This positioncontributes to the success of the Chicago Zoological Society by assisting the SeniorVice President of Finance in managing, reporting, controlling and evaluatingall finance-related functions of the Society, thereby maintaining the financialsustainability of the institution.
Primary duties andresponsibilities:
Responsible for theSociety’s Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable/cash receipts, fixed assets,Payroll functions and the Society’s operational, programmatic and capitalgrants.
Responsible for generalledger reporting including managing the year-end and monthly close processes,monthly review, and posting of all customer invoices and deposits. Reviews all transactions posted to thegeneral ledger and account reconciliations. Responsible for interpretation and application of Generally AcceptedAccounting Principles (“GAAP”) as they relate to the Society. Ensures all transactions posted to the generalledger are in compliance with GAAP. Preparedepartment budget and reconcile group-level budgets to actuals. Createsfinancial reporting packages for Management Team and Board of Trustees.
Ensures compliance withthe Uniform Guidance and the U.S. Office of Management and Budget ComplianceSupplement as it relates to the Society’s federal grants. Reviews and approves financial reportsprepared to satisfy reporting requirements of grant, governmental, or otherfunding agencies. Monitors expenses andtrack the status of grant submissions to assure prompt and sufficient receiptof funds due. Reviews and approves theChicago Zoological Society Grant Indirect Cost Rate proposal.
Responsible for monitoringand identifying non-compliance with finance-related CZS policies and departmentprocedures. Monitors systems to improveproductivity, efficiency and security of responsible functions and overall accountingand financial management systems. Recommends changes to the Senior VicePresident of Finance, as appropriate. Recommends, develops, and assists Societymanagers in the maintenance of and adherence to control-related procedurespertaining to purchasing policies.
Provides overall leadershipand management of assigned Finance staff. Duties include, but are not limited to selection and retention of staff,creating appropriate annual performance goals, staff accountability, trainingand development, performance counseling and evaluation, recognition, wage andsalary, employment actions (i.e., promotion, discipline and separation),scheduling, and job assignments.
Responsible for all bankaccount maintenance, wire transfers, Automated Clearing House payments, and monthlybank account reconciliations. Responsible for monitoring the Society’s dailycash position and processing account transfers as necessary. Reviews and approves petty cash requests,purchase orders, quotation summary comparison forms, contract agreements andamendments to ensure compliance with expense reimbursement and purchasingpolicies.
Responsible for creditcard system vendor relationships, reconciliation of credit card system reportsto bank statements, and review of trends in credit card usage at the Society. Serves as Administrator/Security Officer of theSociety’s main credit card systems.
Responsible forcoordinating annual external financial, benefit, and single audits includingpreparation of audit schedules and related supporting documents, financialstatements, and footnotes. Conducts appropriate on-going communication withauditors throughout the year. Ensurescompletion and submission of the federal data collection Form 5500, includingextensions for both the 401(k) and Welfare Benefits Plans.
Responsible for all taxcompliance areas that include sales, use and miscellaneous taxes, payroll taxes,backup withholding, etc. Responsible forcollection and remittance of tax withholding including monthly and annualFederal, state and local reporting. OverseesW-2 and 1099/1042 processes and coordinates the electronic file transmission ofAffordable Care Act (“ACA”) forms to the IRS.
Develops and implementsactions to improve workplace culture with an emphasis on driving results andfostering inclusion. Actively leadsemployee engagement, talent development, recruitment, and retentioninitiatives. Leverages organizationalresources (training and development-CZS University, performance managementsystems, employee surveys, regular communications vehicles, staff meetings,etc.) to drive continuous improvement and positive outcomes.
Serves as a member ofthe Society’s 401k Committee. AttendsContinuing Professional Education training as needed. Participates in Association of Zoos andAquarium Finance Roundtable and Chicago Area Non-Profit Controllers groupconference calls and meetings.
Supports the Senior VicePresident of Finance in engaging the Board of Trustees’ Audit Committee andFinance & Investment Committee. Actively participates in Management Teamand Strategic Focus Group activities. Otherrelated duties as assigned.
Position Requirements and Specifications
Registered Certified Public Accountant license.
Five years directly related experience at a comparable level and with similar scope of responsibilities, including
supervisory experience.
Solid financial and analytical skills required.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including verbal, written, and effective listening required. An articulate, well-spoken individual, capable of effectively representing the organization to various audiences, both within and outside the organization. Ability to deal effectively and tactfully with others.
Ability to work under pressure, juggle multiple priorities, and meet deadlines. Strong organizational, follow-up and
follow-through skills. Attention to detail, accuracy, completeness. Ability to maintain confidentiality of privileged information. High integrity; strong work ethic. Experience and/or ability to work and interact effectively with a diverse, multicultural audience. English fluency at a professional working proficiency. Experience with automated accounting and budgeting systems. High level of proficiency with Microsoft Word, Outlook and, in particular, Excel.
A valid driver’s license is required. Illinois residents must possess a valid. Illinois driver’s license or obtain one within 90 days of hire. Valid out-of-state driver’s license required for out-of-state residents.
Preferred qualifications:
Master’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, or
directly related field highly preferred.
Experience with financial reporting to a Board of Trustees and/or
subcommittees (i.e., Audit, Finance and Investment, etc.) desirable. Experience with non-profit accounting,
including non-profit accounting standards, fund accounting and preparation of
IRS Form 990 and 990T. Experience with
Microsoft Dynamics NAV and Serenic Navigator a plus. Multilingual ability, Spanish fluency.
Required to gain an intimate understanding of the organization, its mission, vision, values, and operating philosophies, and how Finance activities impact the operation of the Society and individual departments. Position has a high level
of responsibility and accountability for compliance, monitoring and implementation of procedures, both from a financial and operational standpoint. Position requires high level of attention to detail and accuracy and significant amount of follow-up. Must be responsible, self-motivated, confident, and have very strong people and leadership skills. Incumbent must enjoy a challenge, be passionate about his/her work, and have a commitment to excellence. Work weeks of 45+ hours are not unusual and may include some extended days or weekends to meet established deadlines or for special projects. Individual is expected to be present and visible at Society events and assist in other areas of
Finance as needed. Some local travel may be required.
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