Summary:
The Senior Director of Accounting manages the day-to-day accounting functions to ensure accurate and timely recording of all financial transactions and the management and distribution of monthly financial reports. The Senior Director of Accounting is responsible for managing the accounting relationship with the food service, gift shop, theater, and any other outsourced providers. This position acts on the VP of Finance’s behalf on an as-needed basis to ensure the Finance area within SWIFT (Sustaining Water Quality, Infrastructure, Finance & Technology) department functions efficiently at Shedd Aquarium.

Essential Duties & 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. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

General

• Demonstrate commitment to Shedd’s vision, mission, and values
• Supervise assigned accounting staff, by selecting staff, assigning jobs, training staff, coaching, developing, counseling, addressing appraisal and recognition, and recommending staff salary, promotions, and disciplinary actions

Accounts Payable

• Approve all invoices for payment and follow up with staff and vendors on problematic invoices
• Upload “Positive Pay” file for operating account
• Update Accounts Payable procedures as needed

Cash Management

• Monitor daily cash account activity and promptly research unusual activity
• Maintain listing of current cash balances by account
• Initiate stop payments when necessary
• Initiate wire transfers and other investment transfers

Monthly Close and Reporting

• Ensure an accurate and timely monthly, quarterly, and year-end close
• Review monthly account analyses and reconciliations
• Review and approve journal entries created by accounting staff
• Set-up and distribute monthly close calendar
• Close monthly activity in financial reporting system
• Review monthly account analysis and reconciliations
• Assist Senior Director of Financial Planning & Analysis with internal financial reporting as needed
• Prepare reconciliation of Tessitura revenue to general ledger activity

Audits and Tax Returns

• Oversee the preparation of all monthly and annual state and local tax returns including Chicago valet parking tax payment and return, state sales tax, Chicago transaction tax, annual 1099 tax forms, and unclaimed property
• Assist with preparation of schedules for the annual state and federal Form 990 and 990T information returns
• Oversee auditors’ “PBC” requests and delegate to accounting staff. Monitor progress
• Liaison with auditors and provide auditors with requested documents
• Prepare annual financial statements for audit report and cross reference to auditor statements
• Collaborate with the Vice President of Finance to ensure an orderly and timely year-end audit
• Prepare schedules for Single Audit when required

Bond Activity and Compliance

• Review accrued bond interest calculations
• Ensure timely transfer of principal and interest payments
• Prepare quarterly compliance documents

Budgets

• Assist in development of overall Aquarium budget
• Assist in development and tracking of Accounting Department budget and forecasts
• Analyze financial reports for deviations from budgets and emerging trends

Grants

• Prepare journal entries for purpose restricted grants in accordance with grant award documents
• Prepare grant-related financial statements for reporting purposes

Other

• Monitor required reporting for lobbying/advocacy requirements
• Prepare annual U.S. Census Survey and other surveys
• Train users in financial software and accounting systems
• Provide accounting information to other departments as requested.
• Participate in teams and perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education:
Bachelor’s degree in accounting is required

Experience & Characteristics:

• Minimum of 8 years of experience in public/private accounting with at least 4 years in a supervisory role.
• Experience working in a non-profit organization desirable.
• Experience with local, state, and federal taxes.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills for relationship building and to interact with cross-functional management, including senior leadership, department leaders and external auditors.
• Ability to motivate teams to produce quality results within strict time frames as well as simultaneously manage several projects.
• Maintains a continuous improvement mindset, searching ways to improve standardization and reduce complexity.
• Effective time management, problem solving and decision-making skills.

Designations/Certifications:

• CPA required.