Assistant Controller

Tennessee Aquarium; Chattanooga (TN); On-site; USD 70,000 - 73,000; Full time

Job summary

The Tennessee Aquarium is seeking an Assistant Controller to support the Finance Department in managing daily accounting operations, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, month-end, and financial reporting. The role ensures accurate financial data across multiple systems and supports the annual audit and budgeting processes.

Requirements include a Bachelor's degree in accounting and at least three years of related experience; nonprofit experience is preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting is required.
• Minimum of three years of related accounting or finance experience.
• Experience in a nonprofit environment is preferred.
• Working knowledge of GAAP is required.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to compile, review, and organize financial data from multiple systems and sources.
• Effective written and verbal communication and collaboration with management.

Responsibilities

• Direct and coordinate daily Finance Department activities.
• Support accounts payable and accounts receivable processes and related financial activities.
• Assist payroll-related financial processes and month-end procedures.
• Compile financial information from software for ticketing, retail, payroll, and online banking into the accounting system.
• Prepare monthly financial reports reflecting organization activities and position.
• Perform reconciliations of designated general ledger accounts and bank statements.
• Assist with annual operating, benefits, and capital budgets in collaboration with management.
• Prepare and complete required federal, state, and local filings.
• Support annual financial statement audit by providing requested information and documents.

Skills

Organization

Attention to detail

Written & verbal communication

Multisystem data compilation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in accounting

Tools

Microsoft Office

Oracle NetSuite

Job description

At the Tennessee Aquarium, we strive to connect people with nature and empower them to make informed decisions about water and wildlife. We are passionate about our values, which include respect for conservation, a mindset of lifelong learning, and a collaborative, learning-based, respectful work environment.

The Assistant Controller supports the management and daily operations of the Tennessee Aquarium’s Finance Department. This position assists with key accounting functions, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, month-end procedures, financial reporting, account reconciliations, budgeting, required governmental filings, and the annual financial statement audit. The Assistant Controller helps ensure financial information is accurately compiled, maintained, and reported to support the financial operations of the organization.

Key Responsibilities

1. Assists with the direction and coordination of daily Finance Department activities.
2. Supports accounts payable and accounts receivable processes and related financial activities.
3. Assists with payroll-related financial processes and month-end procedures.
4. Compiles and imports financial information from software systems used for ticketing, retail, payroll, and online banking into the accounting system.
5. Assists with the preparation of monthly financial reports reflecting the financial position and activities of the organization.
6. Performs regular reconciliations of designated general ledger accounts, including monthly bank reconciliations as well as other statement of financial position accounts.
7. Assists with the preparation of annual operating, benefits, and capital budgets in collaboration with management.
8. Assists with the preparation and completion of required federal, state, and local government filings.
9. Supports the annual financial statement audit by compiling and providing requested financial information, reports, and supporting documentation.

Key Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting.
• Minimum of three years of related accounting or finance experience.
• Experience working in a non‑profit environment preferred.
• Working knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to compile, review, and organize financial data from multiple systems and sources.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with management and other staff throughout the Aquarium.
• Strong computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and accounting software; experience with Oracle NetSuite preferred.

Working Conditions & Physical Demands

• Standard office environment.
• Frequent use of computers and phones for extended periods of time.
• Ability to remain in a stationary position for extended periods and move throughout the work environment as needed, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Occasional movement or positioning of items weighing up to 20 pounds.

Full‑time, salaried ($70,000-$73,000/year, commensurate with education and experience). Monday-Friday, 40 hours/week.

All submissions must be received by October 14, 2026, at 5:00 PM EST.