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Director of Accounting

Posted: 08/27/2025

JOB DESCRIPTION
Director of Accounting
 
Pueblo Zoo Mission:  To empower people to engage in conservation 
of animals and their natural habitat. Empower. Engage. Conserve.
Pueblo Zoo Vision: To be the trusted leader in our community raising awareness of the
 value of biodiversity and promoting conservation.
Pueblo Zoo Core Values:  Animal Welfare, Conservation, Teamwork,
Education, Collaboration, Community
Status: Full-time, Exempt, salaried
Reports to: Executive Director
Compensation: $49,000-52,000
Benefits: Competitive benefits package including HMO and HSA-qualified health plans, a 3% employer matched SIMPLE IRA, twelve days paid time off, eight holidays, six sick days and a commitment to flexible work schedules and professional development. 
 
ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW:
The Pueblo Zoo is a vibrant, collaborative, and flexible workplace. The Pueblo Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and is home to more than 200 animals representing more than 125 species.  Driven by our mission to empower people to engage in conservation of animals and their natural habitat, we serve 100,000 annual visitors, provide educational outreach to tens of thousands of students, and directly support global species conservation. The Zoo is located in Southern Colorado and provides a great living experience in a big, small town that offers endless outdoor and cultural opportunities without the hassle of congested big city problems. 
 
GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
Oversees the financial management of the Society including directing and managing the budget, financial reporting, forecasting and accounting. Works closely with the Senior Staff Team to promote the organization within the community, including business, non-profit and government sectors. The Director of Accounting will report directly to the Executive Director and be a part of Senior Management Staff.  Including actively participating and contributing to weekly senior staff meetings and strategic planning. Actively create connections that encourage open and honest communication with all while developing and ensuring excellent customer service as it relates to the mission.  Develop and support team culture founded in appropriate transparency, open knowledge management, and ongoing improvement and learning.
 
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILTIES:
ACCOUNTING/FINANCE
Accounting:

  • Perform daily accounting tasks including Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, Bank Reconciliation and Daily Deposits.
  • Prepare monthly financial reports for Executive Director and Finance Committee .
  • Prepare and monitor operating budget.
  • Review/update accounting procedures/forms/spreadsheets as needed.
  • Works closely with the Director of Guest Services to record and reconicle daily receipts and event proceeds.
Finances:
  • Complete analysis of financial statements and trends to create accurate forecasting to initiate upcoming years of budgeting needs.
  • Apply for all licenses and complete sales tax reports.
  • Prepare all documents for and coordinate annual financial audit including completion & filing of organization’s tax return. Distribution of annual audit.
 
FUNDING REPORTING
  • Administer grant, special project, and Pueblo County funding.
  • Prepare financial information required in all grant and contract proposals.
  • Prepare/submit annual certification for Enterprise Zone inclusion and submit donations.
  • Prepare/submit quarterly reports as required by the funding agreements.
  • Track spending of capital funding allocations; prepare payment requisitions.
  • Evaulate profit share opportunites yearly to determine validity.
 
HUMAN RESOURCES
Maintain personnel files:
  • Assemble all paperwork for new employees; establish new employee files; process all new employment paperwork (I-9, E-Verify, CO Affirmation, ADP entry).
  • Collaborate with the Executive Director to update the Employee Handbook as needed.
Employee Benefits:
  • Coordinate annual benefit renewal; provide census information to broker; work with Executive Director to select a plan and determine Zoo/employee costs; coordinate annual benefits renewal meeting with brokers and staff; process all necessary paperwork for renewal.
Payroll:
  • Gather employee timesheets; enter monthly information on payroll spreadsheets and process payroll through third party vendor.
  • Maintain file of W-2s and other payroll reports/records.
Workers Compensation:
  • Work to improve experience modifier rating by reducing losses with active claims management; re-apply for cost containment certification.
  • File first report of injury reports and follow-up with insurer/employee as needed; provide injury information to Safety Committee.
  • Prepare policy renewal information and annual workers’ compensation audit.
 
OPERATIONS
  • Supervise the Volunteer/Office Coordinator.
  • Participate in the safety committee to maintain a safe environment for employees and visitors alike. 
  • Work with broker and Executive Director to renew/secure general liability, D&O and volunteer accident insurance.
  • Review program of records storage/disposal and work with office manager to see that all records are handled appropriately.
 
VOLUNTEERS
  • Collaboratively assess the zoo’s various needs for volunteers and develop recruitment strategies.   
  • Work with the volunteer coordinator to establish volunteer opportunites and handbook policies.
 
 
ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Must be able to sit for long periods of time.  Must have a flexible schedule with some on call and evenings during fundraising events.  Must be able to lift a minimum of 25 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This job description is intended as a guide to the general job responsibilities and is not inclusive of every duty the employee is expected to perform.
 
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
Previous experience managing all financial operations of a non profit. Working knowledge of similar or related duties including bookkeeping, accounting,  grant administration, and contract management. Must be able to communicate effectively and to make strategic decisions. Ability to balance multiple projects, meet deadlines and communicate effectively in a frequently flexible and quick moving environment. Operating conditions may require working extended hours, additional workdays and workweeks of more than 40 hours.  Customarily and regularly exercises discretion and independent judgement during the course of the work day. Actively demonstrates leadership through actions, reactions, decisions, and professional demeanor. Practices solution-based problem solving and learns from mistakes. Works with the team to find solutions and asks for help when you need it. 
 
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance or equivalent of 5+ years of experience; non-profit experience is preferred.  Demonstrated ability to manage payment processing or cash handling operations. Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite is required. Excellent written and verbal English communications skills required.

Please submit resume and cover letter to jobs@pueblozoo.org by Sept 12

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