Staff Accountant

A Great Opportunity for Those Launching Their Career in Accounting

Located along the pristine harbor in the heart of historic Charleston, the South Carolina Aquarium has been inspiring visitors for over twenty years. From our over 5,000 animals to our award-winning education team, from the Sea Turtle Care Center™ to our conservation programs protecting local species, visitors are struck with awe and inspiration as they journey through all our exhibits, representing the mountains to the sea of South Carolina.

About The South Carolina Aquarium

We are a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization and an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums with a mission to inspire conservation of the natural world by exhibiting and caring for animals, by excelling in education and research and by providing an exceptional visitor experience. We invite you to join the #1 visitor attraction located in one of the Top Cities in the World (Conde Nast, 2023).

At the South Carolina Aquarium, we are committed to creating an inclusive workplace that celebrates and values diversity. Our culture is built on having a team of diverse backgrounds and voices working together to increase our capacity to serve our visitors and fulfill our mission. It brings us together in ways that help us stand out. We welcome people from all walks of life into our team and encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, veterans, and people with disabilities to apply.

Job Summary

Reporting directly to the Controller, the Staff Accountant manages Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, and Payroll functions at the South Carolina Aquarium. Additionally, they provide critical support to the Controller in financial analysis and reporting for internal management and external stakeholders, playing a key role in the budgetary process.

Essential Functions

• Ensures compliance with South Carolina Aquarium Policies & Procedures
• Manages Accounts Payable activities, processing invoices and expense reports in expense management system with accurate GL Account coding
• Facilitates invoice payments by verifying transactions, scheduling disbursements, and obtaining payment authorizations
• Manages pledge receivables and contributed revenues in the General Ledger by working closely with the Development team and the Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system
• Processes bi-weekly payroll accurately and addresses payroll-related inquiries
• Supports external audits and Tax Form 990 preparation by coordinating with the CFO, Controller, and external audit/tax teams
• Assists in preparing monthly, annual, and ad hoc financial statements, ensuring clear communication of organizational financial status to internal management
• Analyzes financial data (revenues, expenses, projections, cash flow) to provide guidance, make recommendations, and ensure budget adherence
• Collaborates with the CFO and Controller on budget planning, recommending procedures, and assisting in budget preparation
• Monitors both program and organizational budgets, communicating with senior leadership when appropriate; works with Directors and Department Managers to analyze and control budget variances.
• Prepares business license renewals, sales and use tax, and property tax
• Assists Controller in establishing accounting policies, controls, and procedures to ensure that all financial transactions are recorded correctly in accordance with GAAP
• Prepare monthly JEs for controller review, including but not limited to prepaid expenses, accrued liabilities, and fixed assets
  
  

Other Duties And Responsibilities

• Supports the mission of the Aquarium by participating in sponsored programs and events
  
  

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Strong knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles
• Proficient in MS Office Products including: Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook
• Competent in Accounting and Business software
• Ability to perform multiple, highly complex, technical tasks with a need to occasionally upgrade skills in order to meet changing job descriptions
• Actively identify opportunities for process improvement and take steps to achieve desired results
• Ability to function independently while maintaining clear communication with senior management and individuals in other departments, as appropriate
• Goal oriented with proven ability to establish priorities and meet deadlines
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  
  

Education And Experience Required

• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting or Finance
• Experience in a non-profit and/or guest services environment preferred
• Experience with financial reporting
  
  

Licenses And Certifications Required

• Valid Driver's License
  
  

Physical Requirements And Working Conditions

• Average walking, standing, bending, stooping, crouching, sitting and performing computer and phone tasks
• Normal office environment
• Contact with customers, outside vendors and the public
• Occasional travel and late nights
  
  

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not construed to be an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by the personnel classified.

The Aquarium is an "at-will" employer, and as such, employment with the Aquarium is not for a fixed term, or definite period and may be terminated at the will of either party, with or without cause, and without prior notice.

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