Director of Finance

The Virginia Zoo, founded in 1901, is located in Norfolk, VA and is home to more than 700 animals representing over 150 species. It resides on 53 acres and is mostly outdoors with an indoor World of Reptiles exhibit, 3 classrooms, and an indoor restaurant and gift shop.   

• The Director of Finance of the Virginia Zoological Society takes the leading role of the finance department and is responsible for managing all aspects of the accounting operations for the non-profit arm of the Virginia Zoo. 

Duties/Responsibilities

• Maintains full integrity of all revenues, ensuring organization policies and procedures, as well as state and federal laws and regulations and GAAP are followed and adhered to. 
• Prepare and analyze monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements. 
• Prepare and distribute monthly department financial reports.
• Ensure accuracy and completeness of financial data by conducting audits on journal entries and reconciliations.
• Conducts internal audits and maintains effective internal control procedures. 
• Designs, implements, and directs the VZS’s budgeting, purchasing, and financial recordkeeping and reporting systems while identifying opportunities to enhance the accounting system.
• Conduct regular financial analysis to identify trends, variances, and opportunities for improvement. 
• Works closely with the VZS finance committee to review financials and set attainable and measurable goals for the organization. 
• Ensures the appropriate corporate insurance coverages are in place.
• Contribute and manage the preparation of tax returns and other regulatory filings. 
• Coordinate and prepare all work papers for annual audits with external auditors. 
• Lead the development of the annual operating budget while partnering with department leaders to develop achievable and accurate budgets.
• Provide variance analysis while monitoring budget performance to provide guidance and highlight areas of concern or opportunity. 
• Partner with department leaders to track expenses and adherence to budget guidelines.
• Manage cash flow and liquidity to ensure the Virginia Zoo’s financial obligations are met and fulfilled. 
• Oversee the Accounts Receivable and Accounts Payable process and staff adherence to the policy.
• Oversees capital campaign budget ensuring organizations goals are being met. 
• Responsible for downloading payroll general ledger files; identifying errors and creating the necessary journal entries to resolve discrepancies within the general ledger.
• Process payroll bi-weekly in a timely and accurate manner. 
• Maintain accurate payroll records. 
• Recruit, develop, and retain department team member. 
• Other duties as assigned.

Experience Required

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines with multiple ongoing projects.
• Ability to prioritize tasks.
• Excellent ability to make independent decisions and think logically, in order to troubleshoot, analyze situations, and make sound business decisions while anticipating business needs.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, vendors, auditors and the public.
• Ability to maintain a high level of professionalism, confidentiality, and discretion.

Education and Experience:

• Minimum of ten (10) years of relevant experience in accounting, financial management required related experience.
• Graduate degree in accounting, business administration, or related field preferred.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
• Experience with a Blackbaud/Financial Edge is a plus.

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

Perks

• Positive, fun atmosphere.
• 15 Paid holidays Generous amount of PTO Comprehensive health,
• dental,
• vision,
• disability,
• life insurance,
• and retirement plan are offered following a 60-day probationary period.
• Free Zoo membership.
• Discounts in the gift shop and restaurants.
• Free Behind-The-Scenes tour.