Controller

The Controller will play a pivotal role in the financial management of our non-profit zoo, overseeing all aspects of accounting, financial reporting, and compliance. This position requires meticulous attention to detail, exceptional communication skills, and a strong understanding of non-profit accounting principles. Reporting directly to the Chief Financial and Administrative Officer, the Controller will lead a team of dedicated professionals including an AP Specialist, Accountant, and Finance Specialist. 

Essential Job Duties 

Accounting 

• Responsible for the day-to-day accounting and financial operations of the organization. 
• Oversee all accounts, ledgers, and reporting systems, ensuring compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and regulatory requirements.  
• Supervise the organization's A/P and A/R functions 
• Oversee the organization's payroll function, verifying the accuracy of payroll and the proper filing of all payroll tax returns and deposits. 
• Manage the month and year-end accounting closing processes.
• Prepare monthly financial statements for the organization and individual departments.
• In coordination with Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A) Lead, analyze monthly departmental and Zoo-wide financial reports for deviations from budget and emerging trends.
• Partner with the Development team to ensure accurate and appropriate treatment on private and corporate gifts and sponsorship agreements.
• Manage banking relationships. 

Financial Oversight and Compliance 

• Develop and uphold policies & procedures to ensure the accuracy of the accounting records while maintaining or improving internal controls and efficiency of staff. 
• Manage audit activities and serve as the principal liaison with external auditors. Recommend changes to these service providers as warranted. 
• Ensure IRS and other tax reporting requirements are met, including managing 990 filing processes.  
• Manage the organization’s 403(b) program and in partnership with third-party fiduciary ensure compliance, including annual 403(b) audit. 
• Ensure tax compliance with UBIT and other requirements. 
• Reviews agreements for UBIT and other tax implications. 
• Ensure compliance with all financial requirements of 501c3 status. 
• Assist in the preparation of reports to the Board of Trustees and management. 
• Ensure appropriate compliance for business licenses, state registrations and lobbying regulations. 
• Guide staff in tracking and reporting use of restricted funds. 
• Work with the Development team to ensure financial compliance with donor agreements. 

Cash Management 

• Manage cash flow, forecasting, and banking relationships.  
• Balance risk and return via cash and investment management, tracking performance in accordance with investment guidelines from the Board of Directors.  
• Budgeting and Long-Range Planning 
• Recommend the budget for the Finance Department. 
• In partnership with CFAO, FP&A Lead, and senior leadership, assist in the development of annual plan in alignment with organization strategy and targets. 
• Partner with the CFAO and FP&A Lead in long-range financial modeling and forecasting. 

Management, Collaboration, and Integration 

• Work closely with program leaders to educate them on finance and accounting procedures. Effectively communicate financial information, translating complex concepts into clear and actionable insights 
• Explore ways the finance function can support other departments and programs.  
• Provide accounting information to other departments as requested. 
• Supervise assigned staff, by selecting staff, assigning duties, training staff, coaching, developing, counseling, addressing appraisal, recognition, and areas for improvement. 

Supervisory Responsibility 

• Supervises Accountant, Accounts Payable Specialist & Finance Specialist
• Knowledge, Skills, and Qualities– May be representative, but not all-inclusive, of those knowledge, skills and abilities commonly associated with this position.   
• Analytical and Conceptual Aptitude – engages in and facilitates broad organizational strategic thinking/planning with awareness of equity, inclusion, accessibility, and cultural relevance. 
• Collaboration – builds trusting relationships with both internal and external stakeholders across our organization and community-wide and approaches differences of opinion with curiosity and humility. 
• Communication – communicates respectfully and effectively with stakeholders across identities, both verbally and in writing  
• Data Analysis – able to collect, interpret and detect patterns in clean data 
• Dependability – demonstrates trustworthiness and reliability, including while working with little or no direct supervision 
• Inclusive Culture - fosters a culture of mutual respect, transparency, collaboration and belonging which allows all employees to feel appreciated, included, and valued. 
• Organization – strong attention to details and able to build and/or maintain efficient systems 
• Passion – wholeheartedly believes in, represents, and models Oakland Zoo’s mission and PRIDE values at all times 
• Sustainability – oriented toward the mission and values of Oakland Zoo and able to put those into practice by finding creative and resourceful ways to develop sustainable practices within your role and department 
• Wildlife Aware - understands mission to support the conservation and welfare of animals at the Zoo, locally and globally.  This is demonstrated by a willingness/passion to reflect this mission in all actions and to continue to learn how to take action for wildlife 

Experience Required

• Who You Are Bachelor's degree with a major in accounting, finance, business administration, or related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience working in accounting, with at least 5 years of progressive leadership in a financial and/or accounting role.
• High level of computer proficiency required, including advanced experience with computerized accounting systems, spreadsheets, and word processing.
• A flexible self-starter able to multi-task while also being highly detailed. Demonstrated ability to partner and influence at all levels in the organization as a credible, valuable source of information and integral part of the management team.
• Ability to maintain high levels of confidentiality as a member of the Finance team.
• The Oakland Zoo requires vaccination* Bonus if you have... CPA or master's degree in accounting – Strongly preferred Demonstrable experience in nonprofit accounting – Strongly preferred Sage Intacct proficiency Knowledge of payroll requirements Experience with endowments Experience with system implementation

Perks

• Oakland Zoo offers a comprehensive benefits package,
• including Health insurance, Dental insurance,
• Vision insurance,
• Flexible spending account,
• Retirement plan,
• Paid time off,
• Employee Assistance Program,
• and A Friends & Family Zoo Membership.

Salary

• $115,000-125,000