Controller (Full-Time)

Cleveland Zoological Society; Cleveland (OH); On-site; USD 95,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

The Cleveland Zoological Society seeks a Controller to lead financial stewardship and long‑term sustainability. You will guide financial planning, reporting, and internal controls across revenue streams and partnerships with Cleveland Metroparks.

Reporting to the CEO, you will work with the leadership team and Board committees to interpret financial data, support decision‑making, ensure GAAP compliance, and promote transparent financial practices across the organization.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business, or related field required; MBA or advanced degree preferred.
• Seven (7) or more years of progressive financial leadership experience, preferably within a nonprofit organization.
• Knowledge of GAAP, fund accounting, audit processes, grant management, and nonprofit financial reporting.
• Ability to communicate financial information clearly to both financial and non‑financial audiences.
• Experience working with non‑profit boards or board committees preferred.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem‑solving skills.
• Collaborative leadership style and strong interpersonal skills.
• High ethical standards and commitment to responsible financial management.
• Experience with accounting software, payroll systems, donor databases, and Microsoft Office.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to financial planning, forecasting, and long‑term financial strategy aligned with organizational goals.
• Coordinate the annual budgeting process and support financial planning with senior leadership.
• Monitor financial performance relative to budget and strategic priorities and provide recommendations when appropriate.
• Develop financial tools, models, and dashboards to support leadership decision‑making.
• Prepare regular financial reports for the CEO and Board.
• Serve as staff liaison to the Board Audit, Finance, and Investment Committees as needed.
• Support oversight of financial operations including revenue and expense monitoring, cash flow management, and restricted funds.
• Maintain internal controls and financial practices consistent with GAAP and applicable regulations.
• Coordinate the annual audit and IRS Form 990 preparation and serve as contact for external auditors.
• Maintain accounting systems, chartof accounts, and financial records.
• Oversee payroll processing and retirement plan administration in coordination with third‑party providers.
• Work with banking, investment, accounting, and additional vendors as needed.

Skills

GAAP knowledge

Fund accounting

Audit processes

Grant management

Nonprofit financial reporting

Communication

Board communications

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Problem solving

Leadership

Accounting software

Payroll systems

Donor databases

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business, or related field

MBA or advanced degree

Tools

Accounting software

Payroll systems

Donor databases

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Title: Controller
Reports to: Chief Executive Officer

Job Purpose
TheController supportsthe financial stewardship and long‑term sustainability of the Cleveland Zoological Society (CZS). This role guidesfinancial planning,organizesreporting, andestablishesoperational processes across the organization’s diverse revenue streams and its public/private partnership with Cleveland Metroparks.

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer and servingon theleadership team,theController works collaboratively with department leaders and Board committees to support financial planning with organizational prioritiesand provide financial analysis. The role interpretsfinancial data,including operating performance, investments, fundraising activity, and long‑term obligations,tosupport informed decision‑making and responsible resource management.
TheControllercontributes to oversight of financial operations and works with internal and external partners to support compliance withgenerally acceptedaccounting principles (GAAP) and applicable regulations while promoting transparency and sound financial practices.

Key Responsibilities
Financial Leadership & Strategy

• Contribute to financial planning, forecasting, and long‑term financial strategy aligned with organizational goals.
• Coordinate the annual budgeting process and support financial planning with senior leadership.
• Monitor financial performance relative to budget and strategic priorities and provide recommendations when appropriate.
• Develop financial tools, models, and dashboards to support leadership decision‑making.
• Prepare regular financial reports for the CEO and Board.
• Serve as staff liaison to the Board Audit, Finance, and Investment Committees as needed.
• Support oversight of financial operations including revenue and expense monitoring, cash flow management, and restricted funds.
• Maintain internal controls and financial practices consistent with GAAP and applicable regulations.
• Coordinate the annual audit and IRS Form 990 preparation and serve as contact for external auditors.
• Maintain accounting systems, chartof accounts, and financial records.
• Oversee payroll processing and retirement plan administration in coordination with third‑party providers.
• Work with banking, investment, accounting, and additional vendors as needed.

Collaboration & Organizational Leadership

• Collaborate with the Vice President of Marketing & Operations and Vice President of Philanthropy on operational and strategic initiatives.
• Coordinate with Cleveland Metroparks partners to support responsible use and reporting of grant funds.
• Represent CZS at select fundraising or community events as needed.
• Promote a culture of collaboration, transparency, and continuous improvement.
• Participate in special projects or initiatives as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business, or related field required; MBA or advanced degree preferred.
• Seven (7) or more years of progressive financial leadership experience, preferably within a nonprofit organization.
• Knowledge of GAAP, fund accounting, audit processes, grant management, and nonprofit financial reporting.
• Ability to communicate financial information clearly to both financial and non‑financial audiences.
• Experience working with non‑profit boards or board committees preferred.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem‑solving skills.
• Collaborative leadership style and strong interpersonal skills.
• High ethical standards and commitment to responsible financial management.
• Experience with accounting software, payroll systems, donor databases, and Microsoft Office.

Working Conditions
This position is based at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo and typically requires approximately40 hoursper week. Occasional early morning, evening, or weekend availability may be berequiredfor Board meetings, events, or organizational priorities. Limited remote work flexibility may be available.

Salary Range
$95,000 - $115,000 based on experience

Equal Employment Opportunity
The Cleveland Zoological Society is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminateon the basis ofrace, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected status under applicable law.