Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium

Position Description

Purpose:

The Director of Finance & Controller plays a critical leadership role in overseeing the Zoo’s financial operations. Reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer/Chief Financial Officer, this position ensures fiscal integrity, supports strategic planning, and drives operational efficiency across the organization.

Essential Job Functions:

• Financial Reporting & Standards Compliance: Lead the preparation of monthly financial statements and reports. Assess the impact of new or evolving financial standards and regulations, and ensure timely documentation, implementation, and compliance across the Zoo’s financial operations.
• Financial Modeling: Develop and maintain dynamic financial models to support strategic planning, scenario analysis, capital projects, and long-term forecasting.
• Stakeholder Support, Training & Onboarding: Act as a financial partner to campus departments by assisting with purchasing decisions, interpreting financial reports, and guiding budget management. Provide training and onboarding for non-finance staff to build financial literacy and ensure consistent understanding of policies, procedures, and tools. Foster a service-oriented approach that empowers teams to make informed, mission-aligned decisions.
• Revenue Generation & Strategic Growth: Identify and evaluate opportunities to enhance earned and contributed revenue streams in alignment with the Zoo’s mission. Collaborate with senior leadership to support initiatives such as admissions, memberships, retail, events, and grants. Provide financial analysis and modeling to assess feasibility, optimize pricing strategies, and ensure sustainable growth.
• Insurance, Claims & Risk Mitigation: Assist in the submission, management, and recordkeeping of insurance claims. Support the development and implementation of risk mitigation strategies to protect the Zoo’s assets, operations, and financial stability.
• Debt & Financing: Assist in identifying debt needs and securing cost-effective financing (long-term, bridge, or line of credit) in partnership with the COO/CFO. Responsible for submitting all debt related reporting and preparation of quarterly bank covenant compliance calculations.
• Cash Management: Monitor cash flow and oversee cash projections and operations, especially for capital projects tied to construction timelines.
• Audit & Tax: Coordinate annual financial statement audit, retirement plan audit, and tax filings.
• Internal Controls: Design and enhance systems to ensure operational effectiveness and financial integrity zoo-wide.
• Cost Optimization & Nonprofit Stewardship: Identify and implement cost-saving initiatives that align with the Zoo’s mission and commitment to responsible resource management. Evaluate vendor contracts, streamline financial operations, and enhance asset utilization to maximize impact per dollar. Apply data-driven strategies to improve account reconciliation and operational efficiency while upholding the highest standards of fiscal accountability.
• Process Improvement: Evaluate and redesign financial policies and processes using technology and best practices.
• External Reporting: Compile and submit financial documentation for the Allegheny Regional Asset District, including annual operating and capital support requests and reports.
• Budgeting: Collaborate with senior leadership to develop the Zoo’s annual operating, which is in excess of $30M, and capital budgets.
• Board Engagement: Attend Finance and Audit Committee meetings and prepare financial updates and budget presentations.
• Team Leadership: Manage departmental personnel issues and conduct annual performance reviews for direct reports.

Other Functions:

 Performance Expectations

• Dependability: Consistently reliable in attendance and task completion.
• Communication: Strong verbal and written communication across all levels of the organization.
• Collaboration: Builds and maintains professional relationships inside and outside the Zoo.
• Strategic Thinking: Organized, proactive, and forward-looking in financial planning.
• Guest Relations: Acts as a Zoo ambassador, providing excellent customer service and park knowledge.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field (CPA preferred)
• Minimum of 7–10 years of progressive experience in nonprofit finance, including supervisory roles
• Strong knowledge of accounting practices and principles, including GAAP compliance
• Experience with debt financing and bond issuance 
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and accounting software
• Excellent interpersonal and leadership abilities

Physical Requirements:

• Manual dexterity to operate office equipment such as a computer, telephone, copier, and calculator
• Primarily sedentary role with extended periods of sitting in an office setting
• Must be available to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required 
• Expected to be present on Zoo grounds regularly to supervise staff, support operations, and respond to organizational needs