Careers

What's It Like To Work At United Way of Pierce County

COME CHANGE THE WORLD WITH US: Starting right now..
 

UWPC team members are dedicated to creating a supportive team culture.  Every team member is passionate about our work and the impact we create together for our community.  Our staff is a mix of individuals that have had long careers with United Way as well as team members that have joined recently.  Our Mission:  We mobilize and unite the caring power of Pierce County to tackle our community’s toughest challenges to improve lives in measurable and lasting ways.

We offer competitive salaries and a generous benefits package including flexible work schedules, professional development opportunities; volunteering opportunities paid sick leave and vacation, access to comprehensive health, dental, life, short-term and long-term disability insurance; a 403(b) plan, and more. We encourage growth and upward mobility and want you to succeed in a diverse, inclusive, and ethical workplace.

 

BENEFITS & PERKS

We believe that in order to serve our mission, our employees need a culture that values work-life balance, individual needs and constant learning.

Health

HEALTH CARE

We offer competitive health and dental plans to staff and their families, as well as the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to staff.

vacation

VACATION

We encourage our staff to rest and recharge. We provide generous vacation, sick leave and 11 paid holidays.

403B

RETIREMENT SAVINGS

We help you plan for the future. We offer a 403(b) plan along with retirement planning services so you can work now and relax later.

Growth

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

We foster growth opportunities. Through seminars, conferences, we encourage staffers to continue growing their skill sets and fuel their passions.

Open Positions

Job Title: Director of Finance/Controller, UWPC | Tacoma, WA
 

  • Join us and see the difference your expertise makes for our community. Apply today—and bring financial leadership to a place where every dollar counts!

    Competitive Salary & Benefits:
  • $85,000–$100,000 per year, DOE
  • The UWPC offers a generous benefits package that includes:
  • medical, dental, life,  403(b) Defined Contribution Savings plan + match, vacation, sick leave, holidays, and annual bonus. 

UWPC is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to age (40+), sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, creed, color, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, marital status, honorably discharged veteran or military status, disability, or other protected status under Washington law.

Organization Overview

For 100 years, UWPC has been a philanthropic leader, dedicated to supporting and uplifting our community. With a strong legacy, a bold goal, and a robust endowment, we are committed to ensuring our resources continue to make a lasting impact for generations to come for Pierce County residents.

Position Summary

The Director of Finance/Controller is a strategic financial leader responsible for safeguarding the organization’s assets, managing accounting operations, and ensuring the integrity of financial reporting. Reporting to the CEO and Board, the Director of Finance will play a critical role in sustaining the organization’s mission by overseeing the endowment and investment portfolio, maintaining compliance, and supporting long-term financial sustainability to meet our strategic goals.

This is also a highly hands-on role that manages the organization’s daily accounting activity. The Director of Finance/Controller will be directly responsible for entering, coding, and processing accounts payable; preparing and reviewing routine journal entries; reconciling accounts; and ensuring timely month-end close. The position also serves as backup for accounts receivable billing, cash receipts, and payroll processing. The ideal candidate is comfortable performing detailed transactional work while also providing high-level financial leadership and analysis.

Key Responsibilities

Core Accounting & Daily Operations

  • Enter, code, and process all accounts payable, including vendor invoices, credit card transactions, and expense reimbursements.
  • Prepare, post, and review routine journal entries to ensure accurate and timely financial data.
  • Reconcile bank accounts, credit cards, balance sheet accounts, and other key schedules on a monthly basis.
  • Maintain the general ledger and ensure accuracy of all financial records.
  • Serve as backup for accounts receivable, including billing, cash receipts, and deposit processing.
  • Serve as backup for payroll processing, including timesheet review, payroll entry, and payroll reconciliations.
  • Manage cash flow needs and monitor daily cash activity.
     

Grant & Contract Management

  • Maintain detailed grant tracking, including allowable costs, budget-to-actual monitoring, and documentation requirements.
  • Prepare grant invoices, reimbursement requests, and financial reports in accordance with funder guidelines.
  • Ensure compliance with grantor requirements, contract terms, and reporting deadlines.
  • Support program staff in understanding grant budgets and allowable spending.

