Staff Accountant

Staff Accountant

Department: Finance

Reports To: Controller and CFO

FLSA Status: Salaried Exempt

Salary Range: 70K - 75K Annually (DOE)

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Staff Accountant is responsible for performing a variety of accounting, financial, and administrative functions that support the Zoo's daily operations and financial reporting. This position maintains accurate financial records, prepares journal entries, reconciles accounts, processes cash-related transactions, assists with records management and off-site storage coordination, and helps maintain office supply inventories. The Staff Accountant supports compliance with accounting standards and internal controls while providing financial information and guidance to departments across the organization.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field required.
• Minimum of 2-3 years of accounting experience preferred.
• Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and accounting software systems.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and manage multiple priorities.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Financial analysis and reporting.
• Account reconciliation and general ledger maintenance.
• Understanding of accounting regulations, internal controls, and financial compliance requirements.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to investigate discrepancies and recommend solutions.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with cross-functional teams.

Essential Functions

1. Process remote deposits of check payments and prepare related journal entries.
2. Prepare cash deposits, change fund requests, and associated journal entries.
3. Process and reconcile credit card transactions.
4. Maintain detailed records of cash deposits and credit card transactions; verify activity against bank reports and investigate and resolve discrepancies.
5. Perform monthly bank reconciliations and maintain general ledger cash accounts.
6. Review, reconcile, and record daily sales activity reported by Accesso.
7. Prepare account reconciliations, analyses, and selected month-end closing journal entries.
8. Generate monthly and annual reports related to attendance, commissions, donations, and tax reporting, including but not limited to Daily Attendance Reports, SSA Commission Reports, Gifts-in-Kind Reporting, and Schedules of Contributions.
9. Assist with month-end and year-end closing processes, including preparation and posting of journal entries.
10. Support annual audits and provide documentation requested by auditors.
11. Assist with tax reporting and compliance activities as assigned.
12. Order, track, and maintain accounting and office supplies, ensuring adequate inventory levels and timely replenishment.
13. Assist with the organization, preparation, transfer, and retrieval of accounting records and files through Corodata off-site storage services.
14. Participate in special projects, process improvements, and other accounting-related initiatives as needed.
15. Serve as a resource for accounting-related inquiries and provide financial support to other departments.

Working Conditions

• Primarily office-based environment with extended periods of sitting and computer work.
• Occasional lifting of files, records, or office supplies up to 25 pounds.
• May require occasional flexibility in work hours during month-end, year-end, audit, or special project periods.