Current Openings
The Akron Zoo is an equal opportunity employer and drug-free workplace.
Chief Financial Officer
Overview:
The Chief Financial Officer for the Akron Zoo will play three very important roles: (1) a steward, managing risk and preserving assets, (2) an operator, running and efficient and effective financial operation and (3) a catalyst, helping to drive execution. This position requires strong working knowledge and experience with nonprofit accounting.
The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) will be responsible for organizing, directing and controlling the work of the accounting personnel in collecting, summarizing and interpreting financial data for the use of the management team and Board of Directors. As a member of the Executive Team, the CFO will create long-term and short-term financial models to support the strategic plan and tax levy proceeds. The CFO is responsible for the management of the Accounting, Finance and IT departments.
Essential Functions / Responsibilities:
- Responsible for timely, accurate and relevant internal and external financial reports for the Akron Zoo and the Akron Zoological Foundation. Oversee the annual operations and capital budget process.
- Responsible for maintaining a system of internal controls, including policies and procedures to safeguard the assets and ensure integrity of the financial reporting systems.
- Participates with the executive teams and Board of Directors in long range strategic planning.
- Using a resilient approach, the CFO will develop financial modeling that evolves as the organization changes and responds to external events and strategic internal decisions. The model needs to be adaptable to allow for proactive and reactive changes.
- Works closely with the Treasurer of Akron Zoological Foundation (501 C3) & PAC (501 C4).
- Primary relationship manager with external accounting firm on audits and banks.
- Oversee cash counting operations and controls.
- Manage real estate and tax management of land acquisitions.
- Oversee 990 preparation and Economic Impact Statement.
Experience / Skills / Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance or business administration.
- 10+ years of progressively responsible experience as a CFO of Controller
- CPA certification is required.
- The ideal candidate will have served in a CFO / Controller role in nonprofit organization with previous Big 4 / Regional CPA firm experience.
- Strong understanding of nonprofit accounting and 501C3 and 501C4.
- Exceptional leadership and people skills. Demonstrated ability to work effectively with Executive Management Team.
- Operational analysis, planning, budgeting and forecasting. Strong understanding of internal controls, decision analysis, technological acumen, risk management.
- Experience in developing statistical and financial modeling and data analysis.
Candidates should submit their resume to Mark White, President HR Partners mark@hrptalent.com.
Job Requirements
Specific qualifications and requirements for current openings can be found within each application listed above.
Generally speaking, conservation and scientific programs in zoos and aquariums have become highly technical and specialized. Although practical experience with animals may sometimes be substituted for academic training, most entry-level keeper positions now require a four-year college degree. Training in animal science, zoology, marine biology, conservation biology, wildlife management and/or animal behavior is preferred. Curatorial, research and conservation positions typically require advanced academic degrees.
However, advanced academic training in and of itself is insufficient, and it may take years of “on-the-job training” for someone to learn the practical aspects of exotic animal care. A few institutions offer curatorial internships, which are designed to provide this practical experience.
Students wishing to pursue animal-related careers are encouraged to carefully review the curriculum of the schools they wish to attend, as some programs focus more on a zoological application than others.
Students who are interested in the business side of zoo and aquarium operations should concentrate on skills related to a particular area of expertise, such as accounting, public relations, marketing or personnel management.
Whatever your career goal, guidance counselors can offer assistance in determining the most appropriate course of study.
The Akron Zoo is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities in our job application and hiring process. If you require assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us at 330-375-2550 or hr@akronzoo.org. We encourage all applicants to apply and seek to ensure that every candidate has the opportunity to fully participate in the recruitment process.