Controller

National Aquarium; Baltimore (MD); Hybrid; USD 99,000 - 134,000; Full time

Job summary

The National Aquarium in Baltimore, Maryland, seeks a Controller to lead the General Ledger, ensure data integrity, and supervise accounting staff within the Finance team.

This on-site/hybrid role supports month-end close, internal controls, external reporting, and budgeting with FP&A collaboration; CPA/MBA preferred and not-for-profit experience valued.

Qualifications

• BS in accounting/finance, advanced degree or CPA/MBA preferred.
• 7+ years general ledger experience and 3+ years in management.
• Not-for-profit exposure (audit, board work) preferred.
• Experience with Nexonia, Sage Intacct and Adaptive preferred.
• Strong accuracy in financial statements.
• Proven process improvement in multi-entity environments.
• Strong project management and leadership skills.
• Solid understanding of GAAP and IRS 501(c)(3) rules.
• Collaborative, team-oriented leadership and consensus builder.

Responsibilities

• Supervise accounting staff (AP, payroll, AR, grant reporting, fixed assets).
• Ensure accounting systems support the org and improve controls.
• Lead month-end and year-end close processes.
• Develop and enforce financial policies; train staff as needed.
• Support internal/external reporting and budgeting in collaboration with FP&A.
• Prepare for and support annual audits and lender reporting.
• Maintain compliance with GAAP, IRS rules, and grant tracking.
• Improve management reporting and dashboards with COFO and VP Finance.

Skills

GAAP knowledge

Leadership

Financial systems

Auditing readiness

Attention to detail

Process improvement

Project management

Education

Bachelor of Science in Accounting or Finance

Tools

Nexonia

Sage Intacct

Adaptive

Job description

Job Title: Controller

Posting Date: August 2026

Job Department: Finance

Schedule: Full Time

Job Type: On-site/Hybrid

Location: Candler 111 Market Pl Suite 800 Baltimore MD 21202

JOB SUMMARY:

The National Aquarium is seeking a Controller to join our Finance Team to be responsible for management of the General Ledger and ensuring the integrity of the data flowing into and out of the financial system from and to related systems. The Controller manages a team of accounting staff who perform the daily transactions, ensure compliance with new US GAAP Standards as they are issued, support a strong control environment, and manage the monthly and annual closing processes. This individual will also ensure compliance with periodic reporting requirements to lenders and other business partners, is responsible for internal and external reporting; and acts in a supporting role (with FP&A team) in the annual budget and planning process.

KEY REQUIREMENTS:

Essential responsibilities include:

Efficiency in Accounting

• Provide direct supervision of and support Accounting staff, including Accounts Payable, Payroll, Accounts Receivable, Grant Reporting, and Fixed Assets
• Ensure Accounting Systems are supporting the organization well
• Lead Month- End and Year- End Closing processes
• Support evaluation and implementation of key controls
• Utilize data to implement changes that increase efficiency of departmental and organizational processes
• Lead development and delivery of training, including cross-training and process redesign for improved efficiency and controls (as needed)
• Lead annual review, update, and create Financial Policies, as needed.

Audit Compliance

• Ensure readiness for and manage annual independent audit process, including:
  • Prepare for and implement new accounting policies
  • Maintain internal controls, implement best practices with a view to minimizing risk of weakness or significant deficiency
• Audit preparation, including management of provided by client materials, calendaring and marshaling internal resources for timely completion of audit.

Cash, Bank, and Investment Management

• Signs checks and other negotiable instruments after necessary approvals are obtained.
• Initiates wire transfers and other banking transactions as requested.
• Periodically assess and evaluate available cash position.
• Completes quarterly debt compliance checklists.
• Prepares periodic debt correspondence for Chief Operating and Financial Officer’s (COFO) approval.

Accuracy in Financial Reporting

• Evaluate changes in IRS Form 990 Reporting Requirements and lead National Aquarium and affiliates in the preparation and timely filing of IRS Form 990
• Stay current on US GAAP changes and support impact assessment on National Aquarium policies
• Maintain an understanding of National Aquarium’s activities in order to report Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA) accurately
• Create, review, and update estimates and allocations used by the National Aquarium
• Review and establish/improve processes for grant reporting and management/tracking of restricted funds for reporting and covenant compliance purposes
• Oversee the gathering of information to be reported at the State and Federal levels
• Prepare and reconcile various monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports and GAAP statements.

