TITLE: Director of Accounting
DEPARTMENT: Accounting
REPORTS TO: Controller
STATUS: Full-time, Exempt
SALARY: $85,000 - $100,000
 
POSITION OVERVIEW: Reporting to the Controller, the Director of Accounting manages accounting functions to ensure accurate and timely recording of all financial transactions and the management and distribution of the monthly close and the financial reports. The Director of Accounting will oversee the accuracy of prepared and recorded asset, liability, revenue, and expense entries by direct reports and the maintenance and reconciliation of subsidiary accounts, and have direct involvement with software implementations and training.  The 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 Controller’s behalf on an as-needed basis to ensure the Finance area within SWIFT (Sustaining Water Quality, Infrastructure, Finance & Technology) functions efficiently at Shedd Aquarium.    
 
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.   

• Demonstrates commitment to Shedd’s vision, mission, and values. 
• Develops and implements accounting policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with GAAP and other regulatory requirements.  
• Assesses and improves internal controls to safeguard organizational assets and ensure the integrity of financial operations.  
• Identifies areas for improvement in accounting systems and processes and implements changes to enhance efficiency and accuracy.  
• Utilizes independent judgment and discretion in the exercise of supervisory responsibility and authority with respect to assigned accounting staff in the SWIFT Department 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. 
• Leads, mentors, and develops the accounting team, ensuring their skills and performance align with the organization's needs.  
• Manages direct reports for the month and year-end close duties, which include but are not limited to: 
  • Prepare journal entries, including but not limited to cash receipts, investments, deferred revenue, accruals, contributions, admissions, and partner sales revenue. 
  • Reconcile general ledger accounts and update schedules. 
  • Prepare bank reconciliations. 
  • Reconcile Fixed Assets and calculate and record depreciation. 
  • Prepare monthly development revenue reports. 
  • Reconcile and track partner sales. 
  • Research credit card fees and chargeback discrepancies. 
  • Oversees the Accounts Payable function. 
  • Initiates ACH/Wire payments. 
• Reviews monthly account reconciliations and analyses. 
• Collaborates with the Controller to ensure an orderly and timely year-end audit, including the preparation, analysis, and review of the supporting schedules and the financial statements, including cash flow statements.  
• Partners with the Controller and the direct team in the preparation and review of schedules for the 990 and 990T information returns. 
• Ensures compliance with all applicable tax and accounting regulations and standards by overseeing the preparation of all monthly and annual state and local tax returns and processing of any payments due, including but not limited to: 
  • Valet parking  
  • State sales tax 
  • Unclaimed property to the state 
  • Lobbying 
  • Annual 1099 tax forms 
• Manages the accounting relationship with the food service, gift shop, theater, and any other outsourced providers.  
• Acts on the Controller’s behalf on an as-needed basis. 
• Trains users in financial software and accounting systems. 
• Collaborates with other departments to support overall business goals and provides strategic financial insights and recommendations.  
• Provides backup assistance to accounting functions, as needed. 
• Participates in teams and performs other duties as assigned. 

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

Education: A Bachelor’s degree in accounting is required. 
 
Experience:  

• At least 4-6 years of experience working in accounting with fund accounting, grant management in a non-profit is highly preferred. 
• Experience in a supervisory role is required. 
• Public Accounting experience is highly preferred. 
• Experience with local, state, and federal taxes. 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel (v-lookup, pivot tables, mid function, etc.) is required. 
• Experience with Sage Intacct and Tessitura is highly preferred. 

Designations/Certifications:  

• CPA is highly preferred. 

Characteristics:  

• 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 for ways to improve standardization and reduce complexity. 
• Strong analytical, time management, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. 
• Detail-oriented and thorough. 
• Ability to analyze financial statements and budgets. 
• Ability to critically evaluate information for accuracy and usefulness in solving problems. 
• Ability to successfully manage multiple concurrent projects in a deadline-oriented environment, with effective prioritization, is required. 

BENEFITS OF 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.