Strategic Finance Controller — Hybrid, Nonprofit

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, vision, dental

403(b) retirement with employer match

Employer-subsidized ORCA pass

Paid time off

Job summary

The Seattle Aquarium seeks a strategic Controller to lead day-to-day finance operations, including accounting, payroll, and reporting. You will partner with the VP of Finance and senior leadership to ensure accurate, compliant financial information and support for program delivery.

Leading a small team, you will drive internal controls, budgeting, grants accounting and external reporting, while collaborating across Finance, HR, and IT to strengthen organizational systems and audit readiness.

Qualifications

• Seven years of accounting and finance experience, ideally starting in accounting/audit.
• Public accounting background and nonprofit sector experience preferred.
• CPA strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all accounts, ledgers, reporting systems and payroll with GAAP compliance.
• Maintain internal controls and safeguards for revenue, program budgets, expenditures and payroll.
• Coordinate preparation for tax and audits (990, financial statements, 403b, A-133).
• Serve as GAAP and IRS compliance expert; monitor federal grant requirements.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Analytical

Strategic thinking

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in finance or accounting

Job description

The Seattle Aquarium seeks a strategic Controller to lead day-to-day finance operations, including accounting, payroll, and reporting. You will partner with the VP of Finance and senior leadership to ensure accurate, compliant financial information and support for program delivery.

Leading a small team, you will drive internal controls, budgeting, grants accounting and external reporting, while collaborating across Finance, HR, and IT to strengthen organizational systems and audit readiness.