Controller

Philadelphia Zoo works to fulfill our mission as an animal care organization, as a resource to schools and families, and as an ark and advocate for endangered animals around the world.

• What makes the Zoo a unique place to work? Whether you are involved with caring for animals, educating our visitors or working in a behind-the-scenes position in administration, maintenance or garden services, all of our positions share our institutional mission, purpose, and core values.

Who We Are Looking For:

• Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, the Controller is responsible for managing general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, purchasing, all financial closings, external audits, internal controls and revenue control.
• This includes supervising staff, providing direction and ensuring these departments are complying with establish operating procedures.
• This position is the control point for providing timely and accurate month end closing, including generating financial reports and cash flow projections. Manages assigned staff.

What You Will Do: 

• Supervise general ledger maintenance and supporting account analysis.

•  Manage the Zoo’s cash position, including preparing cash flow projections and review of bank reconciliations.

• Monitor and review cash requirements and available borrowing for all debt instruments.

•  Supervise Payroll and ensure payroll disbursements are accurate and secure.
• Review monthly maintenance requests and validates changes. 
• Review payroll liabilities accounts, garnishments, union dues and prepare external reporting requirements.
• Supervise Accounts Payable and ensures bills are paid/accrued during the month incurred. Audit payables for correct coding, compliance with purchase terms and appropriate approvals.
• Supervise Accounts Receivable and ensure receipts are recorded accurately and timely.
• Supervise Purchasing and ensure purchases of goods/services are conducted in accordance with company policy.
• Review transactional activity posted to the general ledger.
• Ensure balance sheet account analysis is performed timely and accurately.
• Generate monthly internal financial reports and supporting analytics; prepare external financial statements.
• Monitor and report Federal grant activity and calculate the Federal overhead rate.
• Reconcile and post to the general ledger all endowment income and cash activity.
• Train, develop and cross-train staff.
• Issue written operating procedures for area of responsibility, monitor internal controls and provide recommended changes as needed to ensure compliance with all regulations.
• Partner with the development team to ensure accurate and timely accounting and reporting of grant activity. 
• Review vendor compliance to revenue contracts to ensure prompt and accurate payment.
• Monitor bank charges and fees to reduce costs and increase benefits and service.
• Support departments throughout the Zoo by providing accurate and timely financial and analytical information as requested.

Non-Essential Job Functions:

• Other duties as assigned
• What This Role Requires:
• Minimum qualifications include a BS in Accounting and 5 years accounting experience.
• Minimum of 3 years supervisory experience.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently as well as part of a team.
• Good communication skills, written and verbal.

Physical and Medical Requirements:

• No allergies related to plants or animals which may interfere with the ability to work.
• Successful completion of a drug test and tuberculosis test prior to starting work.

TRAITS:

• High EQ
• Effective Listener
• Respectful, fair and tactful
• Curious and continuous learner
• Collective under pressure

Additional Requirements:

• Successful completion of a post-offer criminal and credit record check prior to starting work.        

Working Conditions:

•  Second floor (no elevator) of an office building, on-site.

What We Can Offer You:

• Competitive Pay – We recognize talent and we pay to keep it
• Medical, Dental, Vision –While you have our back on the grounds, we cover yours’ with health insurance 
• Annual Leave – We all need a break from time to time
• 401K – There will come a time, when you are ready to retire
• Family membership pass with complimentary tickets – (Warning: You will become a celebrity amongst your friends once they hear you work for America’s 1st Zoo)