TITLE: Controller
DEPARTMENT: Accounting & Finance
REPORTS TO: Finance Leadership
STATUS: Full-time, Exempt
SALARY/PAY RATE: $150,000-$160,000
LOCATION: Hybrid - Chicago, IL
 
POSITION OVERVIEW:   
Reporting to Finance leadership, and in close working relationship with the Chief Financial and Administrative Officer, the Controller is responsible for overseeing auditing, accounting, payroll and financial compliance matters of Shedd Aquarium.  The Controller shall ensure accurate and timely accounting records and reports, while considering the adequacy and efficiency of procedures and internal controls.  The Controller will be responsible for the work of professional direct reports and other accounting staff, including general accounting, accounts payable, and payroll functions.  The Controller works across all departments, building close relationships to ensure proper accounting for Shedd Aquarium.  This includes compliance with all appropriate accounting standards and not-for-profit accounting requirements.
 
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.   

• General 
  • Demonstrate commitment to Shedd’s vision, mission, and values. 
  • Responsible for the day-to-day accounting and financial operations of the organization. 
  • 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. 
• Accounting Management 
  • Recommend 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, tax and operational impact of policy and procedures. 
  • Supervise the recording and reporting of transactions. 
  • Ensure best use of the Aquarium’s financial systems, including reporting and user support. 
  • Work with the finance team to ensure the monthly close is completed and detailed reports reviewed in a timely manner. 
  • In coordination with the VP of Finance, analyze monthly departmental and Aquarium-wide financial reports for deviations from budget and emerging trends. 
  • Supervise the preparation of audit and tax return schedules in compliance with generally accepted accounting principles. Serve as the principal liaison to external auditors and tax return preparers. Recommend changes to these service providers as warranted. 
  • Assist with treasury management functions including management of short-term investments. 
  • Manage banking relationships. 
  • Assist in the preparation of reports to the Board of Trustees and management. 
  • Review payroll and accounts payable processing. 
  • Ensure the accurate and timely processing of payroll and compliance to payroll laws.  
  • Monitor cash balances and schedule inter-fund transfers to ensure short-term cash needs are met. 
  • Provide accounting information to other departments as requested. 
  • Ensure compliance with a broad range of rules and regulations including compliance with the Aquarium’s post issuance bond policy. 
  • Ensure appropriate compliance for business licenses, state registrations and lobbying regulations. 
  • Ensure tax compliance with UBIT and other requirements. 
  • Partner with the Development team to ensure accurate and appropriate treatment on private and corporate gifts and sponsorship agreements. 
• Budget and Long-Range Planning 
  • Recommend the budget for the Accounting Department. 
  • Partner with the CFO and VP of Finance in long-range financial modeling and forecasting. 
• Reporting and Annual Filings 
  • Ensure timely and accurate completion of the annual financial audit, Single Audit as required, federal Form 990 and other required filings. 
  • Risk Management/Compliance 
  • Monitor debt outstanding, calculate accrued interest, and initiate the transfers of funds to be available for payments. 
  • Assist with compliance with all debt and bond covenants. 
  • Work with other team members to ensure appropriate monitoring of grant status, projects, restricted contributions, and contracts, including compliance with financial requirements. 
  • Ensure continued compliance with solicitation registration. 
  • Ensure compliance with various external filing requirements. Performs internal reviews and audits.  
  • Works with the Development team to ensure financial compliance with donor agreements. 
  • Ensures compliance with all financial requirements of 501c3 status. 
  • Reviews agreements for UBIT and other tax implications. 
• Utilizes independent judgment and discretion in the exercise of supervisory responsibility, including assigning and directing work, evaluating job performance, resolving job concerns and problems, implementing or effectively recommending decisions concerning hiring, transfer, reassignment, promotion, merit or other compensation increases or rewards, layoff, recall, discipline and/or discharge. 
• Perform other duties as assigned. 

  
QUALIFICATIONS: The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. 

Education: 

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

Experience:   

• Minimum of 7 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. 
• Sage Intacct proficiency preferred.  
• 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. 

 
BENEFITS WORKING AT SHEDD: We offer competitive compensation packages and opportunities for professional growth within our organization. 

• Medical Insurance, including FSA and HSA plan options
• Vision and Dental Insurance 
• Accrued Paid Time Off 
• Up to 12 Paid Holidays 
• Life Insurance 
• Parental Leave and Adoption Assistance
• 401(k)
• Discounted Parking and Public Transit Subsidies
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee Wellness program, including Preventive Care Incentive 
• Employee Discounts
• Employee Tickets 

Reasonable Accommodations: 
Shedd Aquarium is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need reasonable accommodations for any part of the employment process, please email us at jobs@sheddaquarium.org. 

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.