Online preferred), Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook), and Slack
• Strong knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy in financial record-keeping
• Strong organizational and time management skills with ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines
• Ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive financial and personnel information
• Analytical and problem-solving skills
• Collaborative approach and ability to work effectively with staff, board members, and external partners

Certifications

• CPA license or pursuit of CPA license is a plus but not required

Compensation:

This is a part-time hourly position starting at between $35-$40 per hour depending on a candidate’s experience. Hours may be flexible from week to week but will average 30 hours per week with a limited number of exceptions.

This position includes a comprehensive benefits package including health and dental insurance, 401k match, generous paid time off, and disability insurance.

Additional Information:

Hybrid work arrangement available with some in-office presence required in a standard office environment.

Occasional attendance at meetings and events, which may occur outside regular business hours.

The duties and responsibilities listed above are representative of the nature and level of work assigned and are not necessarily all-inclusive. Gathering Waters reserves the right to modify this position description as organizational needs require.

Questions can be emailed to info@gatheringwaters.org or call 608-251-9131.

Tentative start date: March 23, 2026

To apply, submit a resume and cover letter via email to info@gatheringwaters.org with “Accounting Manager Application” in the subject line. Incomplete applications (not including both a resume and cover letter) will not be considered.

Three references will be requested from finalists.

Applications will be reviewed on a weekly basis until the position is filled. We anticipate doing two rounds of interviews. The first over the phone for 30 minutes and the second in person at our Madison, WI office.

Gathering Waters is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.

About Gathering Waters: Gathering Waters: Wisconsin’s Alliance for Land Trusts helps people protect the places that make Wisconsin special. We represent more than 40 nonprofit land trusts dedicated to conserving the state’s most important lands and waters.

Pay: $35.00 - $40.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Disability insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Madison, WI 53703