Controller/Director of Accounting

Interested in saving wildlife in wild places?  At the Zoo, our job is for people to fall in love with nature.  Our job is for people to have fun.  Our job is to save the planet.  Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society’s mission is to inspire people to act on behalf of wildlife and the natural world.  By joining our team, you’ll become a critical part of a conservation organization at a thrilling time as we expand our team to build the Zoo of the future. If you are looking for an opportunity to work for an organization where every person makes a difference, look no further.

• Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), the Controller & Director of Accounting is an essential member of the Zoo’s Leadership Team and will lead all day-to-day accounting operations for the Zoo supervising a team of 2 staff members. 
•  The Controller will work closely with the Director of Human Resources in processing semi-monthly payroll and ensuring all staff expenses are properly accounted for.
• This position will be responsible for all tax and regulatory filings, overseeing the annual financial audit and tax reporting, and ensuring a timely and accurate monthly accounting close.
• Additionally, the Controller will provide leadership and coordination in the administrative, business planning, financial reporting, forecasting, and budget management functions ensuring Zoo accounting procedures conform to generally accepted accounting principles and that the Zoo always maintains compliance.

Education Requirements and Technical Skills

• BS or MA in Accounting with successful track record in a financial management role for 10+ years.
• Non-profit accounting experience including familiarity with form 990 preparation, grant management, and management of restricted funds.  Experience at an attraction venue a plus.
• Payroll and benefits management experience.
• Knowledge of federal and state financial regulations.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously and use resources to ensure timely delivery of quality results.
• Advanced knowledge of accounting software and advanced Excel skills a requirement.
• A self-starter able to work independently and thrives working with a team.
• Ability to develop and train staff in order to maximize and reach optimal individual and organizational goals; provide leadership in strengthening internal communications with staff at all levels throughout the organization, and promote a positive and supportive work environment.
• Detail oriented with solid experience in managing accounting activities including accounts payable and receivable, general ledger, job cost reporting and financial statement preparation.
• Keen analytic, organization and problem-solving skills in order to provide timely, relevant data interpretation and ad hoc reporting to Zoo’s leadership team.
• Personal qualities of integrity, credibility, and unwavering commitment to the Palm Beach Zoo mission.

Physical Requirements

• This position is onsite at the Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society.
• Ability to participate in and facilitate group meetings.
• Must be able to walk, stand, sit, kneel, stoop, crawl, twist, reach above head, pull, bend, and climb stairs. Ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work.
• This may involve some lifting, carrying, moving, pushing, and/or pulling of objects/materials of light weight (15-20 pounds).
• Must be able to work a schedule which includes extended hours as necessary to meet deadlines and participation in occasional special events during evenings and weekends.

Core Competencies:

• Professional/Technical Knowledge and Competency - Demonstrates the knowledge and abilities to work in the capacity of a senior level accounting professional.    
• Communication (oral and written) — Effectively expressing ideas verbally and non-verbally and actively listening to individuals and groups in a professional manner; preparing and focusing presentations to the characteristics and needs of the audience; strong writing and editing skills for a variety of audiences.
• Integrity/Trust — Maintaining social, ethical, and organizational values and norms; building trust and confidence with the staff and with internal and external customers; respecting the confidentiality of personal and proprietary information.
• Diversity and Inclusion – Demonstrates behaviors that include fairness, respect, inclusiveness, empathy, integrity, and ethical conduct. Fosters a climate and culture in which each person is accepted and has the opportunity to grow and develop. Practices behaviors that promote diversity and inclusion in dealings with and on behalf of the Zoo, consistent with laws, regulations, and Zoo policies.
• Planning and organizing — Effective management of time and resources to ensure all deadlines are met. Working with CFO to assess priorities among competing requirements and allocating resources in the most efficient and effective way to ensure success; developing contingency plans that anticipate changes in the work environment.
• Customer Focus – Demonstrates courtesy, cooperation and friendliness with team members, volunteers, and guests. Actively listens, anticipates, and evaluates the customer’s needs, whether internal or external. Ensures that customer satisfaction is a priority in all areas of responsibility.
• Teamwork — Supporting, facilitating, and participating in activities that promote team effectiveness; demonstrating sensitivity for the feelings and needs of team members and supporting team goals.

What We Offer:

• A competitive salary, commensurate with your skills and experience
• An EXCELLENT benefits package (current year/plan), which includes:
• 100% paid employee level coverage for designated medical & dental plan
• 100% paid coverage for 100K of life insurance
• 100% paid short-term disability
• 100% paid long-term disability
• 401K – Employer contributes 3% of your salary
• Optional vision, accident and critical illness coverages available through pre-tax payroll deductions
• Generous paid time off policy, Zoo Membership and FREE admission to other Florida Attractions!
• The position will be open until filled. 
• We will contact qualified candidates whom we have chosen to move forward in the interview process.
• Palm Beach Zoo is an equal opportunity employer and makes all employment decisions, including those related to recruitment, hiring, training and promotion without regard to race, religion, color, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.
• Inclusion Diversity Equity and Access (IDEA) Commitment
• Our Mission is to inspire people to act on behalf of wildlife and the natural world.
• We recognize the importance to our mission of including all people across all races, ethnicities, genders, ages, religions, mental/physical abilities, and sexual orientations.
• Just as we value biodiversity, we recognize and appreciate the value of human diversity as being integral to our ability to connect with our visitors and the communities we serve.

Experience Required

• 10 years

Perks

• Great benefits, collaborative culture of conservation and positive growth

Salary

• Commensurate with experience