Shedd Aquarium is a nonprofit organization dedicated to animal care and welfare, conservation research and public education. Situated on the shore of Lake Michigan, Shedd is home to nearly 32,000 aquatic animals representing more than 1,500 species of fishes, reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, birds and mammals from waters around the world.

Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, the Vice President, Finance & Controller is responsible for overseeing the accounting and day-to-day financial function of Shedd Aquarium to ensure accurate and timely accounting records and reports, while considering the adequacy and efficiency of procedures and internal controls.  The Vice President, Finance & Controller will oversee the work of professional direct reports, including the payroll function.  The Vice President, Finance & Controller works across all departments, building close relationships to help department leaders identify and meet their needs for financial data, ensuring proper accounting needs are for Shedd Aquarium.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Demonstrate commitment to Shedd’s vision, mission, and values.
• Supervise assigned staff, by selecting staff, assigning jobs, training staff, coaching, developing, counseling, addressing appraisal and recognition, and recommending staff salary, promotions, and disciplinary actions.
• Recommend to the CFO accounting policies and procedures to ensure the accuracy of the accounting records while maintaining or improving internal controls and efficiency of staff.
• Determine the financial and operational impact of policy and procedure changes.
• Supervise the recording and reporting of unusual and significant transactions.
• Work with the Assistant Controller to ensure the monthly close is completed and detailed reports reviewed.
• Oversee the staff analyzing monthly departmental and Aquarium-wide financial reports for deviations from budget and emerging trends.
• Oversee the preparation of the annual audit and tax filings.
• In partnership with CFO and senior leadership, develop annual plan in alignment with organization strategy and targets.
• Oversee investments to ensure opportunities are maximized.
• Assist in the preparation of reports to the Board of Trustees and management.
• Recommend the budget for the Accounting Department.
• Assist in the development and preparation of the overall Aquarium budget and forecasts.
• Review payroll and accounts payable processing.
• Monitor contracts with significant vendors and contracts.
• Work with the Assistant Controlled to ensure the preparation of the monthly sales tax and transaction tax returns is completed.
• Monitor cash balances and schedules inter-fund transfers to ensure short-term cash needs are met.
• Work with staff to ensure appropriate monitoring of grant status, projects, restricted contributions, and contracts, including compliance with financial requirements.
• Provide accounting information to other departments as requested.
• Monitor debt outstanding, calculate accrued interest, and initiate the transfers of funds to be available for payments.
• Ensure continued compliance with solicitation registration.
• Ensure compliance with required lobbying/advocacy requirements.
• Support the activities of Board Committees.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education:

• Minimum Bachelor’s Degree with a major in Accounting
• CPA is required.

 Experience:

• Minimum of 10 years of experience working in accounting, with at least 5 years in a supervisory role
• Experience in not-for-profit accounting is strongly preferred
• High level of computer proficiency required, including advanced experience with computerized accounting systems, spreadsheets, and word processing.
• Strong analytical skills including the ability to work independently
• A flexible self-starter able to multi-task while also being highly detailed
• A collaborative approach with a strong service approach; a team player
• Effective interpersonal/communication skills.  Ability to build relationships with external and internal partners, and communicate effectively (written/oral).  Able to communicate effectively with senior leadership and suggest workable solutions
• 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
• Highly organized with demonstrated ability to handle large amounts of data and priorities

We strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ community, veterans and active duty military, parents, individuals with disabilities, and individuals from all cultural backgrounds to apply. Shedd Aquarium is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes everyone to our team.

If you need a reasonable accommodation at any point in the application or interview process, please let us know. In your application, please feel free to select which pronouns you use (For example – she/her/hers, he/him/his, they/them/theirs).