Application Guide

How to Apply for Accounting Manager, Fiscally Sponsored Projects

at Tides

🏢 About Tides

Tides is a philanthropic foundation and nonprofit accelerator that champions justice and equity. Its Tides Center fiscally sponsors over 130 mission-aligned projects, providing operational, financial, and HR support so these projects can focus on impact. Working at Tides means being part of a collaborative, values-driven organization committed to racial and social justice.

About This Role

As Accounting Manager for Fiscally Sponsored Projects, you'll lead a team of Senior Accountants and Accountants to ensure accurate financial management for over 130 sponsored projects. You'll drive process improvements, uphold JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion) values, and partner with functional leaders to deliver seamless service. This role is pivotal in enabling mission-driven work by ensuring financial integrity and transparency.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might start with a quick stand-up with your accounting team to review priorities, then diving into review of grant draws and reconciliations for multiple sponsored projects. You might meet with a project director to discuss a budget variance, then spend time coaching a senior accountant on complex fund accounting. Afternoons could involve analyzing financial reports for leadership or collaborating with HR on a new process improvement.

🚀 Application Tools

Generate Cover Letter

AI-powered, tailored for Tides

Interview Prep

Practice questions for this role

🎯 Who Tides Is Looking For

  • Has 6+ years of progressive accounting experience, with at least 2 years in a supervisory or technical leadership role, ideally in nonprofit or fiscal sponsorship.
  • Possesses deep expertise in nonprofit accounting, including government grant management (federal, state, local), fund accounting, and compliance with Uniform Guidance.
  • Is proficient in NetSuite or a similar enterprise accounting system, and can leverage it for efficient multi-entity reporting and process automation.
  • Embraces a collaborative, JEDI-centered leadership style, with experience managing diverse teams and fostering accountability and transparency.

📝 Tips for Applying to Tides

1

Highlight your experience with fiscal sponsorship or managing multiple nonprofit entities, as this is core to the role.

2

Quantify your achievements in grant management—e.g., dollar volume of grants managed, number of projects overseen, or audit outcomes.

3

Showcase your NetSuite proficiency specifically: mention any customizations, saved searches, or reports you've built for multi-entity accounting.

4

In your cover letter, explicitly connect your leadership style to Tides' JEDI values—use examples of how you've promoted equity on your team.

5

Tailor your resume to emphasize cross-functional collaboration (e.g., with HR, programs) and process improvement initiatives.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your commitment to social justice and how your accounting skills support mission-driven organizations.', 'Specific examples of leading a team through change, such as implementing new systems or improving grant compliance.', 'Your experience with government grants and ensuring compliance with OMB Uniform Guidance.', "How you foster a collaborative, accountable team culture that aligns with Tides' values of transparency and respect."]

Generate Cover Letter →

🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review Tides' website and annual report to understand their mission, JEDI commitment, and the types of projects they sponsor.
  • → Read about fiscal sponsorship models and Tides Center's specific approach—this will show your understanding of their unique operational structure.
  • → Look into recent news or blog posts about Tides to see current initiatives or challenges they're addressing.
  • → Familiarize yourself with the OMB Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200) for federal grant management, as this is critical for the role.
Visit Tides's Website →

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you handle a situation where a sponsored project is non-compliant with grant terms?
2 Describe your experience with NetSuite—what modules have you used, and how have you optimized it for multi-entity accounting?
3 How do you approach performance management and professional development for your team members?
4 Can you walk us through your process for ensuring accurate and timely grant reporting?
5 How do you incorporate JEDI principles into your daily leadership and decision-making?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Don't focus solely on for-profit accounting experience; emphasize nonprofit and grant accounting instead.
  • Avoid generic leadership examples—be specific about managing remote teams and fostering equity.
  • Don't overlook the JEDI aspect; failing to address equity and inclusion in your application can be a major red flag for Tides.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Tides!

← Back to Job Listing Apply Now →