Strategic Controller - Nonprofit Finance & GAAP Lead

Seattle Aquarium; Seattle (WA); Hybrid; USD 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Hybrid work schedule

Job summary

The Seattle Aquarium is seeking a strategic Controller to lead day-to-day finance operations, including accounting, payroll, and reporting. This role heads a small team, ensuring GAAP compliance, audit readiness, and strong internal controls across finance, HR, and IT interfaces.

Ideal candidates will have seven+ years in accounting/finance, nonprofit or complex program experience, and a CPA is preferred. This position offers a hybrid schedule with on-site presence and substantial collaboration

Qualifications

• Seven+ years in accounting and finance leadership roles.
• Experience in public accounting and nonprofit environments is preferred.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP and regulatory reporting.

Responsibilities

• Oversee accounts, ledgers, reporting systems and payroll with GAAP compliance.
• Maintain internal controls for revenue, budgets, expenditures and payroll.
• Coordinate and lead tax and audit activities with external firm.
• Serve as GAAP, IRS and OMB grant compliance expert.
• Manage invested assets according to policy.
• Assist VP of Finance with annual insurance renewal.
• Prepare monthly/annual financial reports for committees and stakeholders.
• Oversee grants accounting and reporting for philanthropy.
• Forecast organizational cash flow with program managers.

Skills

GAAP knowledge

Leadership

Financial reporting

Audit coordination

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, business or related field

CPA preferred

Tools

MIP Accounting Software by Momentive

Microsoft Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

The Seattle Aquarium is seeking a strategic Controller to lead day-to-day finance operations, including accounting, payroll, and reporting. This role heads a small team, ensuring GAAP compliance, audit readiness, and strong internal controls across finance, HR, and IT interfaces.

Ideal candidates will have seven+ years in accounting/finance, nonprofit or complex program experience, and a CPA is preferred. This position offers a hybrid schedule with on-site presence and substantial collaboration