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As the independent nonprofit 501c3 partner of Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, the Cleveland Zoological Society (CZS) exists to raise philanthropic support for and public awareness of the Zoo. Each year, the Zoo Society provides Cleveland Metroparks Zoo more than $3 million for programs and operating support, and an additional $3 million for capital improvement projects across the Zoo. This funding is a blend of generous gifts for current use and long-term support as well as earned and investment revenue. In additional to raising philanthropic donations, the Zoo Society runs and maintains the Zoo’s membership program. We have more than 41,000 households as members, which is the largest program in Northeast Ohio.
The Cleveland Zoological Society Director of Finance (DOF) will help the Zoo Society accomplish strategic financial objectives across complex funding sources and a unique public/private partnership with the Cleveland Metroparks. The DOF will possess strong business acumen to interpret financial information regarding the Zoo Society’s operating revenue, investments, funding sources, fundraising goals, and future fiscal sustainability, and make recommendations concerning resource allocation and business operations to benefit the organization.
As a member of the Management Team, the DOF will be an advisor to department leads, evaluating and assisting them with their annual and long-term financial planning. The DOF will be responsible for overseeing all fiscal and fiduciary responsibilities for the organization working in conjunction with the Executive Director and relevant committees of the Board of Directors. This position will play a critical role in decision-making and business planning to support the strategic focus of the Zoo Society. The position includes the production of select reports in addition to the monthly statements; maintenance of an adequate system of accounting software and records; and ensuring that reported financial results comply with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and are in a format suitable for disseminating to the Board, grant funders and other stakeholders.
The DOF will work to advance the mission of the Zoo Society and support a culture that fosters open and frequent communication, proactive collaboration, best practices, internal alignment, and transparency.
Duties and Responsibilities
Financial Management
Prepare, analyze, and present financial reports in an accurate and timely manner; clearly communicate monthly and quarterly financial statements; collate financial reporting materials for all staff and stakeholders including donors or funders as needed; oversee all financial, project/program and grants accounting.
Lead annual budgeting process and coordinate planning process in conjunction with the management team; administer and review all financial plans and budgets; monitor progress and changes and keep the management team abreast of the organization’s financial status.
Oversee the daily financial activities of CZS, including revenue and expense management, cost mitigation strategies, philanthropic revenue and goals, and cash flow management.
Participate in front-end design and accounting documentation for campaigns and fundraising to record financial transactions and gifts consistently across databases.
Monitor investment performance of long-term assets and regularly scan for compliance with Board-approved policies.
Manage all banking, investing, and accounting vendor relationships and contracts
Ensure compliance with financial/operational policies and procedures, and vendor contracts
Oversee the annual audit and IRS Form 990 process, providing information to external auditors
Protect CZS assets by monitoring and enforcing internal controls:
Provide oversight of bank deposits, sales accuracy, cash handling policy allocation/tracking of financial resources
Ensure that periodic bank reconciliations are completed in a timely fashion
Monitor and audit the use of company credit cards
Track grant expenditures and provide oversight of restricted funds use, partnering with counterparts in Cleveland Metroparks to ensure grant monies are spent timely and well
Reporting:
Develop and document business processes and accounting policies to maintain and strengthen internal controls as needed.
Calculate and issue financial and operating metrics monthly or as needed
Calculate budget variances and report significant issues to Management Team.
Provide financial analyses for capital investments, contract negotiations, health insurance, retirement, and other employee benefits contracts.
Maintain the chart of accounts.
Oversee payroll processes and employee 403b, coordinating with existing third party providers.
Assess current financial reporting systems and assure attainment and management of technological resources necessary to ensure that financial information is accessible, timely, and accurate across all departments to support a culture of continuous improvement. Develop a financial “dashboard” for Management Team.
Ensure the organization complies with pertinent financial regulations and partner expectations, as well as Board designated investment, accounting, and philanthropic policies.
Proactively enforce fiscal policies, controls, and separation of duties to ensure sound fiscal practices in compliance with GAAP, OMB regulations and funding requirements.
Serve as staff liaison for Board of Directors Finance Committee, Audit Committee, and report at quarterly full Board meetings. Assist in establishing yearly objectives, meeting agendas, and selecting and engaging outside consultants (auditors, investment advisors).
Strategic Leadership
Assess organizational performance against both the annual budget and long-term priorities. Develop tools and systems to provide critical financial and operational information to the ED and make actionable recommendations on strategy and operations. With the ED, regularly review and update policies and procedures for the organization.
Oversee long-term budgetary planning and cost management in alignment with CZS’s annual operating plan, capital campaign and upcoming strategic plan.
Exemplify a commitment to CZS’s mission and serve as the financial face of the Zoo Society, building relationships internally with the staff, Board of Directors, Zoo management and staff, and key community stakeholders.
Represent the organization at the Society’s fundraising events and select community events. Possess strong, donor-centric soft skills and welcome the opportunity to work with the Director of Advancement on donor-specific projects, reports, or meetings.
Embrace technology and have the technical acumen to understand multiple software systems, while leading the selection and implementation of updated systems to create timely and transparent financial reporting and planning.
Other responsibilities for this position will include leading and managing special projects as needed; and participating in all-staff meetings, and trainings.
Qualifications, Education and Experience
Bachelor’s Degree in Business/Finance or equivalent degree required, a master’s in business administration is preferred.
Minimum seven (7) years’ experience in a senior management role ideally with nonprofit organization.
Knowledge of GAAP, fund accounting, audits, budgets, grant management, contract monitoring and reporting.
Knowledge and understanding of nonprofit operating principles, practices, and procedures.
Proven track record of success facilitating progressive organizational change and development within a growing organization.
Energetic, flexible, collaborative, and proactive; a team leader who can positively and productively impact strategic and tactical finance and administration initiatives.
Exceptional written, oral, interpersonal, and presentation skills and the ability to effectively interface with senior management, external funders and stakeholders, and staff.
Must have the ability to translate complex financial concepts to individuals at all levels.
Proficient in the use and management of payroll and time tracking software.
Exceptional interpersonal and quantitative analysis skills.
High level of discretion, integrity, and executive judgment in difficult and complex organizational decisions.
Strong computer skills, including word processing and accounting software; database experience desirable.
Commitment to the mission, values, goals, and success of the Cleveland Zoological Society.
Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO) and all employees and applicants will be entitled to equal employment opportunities when employment decisions are made. The Cleveland Zoological Society will take affirmative action to recruit, hire, train and promote individuals in all job classifications without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, citizenship, pregnancy, veteran status, sexual orientation, disability, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. A test for controlled substances may be required as a condition for any offer of employment.
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Schedule:
- 8 hour shift
- Monday to Friday
Work Location: One location
