Staff Accountant

SC AQUARIUM•Charleston, SC

9d•Onsite

About The Position

Reporting directly to the Controller, the Staff Accountant manages Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, and Payroll functions at the South Carolina Aquarium. Additionally, they provide critical support to the Controller in financial analysis and reporting for internal management and external stakeholders, playing a key role in the budgetary process.

Requirements

Strong knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles
Proficient in MS Office Products including: Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook
Competent in Accounting and Business software
Ability to perform multiple, highly complex, technical tasks with a need to occasionally upgrade skills in order to meet changing job descriptions
Actively identify opportunities for process improvement and take steps to achieve desired results
Ability to function independently while maintaining clear communication with senior management and individuals in other departments, as appropriate
Goal oriented with proven ability to establish priorities and meet deadlines
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting or Finance
Experience with financial reporting
Valid Driver’s License

Nice To Haves

Experience in a non-profit and/or guest services environment preferred

Responsibilities

Ensures compliance with South Carolina Aquarium Policies & Procedures
Processes bi-weekly payroll accurately and addresses payroll-related inquiries
Manages Accounts Payable activities, processing invoices and expense reports in expense management system with accurate GL Account coding
Facilitate checks and ACH payments of invoices by verifying transactions, scheduling disbursements, and obtaining payment authorizations
Prepares business license renewals, sales and use tax, and property tax
Prepare monthly JEs and reconciliations for controller review, including but not limited to prepaid expenses, accrued liabilities, payroll and fixed assets
Works closely with the Development team and the system to book pledges and contributions and ensure consistency with Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system
Tracks capital spending by project and manages Fixed Asset module in accounting software
Supports external audits and Tax Form 990 preparation by coordinating with the CFO, Controller, and external audit/tax teams
Assists in preparing monthly, annual, and ad hoc financial statements, ensuring clear communication of organizational financial status to internal management
Analyzes financial data (revenues, expenses, projections, cash flow) to provide guidance, make recommendations, and ensure budget adherence
Collaborates with the CFO and Controller on budget planning, recommending procedures, and assisting in budget preparation
Monitors both program and organizational budgets, communicating with senior leadership when appropriate; works with Directors and Department Managers to analyze and control budget variances.
Assists Controller in establishing accounting policies, controls, and procedures to ensure that all financial transactions are recorded correctly in accordance with GAAP
Supports the mission of the Aquarium by participating in sponsored programs and events