Senior Accountant

Position:
Senior Accountant

Reports To:

Controller

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

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.

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.

• 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

• Exercises independent professional judgment in complex or ambiguous situations
• Demonstrate consistent accuracy and attention to detail under deadline pressure
• Think 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

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

• Support the Controller through assigned and delegated responsibilities
• Provide continuity of accounting operations during planned absences or peak workload 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

• Approve accounting entries and reconciliations within established policies
• Resolve accounting and compliance issues within defined authority
• Communicate directly…