Management Reporting

• Coordinate with the COFO and VP of Finance & Capital Planning to improve management reporting (monthly financials and variance analysis) from Sage Intacct and Adaptive systems in terms of:
  • Improved transparency
  • Timeliness and accuracy of monthly and quarterly reporting
  • Management reporting, including dashboards and ad hoc informational requests.
• Prepare Audit and Finance committees’ minutes, committee reports to the board, and committee materials, as well as for the National Aquarium Foundation Board for review of the VP of Finance & Capital Planning.
• Support company mission.
• Adhere to all organizational and departmental policies and procedures.
• Other duties as assigned or required.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting or Finance, advanced degree or equivalent preferred (CPA/MBA).
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in general ledger accounting, and 3 years management experience.
• Preferred 2 years involvement with a not-for-profit organization (audit, accounting, board membership, etc.).
• Proven ability to track entries into a sophisticated electronic financial system, meeting all related deadlines; experience with Nexonia, Sage Intacct, and Adaptive is preferred.
• Significant experience in ensuring accuracy of financial statements.
• Demonstrated experience with process improvement and ability to operate within a multi-entity fiscal structure.
• Strong project management skills.
• Superior knowledge of GAAP and IRS regulations regarding 501(c)3 organizations.
• Strong collaborative, team-oriented leadership and interpersonal skills with proven experience in team building.
• Adept as an influencer and consensus builder.

TOTAL COMPENSATION INFORMATION:

Salary range ($98,900-133,549 Annual). National Aquarium provides an excellent benefits package, including four weeks paid time off, and six paid floating holidays and up to four weeks of paid family leave. Employees are eligible for health care (single and family) after 30 days of full-time work. Conservation day leave and 401(k) plan with employer match available. All National Aquarium employees receive a family membership package and Aquarium tickets.

About the National Aquarium

Established in 1981, the National Aquarium in Baltimore, Maryland, is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to connect people with nature to inspire compassion and care for our ocean planet. The Aquarium’s award-winning habitats are home to thousands of animals representing hundreds of species of fish, birds, amphibians, reptiles and mammals. We are proud to be accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and exceed industry standards in all aspects of animal care and welfare.

More than 1.2 million people visit the Aquarium each year to experience our immersive exhibits, and we reach far more through our science-based education programs and hands‑on field conservation work.The National Aquarium is one of the top three aquariums in the United States and the largest paid cultural attraction in Maryland.

Our Mission and Goals

The Aquarium’s mission—to connect people with nature to inspire compassion and care for our ocean planet—begins within the walls of its buildings, but it does not end there. The Aquarium protects, enhances and restores natural resources through education and engagement, habitat restoration, animal rescue and sustainable business practices, with its conservation work guided by three overarching goals—to combat climate change, save wildlife and habitats, and stop plastic pollution.

Our Values

At the National Aquarium, our core values form the basis for our beliefs about our organization, our colleagues and ourselves, and serve as the framework to guide our behaviors and actions to achieve our mission.

Connection: We take the time to build lasting connections with each other, our guests, the animals in our care and the nature that surrounds us. We communicate clearly and collaborate readily within and across teams. We engage thoughtfully with our partners. We practice shared accountability.

Curiosity: We center learning and growth in all that we do. Our people are empowered to explore new approaches. We support taking risks. We value diverse perspectives and bold ideas. We embrace change.

Optimism: We celebrate the power of positive moments and shared experiences. We seek out opportunities to have fun. We reconnect with our purpose through sharing successes with our colleagues.

Service: We are in service to each other, our guests and our communities. We make intentional decisions and actions for the benefit of the people and animals within our organization.

Wellbeing: We ensure our people and animals have what they need mentally and physically to thrive. We are committed to improving the wellbeing of communities and sharing the healing power of natural for all.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice

National Aquarium values an inclusive and diverse environment for all employees, volunteers, and interns. Our goal is to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people from a candidate pool representative of the variety of communities we serve. With a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice, the Aquarium is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and promotes an environment free from all discrimination and harassment.

In the selection and retention of employees, volunteers, and interns, we do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, national, social, or ethnic origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, physical, mental, or sensory disability, sex (including pregnancy or childbirth), marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, arrest record, family or caregiver status, HIV status, socioeconomic status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Our organization is dedicated to this policy with respect to all terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to recruitment, training, promotions, performance management, and separation, and general treatment during time of employment.