Staff Accountant

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
• Processes bi-weekly payroll accurately and addresses payroll-related inquiries
• Manages Accounts Payable activities, processing invoices and expense reports in expense management system with accurate GL Account coding
• Facilitate checks and ACH payments of invoices by verifying transactions, scheduling disbursements, and obtaining payment authorizations
• Prepares business license renewals, sales and use tax, and property tax
• Prepare monthly JEs and reconciliations for controller review, including but not limited to prepaid expenses, accrued liabilities, payroll and fixed assets
• Works closely with the Development team and the system to book pledges and contributions and ensure consistency with Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system
• Tracks capital spending by project and manages Fixed Asset module in accounting software 
• 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.
• Assists Controller in establishing accounting policies, controls, and procedures to ensure that all financial transactions are recorded correctly in accordance with GAAP

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