Seasonal Accounting Operations Assistant (Policy & Innovation Center)

Job Description

Job Description

The Policy & Innovation Center is a 501(c)3 launched in September 2021 to serve the San Diego region. Our mission is to develop, test, and implement world-class research and policy-driven solutions to address San Diego’s most pressing challenges. Climate resilience, critical infrastructure, digital access, and housing affordability are challenges that require massive collective effort. We build partnerships to create cross-sector, multi-jurisdictional solutions. The Policy & Innovation Center is a partnership between San Diego Foundation, the County of San Diego, and the world’s leading think tank - The Brookings Institution. Together with a network of national and regional partners, the Policy & Innovation Center engages government, corporations, and philanthropy to equitably enhance the long-term sustainability and prosperity of the San Diego region. thinkpic.org/

We are seeking a full time Accounting Operations Assistant (Seasonal for the Summer) Employee who will be responsible for the general accounting function to ensure accurate and timely accounting and finance activities. The position interacts with management and internal staff to ensure an appropriate system of accountability and contingency plans designed to mitigate risk, as well as enhance the accuracy of the reported financial results.

This is a seasonal role with dates of employment from June 15 to August 10, 2026.

What You'll Do:

● Accounting & Finance Support

• Process accounts payable, accounts receivable, expense report reviews, data entry, and financial record maintenance with accuracy and timeliness.

• Organize invoices and supporting documentation; assist with bank and credit card reconciliations.

• Prepare spreadsheets, financial reports, and maintain vendor files and accounting records.

• Support monthly close activities, audit preparation, grant and contract documentation, and budget tracking projects.

• Provide general administrative support including scanning, filing, and special projects related to Finance, HR, Compliance, IT, or Operations.

• Maintain strict confidentiality and communicate professionally with staff and external partners.

• Work with AI team to test systems, including data transfer to Financial Edge and internal audit checks.

● Fund Reporting & Management

• Maintain accurate fee structures and reconcile principal and distributable balances for each fund.

• Prepare interim fund balance reports as needed and research balance variances.

• Assist with internal review of quarterly fund statements and respond to ad-hoc inquiries from Development & Stewardship and other stakeholders.

● Additional Responsibilities

· Learn tasks and responsibilities of the Accounts Payable Administrator for process improvements and to provide coverage as needed.

· Assist with implementing sound internal controls and best practices

· Ad-hoc reporting for a variety of funds

· Provide support to CFO and perform additional duties as requested.

Supervision Received: Reports directly to the CFO.

The Accounting Operations Assistant is expected to maintain confidentiality, demonstrate attention to detail, and communicate professionally with staff and external partners.

Requirements

● Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or equivalent experience.

• Current college students or recent graduates actively pursuing a qualifying degree are warmly encouraged to apply.

● Experience & Knowledge

• Foundational knowledge of finance, accounting, budgeting, forecasting, and cost-control principles, including GAAP.

• Experience working in a dynamic, people-oriented environment.

• A proactive mindset: you spot opportunities and challenges before they arise and communicate solutions clearly.

● Skills & Abilities

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite; strong spreadsheet and data analysis capabilities.

• Familiarity with ERP systems is a plus.

• Strong emotional intelligence and excellent interpersonal skills.

• Clear, confident written and verbal communication.

• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage competing priorities.

• Flexible, innovative, and quality-focused.

Benefits

Pay is $20.00 per hour