The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, based in Menlo Park, Calif., seeks a Senior Tax Accountant.

About the Foundation

The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation invests in creative thinkers and problem solvers working to ensure that people, communities, and the planet can flourish. Together with our partners, we are harnessing society’s collective capacity to solve our toughest problems — from the existential threat of climate change to persistent and pervasive inequities, to attacks on democracy itself. A nonpartisan philanthropy, the Hewlett Foundation has made grants in the U.S. and globally for nearly six decades based on an approach that emphasizes long-term support, collaboration, and trust.

Globally, we make grants to address both longstanding and emerging challenges like our efforts to advance gender equity and governance, reimagine the economy and society, and reduce the growing threat of climate change. Our U.S. efforts prioritize strengthening democracy, advancing education for all, and supporting community-led conservation. In the San Francisco Bay Area we call home, we make grants to support meaningful artistic experiences in local communities and support regional foundations working on critical issues such as housing. All of our grantmaking also invests in advancing racial justice and in strengthening the effectiveness of our grantees, and of philanthropy itself. The Hewlett Foundation’s assets are approximately $12.8 billion with annual awards of grants totaling almost $600 million. More information about the Hewlett Foundation is available at: www.hewlett.org

About the Finance Department

The Finance department supports the Foundation’s grant-making goals by overseeing financial activities that include reporting, investment accounting, tax, budget planning, forecasting, cash disbursements, and expense management. The team maintains a system of internal controls that ensure financial operations are well managed and comply with GAAP and IRS requirements as well as provide relevant analysis and financial reporting to inform management decisions.

About the Position

As a direct report to the Chief Financial Officer, the Senior Tax Accountant has significant responsibilities in tax compliance, monitoring and reporting. This position ensures that the Foundation complies with tax laws and regulations while optimizing its tax position.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Prepares the Foundation’s tax returns (990-PF and 990-T), including state and other related tax returns. Proactively works with the tax advisor and team to prepare tax planning and strategy.
• Collects and tracks tax data, including K-1’s issued by partnerships, and tax documents from foreign corporations.
• Ensures timely filing of all returns and payments, including quarterly estimates and extensions. Actively monitors and accounts for the foundation’s tax provision.
• Analyzes and interprets new tax laws and regulations. Works with tax advisors and outside counsel to assess impact and recommend procedures for compliance.
• Plays a key role in the Foundation’s “IRS audit preparedness”. Maintains processes and procedures in the event of an IRS audit.
• Prepares workpapers for the foundation’s audited financial statements. Works with the audit team to research transactions and reconciliations on complex items during the year.
• Supports the accounting and reconcilement of the Foundation’s investment portfolio in accordance with GAAP and IRS regulations.
• Participates in updating and maintenance of procedures and internal controls.

Required Skills and Knowledge

• Master’s degree in taxation and/or CPA required.
• A minimum of 3 years’ experience in tax and accounting, with increasing level of responsibility. Knowledge of tax codes and regulations. Experience applying GAAP to investment accounting.
• Experience with 990-PF and 990-T highly desired.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong planning, organization, and time management skills.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to introduce new methods, processes, or approaches that lead to improved practices and internal controls.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with people at all levels of the organization.

Compensation and Benefits

The Hewlett Foundation is committed to providing compensation that is competitive within the philanthropic sector. We offer a generous total compensation package that emphasizes both base salary and comprehensive benefits. The salary range for this role starts at $115,000-$145,000. Offers are based on the candidate's years of experience and our practice of maintaining salary equity within the foundation.

Physical Demands/Work Environment

The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The position is based in Menlo Park, California. Staff are working in a hybrid environment and currently expected to work from the Hewlett Foundation office at least 2-3 times per week (Tuesdays and Wednesdays are required). While performing the duties of this position, the employee is required to spend extended periods of time at a computer.

To apply:

The recruitment for this role is being handled by Robert Half. If you are interested, please reach out to Christina Tran at christina.tran@roberthalf.com.

The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation embraces the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion both internally, in our hiring process and organizational culture, and externally, in our grantmaking and related practices. We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, cultures, and experiences.