Controller, Finance & Banking, Financial Compliance

Job Title:
Controller

Posting Date: August 2026

Job Department: Finance

Schedule: Full Time

Job Type: On-site/Hybrid

Location: Candler 111 Market Pl Suite 800 Baltimore MD 21202

The National Aquarium is seeking a Controller to join our Finance Team to be responsible for management of the General Ledger and ensuring the integrity of the data flowing into and out of the financial system from and to related systems. The Controller manages a team of accounting staff who perform the daily transactions, ensure compliance with new US GAAP Standards as they are issued, support a strong control environment, and manage the monthly and annual closing processes.

This individual will also ensure compliance with periodic reporting requirements to lenders and other business partners, is responsible for internal and external reporting; and acts in a supporting role (with FP&A team) in the annual budget and planning process.

Essential responsibilities include:

• Provide direct supervision of and support Accounting staff, including Accounts Payable, Payroll, Accounts Receivable, Grant Reporting, and Fixed Assets
• Ensure Accounting Systems are supporting the organization well
• Lead Month
  - End and Year
  - End Closing processes
• Support evaluation and implementation of key controls
• Utilize data to implement changes that increase efficiency of departmental and organizational processes
• Lead development and delivery of training, including cross-training and process redesign for improved efficiency and controls (as needed)
• Lead annual review, update, and create Financial Policies, as needed.

• Ensure readiness for and manage annual independent audit process, including:
  • Prepare for and implement new accounting policies
  • Maintain internal controls, implement best practices with a view to minimizing risk of weakness or significant deficiency
• Audit preparation, including management of provided by client materials, calendaring and marshaling internal resources for timely completion of audit.

• Signs checks and other negotiable instruments after necessary approvals are obtained.
• Initiates wire transfers and other banking transactions as requested.
• Periodically assess and evaluate available cash position.
• Completes quarterly debt compliance checklists.
• Prepares periodic debt correspondence for Chief Operating and Financial Officer’s (COFO) approval.

• Evaluate changes in IRS Form 990 Reporting Requirements and lead National Aquarium and affiliates in the preparation and timely filing of IRS Form 990
• Stay current on US GAAP changes and support impact assessment on National Aquarium policies
• Maintain an understanding of National Aquarium’s activities in order to report Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA) accurately
• Create, review, and update estimates and allocations used by the National Aquarium
• Review and establish/improve processes for grant reporting and management/tracking of restricted funds for reporting and covenant compliance purposes
• Oversee the gathering of information to be reported at the State and Federal levels
• Prepare and reconcile various monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports and GAAP statements.

• Coordinate with the COFO and VP of Finance & Capital Planning to improve management reporting (monthly financials and variance analysis) from Sage Intacct and Adaptive systems in terms of:
  • Improved transparency
  • Timeliness and accuracy of monthly and quarterly reporting
  • Management reporting, including dashboards and ad hoc informational requests.
• Prepare Audit and Finance committees’ minutes, committee reports to the board, and committee materials, as well as for the National Aquarium Foundation Board for review of the VP of Finance & Capital Planning.
• Support company mission.
• Adhere to all organizational and departmental policies and procedures.
• Other duties as assigned or required.

• Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting or Finance, advanced degree or equivalent preferred (CPA/MBA).
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in general ledger accounting, and 3 years management experience.
• Preferred 2 years involvement with a not-for-profit organization (audit, accounting, board membership, etc.).
• Proven ability to track entries into a sophisticated electronic financial system, meeting all related deadlines; experience with Nexonia, Sage Intacct, and Adaptive is preferred.
• Significant experience in ensuring accuracy of financial statements.
• Demonstrated experience with process improvement and ability to operate within a multi-entity fiscal structure.
• Strong project management skills.
• Superior knowledge of GAAP and IRS regulations regarding 501(c)3 organizations.
• Strong collaborative, team-oriented leadership and interpersonal skills with proven experience in team building.
• Adept as an influencer and consensus builder.

Salary range ($98, Annual). National Aquarium provides an…