Strategic Nonprofit Controller & Finance Leader

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

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.