Staff Accountant

Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo is seeking a detail-oriented Staff Accountant to support our Finance & Business Operations team during an exciting period of growth and expansion.

This opportunity is ideal for an early-career accounting professional looking to build experience in a well-rounded role with exposure to payroll, accounts payable, reconciliations, and month-end accounting in a nonprofit environment. We welcome candidates who are eager to learn, grow, and expand their skills in a supportive setting.

This position reports to the Senior Accountant and Director of Finance & Business Operations, with a dotted-line (indirect) reporting relationship to the Director of People & Culture for payroll-related functions.

What You’ll Do

• Process and record invoices in QuickBooks Online to ensure timely payments
• Maintain vendor records, including W-9s and 1099 compliance
• Coordinate check runs and ACH payments
• Process biweekly payroll in coordination with the Director of People & Culture, ensuring accuracy of wages, deductions, and compliance with applicable laws
• Reconcile payroll and benefit-related accounts and ensure timely remittance of benefit premiums
• Record payroll entries in the general ledger
• Prepare monthly bank reconciliations
• Track and reconcile corporate credit card activity
• Support audit preparation and maintain organized financial records

What You’ll Grow Into

• Fixed asset accounting and depreciation tracking
• Monitoring restricted funds and grant/project spending
• Strengthening reconciliation processes across accounts
• Supporting budgeting and annual audit schedules
• Developing broader nonprofit accounting and payroll expertise

What You Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• 1–3 years of accounting experience or strong internship/co-op experience in accounting, finance, payroll, or bookkeeping
• Exposure to accounts payable, reconciliations, payroll, or month-end close preferred
• Experience with QuickBooks Online preferred; payroll system experience (such as ADP) a plus
• Strong Excel skills and attention to detail
• Willingness to learn, take initiative, and grow professionally
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and communicate effectively across Finance and HR

Why Join Us

• Be part of a mission-driven organization focused on conservation, education, and community
• Excellent opportunity for someone looking to grow their accounting career
• Gain hands-on exposure to payroll and broader accounting functions
• Collaborative, cross-functional partnership between Finance and HR
• Supportive team environment with mentorship opportunities

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, LTD, STD and more
• 403(b) Retirement Plan
• Paid Time Off (Vacation and Sick)

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• Primarily a sedentary, office-based role involving extended periods of sitting
• Frequent use of a computer, including typing, viewing screens, and data entry
• Ability to occasionally stand, walk, bend, and reach
• May lift and move items up to 10–15 pounds
• Requires visual acuity for detailed work, including reviewing financial data and reports
• Work performed in a typical indoor office environment

Our Values

Conservation | Credibility | Community | Compassion

Equal Opportunity Employer / ADA Statement

Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. We provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees.

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Zoo provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities throughout the hiring process and employment. If you require an accommodation, please contact us.