Controller

Seattle Aquarium•Seattle, WA

16d•$125,000 - $150,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Seattle Aquarium is seeking a strategic, detail-oriented Controller to lead day-to-day finance operations, including accounting, payroll, and financial reporting. As a financial partner and leader on the Finance team, the Controller supports Board and Finance Committee presentations and collaborates with Executive and Leadership teams. The role oversees a team of three and has functional responsibility for internal controls, accounts payable and receivable, payroll, and internal and external financial reporting. In partnership with the Vice President of Finance, the Controller ensures systems and procedures support effective program implementation, accurate reporting, and audit readiness. The Controller serves as a resource to program leaders, explaining financial processes and identifying ways Finance can support their work. The role also collaborates with senior leadership, People & Culture, and IT to strengthen integration across Finance, HR, and technology. As the Aquarium’s technical expert in GAAP, the Controller ensures timely, accurate, and compliant reporting for internal stakeholders and external partners. This is a hybrid position with regular on-site work at the Seattle Aquarium campus expected after an initial training period. The position requires a collaborative approach, occasional evening or weekend hours for events or deadlines, and occasional travel between campus buildings in varying weather conditions. Most on-site work is in a typical office setting with frequent interruptions; the work also involves extended sitting and occasional exposure to outdoor elements. The salary range is $125,000 to $150,000 per year, depending on experience. Full-time staff are eligible for a comprehensive benefits package.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, business, or a related field.
At least seven years of experience in accounting and finance.
Experience coordinating audits and managing reporting, budget development and analysis, accounts payable and receivable, general ledger, payroll, and investment accounting.
Track record in grants management, including compliance and reporting for government, corporate, and foundation grants.
Deep knowledge of OMB Uniform Guidance and other regulations and compliance activities related to federal grants.
Advanced knowledge of accounting and reporting software; familiarity with online banking, Microsoft Excel, and PowerPoint.
Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills, including the ability to interpret data strategically rather than simply report it.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including communicating key data and presenting to senior management, boards, and external partners.
Ability and desire to explain complex financial concepts to finance and non-finance managers at all levels.
Commitment to the Aquarium’s mission and S.A.L.I.S.H. Values, including Regenerative and Equity work.
Ability to work collaboratively, meet in person with adequate notice, and use Teams for video conferences on short notice.
Must pass a background check if offered the position.

Nice To Haves

Certified Public Accountant (CPA).
Background in public accounting.
Experience within a complex nonprofit organization with multiple programs.
Knowledge of MIP Accounting Software by Momentive.
Experience ideally beginning in accounting and audit and progressing to roles involving gathering, evaluating, presenting, and reporting financial information to executive teams and external stakeholders.
Commitment to building and supporting a diverse team through thoughtful recruitment, mentoring, training, and delegation.

Responsibilities

Oversee accounts, ledgers, reporting systems, and payroll, ensuring compliance with GAAP and regulatory requirements.
Maintain internal controls and safeguards for revenue receipts, program budgets, actual expenditures, and payroll.
Coordinate and lead preparation for tax and audit activity, including the 990, financial statement audit, 403(b) audit, and A-133 audit when required, in coordination with the external independent accounting firm.
Serve as the primary GAAP, IRS compliance, and OMB federal grant expert, and stay current on relevant changes.
Manage and track invested-asset performance in accordance with policies and investment guidelines.
Assist the Vice President of Finance with the annual commercial insurance renewal.
Prepare accurate, timely monthly and annual financial reports for the Finance Committee, program staff, internal departments, and external stakeholders, and communicate variances between expectations and actual results.
Identify, explain, and correct variances as appropriate.
Assist Aquarium leadership with the annual budgeting and planning process.
Oversee financial, project/program, and grants accounting, and provide Philanthropy with reporting materials for government, corporate, and foundation grant reporting requirements.
Identify and communicate areas of risk to the Vice President of Finance.
Support the Vice President of Finance in engaging the Board’s Finance Committee on issues and trends in financial operating models and delivery.
Collaborate with program managers to assess program financial efficacy and establish financial and administrative systems that support program operations.
Manage organizational cash-flow forecasting in partnership with program managers.
Supervise, oversee, and lead Finance and Accounting staff, supporting their growth.
Leverage team members’ strengths, adjust responsibilities as needed, and develop and implement training programs to support staff growth and organizational goals.
Continuously assess and improve accounting, payroll, and reporting operations for efficiency while maintaining appropriate internal controls and accuracy.
Advance and integrate Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Regenerative practices in work, in alignment with the Aquarium’s S.A.L.I.S.H. Values.