Financial Stewardship & Reporting

  • Oversee all accounting functions, including general ledger, accounts payable/receivable, payroll, and grant management.
  • Prepare timely and accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements.
  • Maintain internal controls to safeguard assets and ensure the accuracy of financial records.
  • Coordinate and lead the annual audit process, liaising with external auditors.
  • Provide monthly reports to the Board of Directors.


Endowment, portfolio, & Investment Oversight

  • Monitor and report on the performance of the organization’s endowment and investment portfolio.
  • Work with investment advisors and the Board’s finance/investment committee to ensure prudent management of funds.
  • Ensure all investment activities comply with donor restrictions, legal requirements, and organizational policies.
     

Budgeting & Forecasting

  • Lead the annual budgeting process in collaboration with department heads and leadership.
  • Provide financial analysis, forecasting, and recommendations to support strategic decision-making.
  • Monitor budget-to-actual performance and identify areas for improvement.

Compliance & Risk Management

  • Ensure compliance with all relevant federal, state, and local regulations (e.g., IRS, FASB, GAAP for non-profits).
  • Maintain up-to-date knowledge of best practices in non-profit financial management.
  • Oversee risk management policies and insurance coverage.

Leadership & Collaboration

  • Supervise and mentor accounting/finance staff, fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
  • Serve as a key resource for the Board of Directors, Finance Committee, and senior leadership.
  • Collaborate with development staff to track and report on restricted gifts and grants.

    Qualifications

    Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field (CPA or MBA preferred).
    Minimum 7 years of progressive accounting/finance experience, with at least 5 in a non-profit environment.
    Experience with grants, including federal grant requirements
    Previous United Way experience a plus.
    Strong knowledge of non-profit accounting standards, endowment management, and investment oversight.
    Experience with nonprofit accounting software (e.g., Blackbaud, QuickBooks Nonprofit, Sage Intacct).
    Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
    Commitment to the mission and values of UWPC.

    Key Attributes & Competencies

    Integrity, discretion, and a strong sense of stewardship.
    Collaborative and approachable leadership style.
    Strategic thinker with attention to detail.
    Ability to adapt to change and support organizational growth.
    Ability to pass background check
    Job Requirements, must be able to:
    Position requires frequent sitting, standing, and/or moving throughout the day, with the possibility of local travel, primarily to off-site meetings.
    Lifting up to 25 pounds.
    Regular use of hands to handle or feel objects operate a computer, mouse, and/or keyboard with frequency.
    Reaching with hands and arms as week as occasional bending, kneeling, stooping, or crouching.
    Ability to talk and hear clearly for communication purposes.
    Vison requirements include close, distance, peripheral, and depth perception as well as the ability to focus on computer screen for long durations.
    Work is primarily performed indoors with moderate noise levels in a fragrance-aware environment.

    Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

    I understand the job description as it is presented and understand that there may be other duties that accompany the role of Director of Finance.

We appreciate your interest in our organization and are sincerely interested in your background and qualifications. Please answer all questions as thoroughly as possible so we may review this information in consideration of employment within our organization. We consider all applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status.

Personal
Address:
/wk
A "Yes" answer will not necessarily disqualify you from consideration
Americans with Disabilities Act Clarification
Education
Elementary
High School
College
Other (specify)
Military Service
Employment History
Employer 1
Employer 2
Employer 3
Employer 4
Signatures

PLEASE READ AND SIGN BELOW

"I" CERTIFY THAT THE FACTS CONTAINED IN THIS APPLICATION ARE TRUE AND COMPLETE TO THE BEST OF MY KNOWLEDGE. I UNDERSTAND THAT, IF EMPLOYED, FALSIFIED STATEMENTS ON THIS APPLICATION SHALL BE GROUNDS FOR DISMISSAL.

