Senior Accountant - Draper, Utah, United States

Position: Senior Accountant · Reports To:  Controller · Compensation: $72,000 - $83,000 DOE · Position Summary:   · This role requires independent judgment, accountability, and the ability to manage complex accounting matters with minimal supervision while operating within define ...

Job description

Position: Senior Accountant

Reports To:  Controller

Compensation: $72,000 - $83,000 DOE

Position Summary:  

This role requires independent judgment, accountability, and the ability to manage complex accounting matters with minimal supervision while operating within defined authority.

The Senior Accountant is responsible for owning and overseeing complex accounting functions, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and internal control integrity across the organization. This role reviews and approves work prepared by others, serves as a senior resource for audits and regulatory matters, and supports the Controller through clearly delegated responsibilities.

The Senior Accountant is expected to think in terms of risk, controls, and long-term sustainability, not just task execution while operating within defined authority and escalation protocols.

Institutional Summary: 

Loveland Living Planet Aquarium (LLPA) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides the community with countless educational opportunities to understand and respect our precious Earth and its living ecosystems-from the Utah deserts and mountains to rainforest habitats and the planet's vast oceans. Working at the Living Planet Aquarium is more than just a job, it is purpose-driven work. We need exceptionally talented and hardworking team members to join us in our mission to inspire people to explore, discover, and learn about Earth's diverse ecosystems.

We offer competitive compensation and benefits packages, including medical, dental, life insurance, disability, flexible spending accounts, 401(k) with match, PTO, holiday pay, new child leave, aquarium memberships and passes, and much more.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field
• Minimum 5+ years of progressively responsible accounting experience (nonprofit experience preferred)
• Advanced knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)
• Experience supporting audits, regulatory filings, and complex reconciliations

Critical Skills/Competencies (Non-Negotiable)

• Exercises independent professional judgment in complex or ambiguous situations
• Demonstrate consistent accuracy and attention to detail under deadline pressure
• Thinks proactively about risk, controls, and process improvement
• Communicates clearly with auditors, leadership, and cross-functional teams
• Always maintain confidentiality and integrity
•  Mentors and develops accounting staff

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: 

Financial Oversight & Review

• Review and approve payroll journal entries, accruals, and reconciliations
• Review balance sheet reconciliations and investigate discrepancies
• Ensure accuracy and completeness of month-end and year-end close processes
• Oversee proper accounting treatment of donations, grants, and restricted funds

Audit, Compliance & Regulatory Leadership

• Serve as the primary point of contact for external auditors
• Coordinate and manage annual financial and 401(k) audits
• Review Form 990, Form 5500, and 1099 filings prior to submission
• Ensure compliance with GAAP, nonprofit regulations, and internal policies

Accounts Payable/ Receivable Oversight

• Oversee AP and AR processes to ensure proper controls and segregation of duties
• Resolve escalated AP/AR issues and unusual transactions
• Review credit card reconciliations and monitor compliance with purchasing policies

Leadership & Staff Development

• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to accounting staff
• Review work prepared by Staff Accountants and Accounting Assistants
• Support performance development through feedback and coaching

Strategic Support & Delegated Continuity

• Support the Controller through assigned and delegated responsibilities
• Provide continuity of accounting operations during planned absences or peak workload periods
• Support budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis against budget and prior periods
• Participate in process improvement initiatives and system enhancements
• Analyze variances against budget and prior periods
• Assist with financial modeling and scenario analysis as requested by Controller
• Assist with cash flow forecasting and liquidity analysis

Decision-Making Authority

The Senior Accountant is authorized to:

• Approve accounting entries and reconciliations within established policies
• Resolve accounting and compliance issues within defined authority
• Communicate directly with auditors and external stakeholders on assigned matters
• Make control recommendations and propose process improvements (subject to Controller review and approval)

Performance Expectations

• Operates independently with minimal supervision
• Anticipates issues before they become problems
• Always maintains audit-ready records
• Demonstrates readiness for expanded leadership responsibilities through performance

Physical Demands of the Job:  

• This position will be primarily in an office environment
• Periodic evening and weekend work may be expected
• May be required to lift up to 50 pounds

While this job description attempts to describe the essential functions of the position, it does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned. It does not restrict management's right to assign or reassign duties or responsibilities to this job at any time. The overall work environment while performing this job includes exposure to weather conditions and the noise level is usually moderate. The employee is expected to adhere to all policies and to act as a role model in the adherence to the policies. 

 

Depending on the volume of interest and submissions, we will only be contacting applicants who meet all the minimum requirements listed in the job posting. Only those applicants who align most closely with our minimum and preferred qualifications will be contacted for an interview. Loveland Living Planet Aquarium will retain your application materials for one year and may contact you regarding future opportunities.

 

The Living Planet Aquarium is proud to be an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive environment for all.  We do not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, ancestry, creed, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or military status.   The Living Planet Aquarium is committed to ensuring individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application and interview process.  Should you require accommodations, please contact .