Controller
Location
Cleveland, Ohio, United States
Work type
Hybrid
Employment
Full Time
Experience
7+ years
Compensation
$95K - $115K per year
Posted
1h ago
Summary and responsibilities
Role overview
Summary
The Controller supports the financial stewardship and long-term sustainability of the Cleveland Zoological Society, guiding financial planning, reporting, and operational processes. This role involves collaborating with leadership and Board committees, interpreting financial data, and ensuring compliance with GAAP and applicable regulations.
Job Purpose
The Controller supports the financial stewardship and long‑term sustainability of the Cleveland Zoological Society (CZS). This role guides financial planning, organizes reporting, and establishes operational processes across the organization’s diverse revenue streams and its public/private partnership with Cleveland Metroparks.
Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer and serving on the leadership team, the Controller works collaboratively with department leaders and Board committees to support financial planning with organizational priorities and provide financial analysis. The role interprets financial data, including operating performance, investments, fundraising activity, and long‑term obligations, to support informed decision‑making and responsible resource management.
The Controller contributes to oversight of financial operations and works with internal and external partners to support compliance with generally accepted accounting 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.
Financial Management & Compliance
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, chart of 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 approximately 40 hours per week. Occasional early morning, evening, or weekend availability may be required for Board meetings, events, or organizational priorities. Limited remote work flexibility may be available.
Updated 1h ago
Candidate fit
Skills and qualifications
Additional skills
Experience
7+ years
How this role is positioned
Role classification
Job domains
Industries
Employment
Full Time
Contract duration
Permanent
Hiring type
Direct
Global hiring
Location specific
Offer details
Compensation and benefits
Compensation
$95K - $115K per year
Location, schedule, and role shape
Work setup
Work conditions
Bandwidth profile
Context on the employer
Company snapshot
Company
Cleveland Zoological Society
Team size
Growing team
Location
Cleveland, Ohio, United States
The Cleveland Zoological Society (CZS) is an organization dedicated to the financial stewardship and long-term sustainability of the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, managing diverse revenue streams and a public/private partnership.
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Controller
Cleveland, Ohio, United States • Full Time