I AUTHORIZE INVESTIGATION OF ALL MY STATEMENTS CONTAINED HEREIN AND THE REFERENCES LISTED ABOVE TO GIVE YOU ANY AND ALL INFORMATION THEY MAY HAVE, PERSONAL OR OTHERWISE, AND RELEASE ALL PARTIES FROM LIABILITY FOR ANY DAMAGE THAT MAY RESULT FROM FURNISHING SAME TO YOU.

I UNDERSTAND AND AGREE THAT, IF HIRED, MY EMPLOYMENT IS FOR NO DEFINITE PERIOD AND MAY, REGARDLESS OF THE DATE OF PAYMENT OF MY WAGES OR SALARY, BE TERMINATED AT ANY TIME WITHOUT ANY PRIOR NOTICE."

Sign above
Conviction Record Information
Please note: A conviction record will not necessarily disqualify you for employment. Facotrs such as the seriousness and nature of the violation and rehabilitation will be considered.

Thank you for your interest in a position with  United Way of Pierce County.

Please use the form below to submit your application. Be prepared to upload a cover letter, resume and three references

Personal
Address:
/wk
Americans with Disabilities Act Clarification
Education
High School
College
Other (specify)
Military Service
Employment History
Employer 1
Employer 2
Upload Cover Letter, Resume, 3 References & EEO Form
One file only.
200 MB limit.
Allowed types: gif, jpg, jpeg, png, bmp, txt, pdf, doc, docx, xls, xlsx, zip.
One file only.
200 MB limit.
Allowed types: gif, jpg, jpeg, png, bmp, txt, pdf, doc, docx, xls, xlsx, zip.
One file only.
200 MB limit.
Allowed types: gif, jpg, jpeg, png, bmp, txt, pdf, doc, docx, xls, xlsx, zip.
UWPC EEOC Form - click here
One file only.
200 MB limit.
Allowed types: gif, jpg, jpeg, png, bmp, txt, pdf, doc, docx, xls, xlsx, zip.
Signatures

PLEASE READ AND SIGN BELOW

"I" CERTIFY THAT THE FACTS CONTAINED IN THIS APPLICATION ARE TRUE AND COMPLETE TO THE BEST OF MY KNOWLEDGE. I UNDERSTAND THAT, IF EMPLOYED, FALSIFIED STATEMENTS ON THIS APPLICATION SHALL BE GROUNDS FOR DISMISSAL.

I AUTHORIZE INVESTIGATION OF ALL MY STATEMENTS CONTAINED HEREIN AND THE REFERENCES LISTED ABOVE TO GIVE YOU ANY AND ALL INFORMATION THEY MAY HAVE, PERSONAL OR OTHERWISE, AND RELEASE ALL PARTIES FROM LIABILITY FOR ANY DAMAGE THAT MAY RESULT FROM FURNISHING SAME TO YOU.

I UNDERSTAND AND AGREE THAT, IF HIRED, MY EMPLOYMENT IS FOR NO DEFINITE PERIOD AND MAY, REGARDLESS OF THE DATE OF PAYMENT OF MY WAGES OR SALARY, BE TERMINATED AT ANY TIME WITHOUT ANY PRIOR NOTICE."

Sign above

 

 

INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

No Openings at this time.

WORK STUDY OPPORTUNITIES

No Openings at this time.
 

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Please visit our Get Connected Site

 FAQ's

How often are jobs posted?

  • Job are posted when a position is open and will remain up until a candidate has accepted an offer. The number of postings varies. Check back often and follow our social networks to get real-time alerts.

If a position has been posted for a long time, are you still taking applications?

  • Yes, as long as the position is posted, we are accepting applicants.

What happens after I apply?

  • The time period between submission and the next steps vary depending on the amount of applications received. Please be patient. Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications will be contacted by a member of the HR team to discuss next steps.

If I applied for a position, do I get an interview?

  • Your application will be considered and reviewed by a member of our HR team and the hiring manager. Only select candidates will receive an interview. Candidates who apply will not be contacted if they are not selected for an interview.