Senior Accountant

ORGANIZATION BACKGROUND

The Maritime Aquarium’s mission is to ignite a connection to Long Island Sound and the ocean to enrich the lives of all people and inspire action to protect our blue planet. For 37 years, the Aquarium has played a significant role in shaping the landscape of Norwalk and the region. The second largest family attraction in Connecticut, and 50 miles from New York City, the Aquarium hosts nearly 450,000 guests annually. Its primary exhibits take guests on a voyage from the shallow salt marshes and estuaries to the depths of the Long Island Sound and the ocean beyond, culminating with habitats for sharks and harbor seals.

Altogether, the Aquarium is home to more than 8,000 animals and 285 species in 75 exhibits. A new 4D Theater offers a unique sensory film experience for guests. Its education programs introduce nearly 50,000 students, campers and scouts to marine and STEM education. The Aquarium is recognized as a top aquarium in the nation and is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. It is an active participant in the local and regional community. The strength of the Aquarium is its 85 full-time staff, and part-time and seasonal staff, in addition to our volunteers.

Primary Responsibilities

The Senior Accountant reports to the Vice President of Finance. This role is responsible for maintaining the integrity of all financial data and ensuring compliance with all regulatory, accounting, and auditing requirements. The Senior Accountant works closely with team members in the Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, and Payroll/Grants Management functions as well as across departments throughout the Aquarium to effectively manage day-to-day accounting and month-end close activities and provide stakeholders with timely, accurate, and meaningful financial reporting and analysis.

Specific Responsibilities

• Manages general ledger and completes month-end and year-end close processes, including the creation of various journal entries
• Calculates and maintains accruals, deferrals, fixed assets, and prepaids
• Completes monthly reconciliations, including bank reconciliations, systems tie outs, and general ledger account reconciliations
• Assists with the preparation of financial statements and regulatory reporting documents
• Prepares financial reports for taxes, regulatory agencies, etc.
• Along with the Vice President of Finance, lead annual financial audit process
• Assists the Vice President of Finance in preparing documents, preparing budget versus actual reporting, and producing analysis to interpret complicated financial information for managers and executives
• Assists the Vice President of Finance with the annual budget process and forecasting process
• Identify improvement and implement best practices to improve daily operations

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or related field
• Three to five years of progressive experience in accounting roles with two to three years managerial experience and experience in public accounting preferred
• Experience in a non-profit organization highly preferred
• Intermediate to Advanced Excel skills required
• Active CPA credentials (or in progress)
• Financial systems expertise and experience bridging multiple platforms/tools
• Experience with Sage and/or Tessitura ideal
• Attention to detail with outstanding problem-solving skills, sound judgment, and excellent interpersonal skills
• Concise, effective written and verbal communication skills
• Commitment to the Aquarium’s mission, with an appreciation for the important role that the Aquarium plays in conservation, education and the life of a vibrant community

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

The Maritime Aquarium is an equal opportunity employer with a commitment to diversity. All individuals, regardless of personal characteristics, are encouraged to apply.

Comprehensive and generous benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, paid time off, 401k with employer contribution and other benefits.