Accounting Manager

Description

Under general supervision is responsible for the effective management of the Finance Department which includes accounting, payments and filings, budgeting, and information systems by performing the following duties

• Develop, implement and maintain effective accounting systems and methods that provide accurate identification and timely reporting of operational revenue and expenditures.
• Directs the development and maintenance of financial control systems to ensure appropriate control over revenues and expenditures at all operational levels.
• Responsible for overall supervision of the accounting functions to include payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable.
• Provides advice and assistance to departments in the preparation and monitoring of budgets.
• Serves as contact for departments in answering questions about the processing of transactions or preparation of budgets.
• Provides guidance and advice to departments in the use of automated systems, to ensure these functions are operating by the most efficient methods.
• Ensures the maintenance of accurate financial records.
• Ensures that billing and collection efforts are effective; provides monthly, quarterly, annual financial statements and other reports as required.
• Works to maintain vendor relationships and ensures that bills are paid at the appropriate time.
• Oversees all banking activity.
• Conduct internal audits and internal control procedures.
• Keeps department heads appraised of significant developments and offers timely recommendations as to financial issues. 
• Works with department heads to prepare annual operating budget.
•  Works with the CFO and FP&A in the preparation of the annual operating budget, including the review and analysis of divisional budget requests and establishing overall budget priorities for the organization.
• Works with the CFO in short-term and long-term planning for TLD, addressing future financial resource requirements and consolidates these plans into recommendations.
• Conducts special projects and assignments as required by the CFO.
• Responsible for the maintenance and storage of financial records. 
• Oversees audits—IRS and external audits.
• Manages the information management system for TLD.
• Establishes goals, objectives and standards of performance; develop and implement operating policies and procedures for department.
• Maintain a safe and productive workplace for animals, visitors and staff.
• Able to deal courteously and effectively with the public at all times, and to represent the institution at the highest standard of professionalism.
• Able to establish and maintain effective and professional working relations with co-workers and other department personnel, and to do so in accordance with The Living Desert Employee Handbook.
• Provides assistance to other departments as needed.
• Contributes to desert conservation through reduction of waste, water and energy use, and inspiring guests and team members to take conservation actions.
• Other related responsibilities as necessary to accomplish department objectives.

Requirements

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in business, accounting or finance, a recognized professional accounting designation or approved equivalent work experience. 
• Must have broad working knowledge of modern computer-based accounting systems and techniques.
• Ability to interpret and evaluate the effectiveness of programs and systems, to identify changes required to implement improvements with minimum of direction degree/training needed for job. 
• Valid California driver license. 
• Must be insurable on The Living Desert's automobile policy. 

Specific Skills:

• Must be a motivated self-starter who needs minimal supervision.
• Able to manage deadlines
• Computer literate in modern computer ERP systems, including accounting, payroll, and point-of sale systems.
• Highly developed analytical capabilities, with the capacity to effectively develop and implement appropriate financial and administrative systems
• High proficiency using Microsoft Office, with excellent skills in Excel.
• Working knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP)
• Experience with non-profit accounting including familiarity of form 990 preparation and management of restricted funds is preferred. Ability to provide sound advice to management with respect to financial and administrative policies and procedures
• Ability to conduct effective financial analyses and produce sound recommendations for the improvement of program efficiency and performance
• Thorough knowledge of current payroll, budgeting, cash management inventory con