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.
Role Summary
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.
Required Qualifications
• 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
Core Competencies (Non-Negotiable)
• Exercises independent professional judgment in complex or ambiguous situations
• Demonstrate consistent accuracy and attention to detail under deadline pressure
• Thinks 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
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
Financial Oversight & Review
• 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
Audit, Compliance & Regulatory Leadership
• 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
Accounts Payable/ Receivable Oversight
• 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
Leadership & Staff Development
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to accounting staff
• Review work prepared by Staff Accountants and Accounting Assistants
• Support performance development through feedback and coaching
Strategic Support & Delegated Continuity
• Support the Controller through assigned and delegated responsibilities
• Provide continuity of accounting operations during planned absences or peak
workload periods
• Support budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis against budget and prior
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
Decision-Making Authority
The Senior Accountant is authorized to:
• Approve accounting entries and reconciliations within established policies
• Resolve accounting and compliance issues within defined authority
• Communicate directly with auditors and external stakeholders on assigned matters
• Make control recommendations and propose process improvements (subject to
Controller review and approval)
Performance Expectations
• Operates independently with minimal supervision
• Anticipates issues before they become problems
• Always maintains audit-ready records
• Demonstrates readiness for expanded leadership responsibilities through
performance
Loveland Living Planet Aquarium is proud to be an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an
inclusive environment for all. We do not discriminate based on age, race, color, ethnicity, national origin,
ancestry, creed, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, citizenship, physical or
mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or military status.
We are also committed to ensuring individuals with disabilities are provided with reasonable accommodation
to participate in the job application and interview process. Should you require accommodations, please
contact accommodation@livingplanetaquarium.org.
Depending on the volume of interest and submissions, we will only be contacting applicants who meet all the
minimum requirements listed in the job posting. Only those applicants who align most closely with our
minimum and preferred qualifications will be contacted for an interview. Loveland Living Planet Aquarium will
retain your application materials for one year and may contact you regarding future opportunities.
