Accountant

Description

Mission & Values

The Virginia Zoo, founded in 1901 and located in Norfolk, Virginia, is home to more than 700 animals representing over 150 species across 53 acres of outdoor habitats, the World of Reptiles, classrooms, and guest amenities. The Zoo is committed to inspiring our community to take action to save the world’s wildlife and their ecosystems. Our vision is a world where everyone values wildlife and the environment.

We prioritize the health, safety, and wellbeing of every animal in our care. We empower our community to protect wildlife and ecosystems locally and globally. We create meaningful experiences that inspire curiosity, learning, and stewardship. We uphold ethical standards in all operations, partnerships, and interactions. We foster a welcoming environment where diverse perspectives strengthen our mission. We work together—staff, volunteers, city partners, and the community—to advance shared goals.

Position Summary

The Virginia Zoo is seeking a detail-oriented and motivated Accountant to join our Finance team. This position may be filled at the Accountant I or Accountant II level, depending on the candidate’s education, experience, and demonstrated skills.

The Accountant supports a wide range of accounting, payroll, reporting, and administrative functions essential to the Zoo’s daily operations and financial accuracy. Responsibilities may include accounts payable, payroll support or processing, reconciliations, tax filings, audit assistance, and month-end close duties.

Key Responsibilities

Accountant I

  Accounts Payable

• Manage the accounting email inbox.
• Request and track manager/director invoice approvals and follow up on pending items.
• Reconcile vendor accounts and respond to payment inquiries.
• Enter invoices into accounting software and process vendor payments weekly. (checks, ACH and online portal payments).
• Upload issued checks to BOA CashPro to ensure clearing and monitor for bank flags or fraudulent transactions.
• Mail checks and add new vendors into the accounting software.
• Pull BOA credit card statements, distribute them to directors, record charges in accounting software, and process payments.
• Manage Amazon accounts, including user access, purchase reviews, and settings.
• Pull and organize Amazon card statements and purchase reports; ensure accurate recording in accounting software and process payments.
• Replenish and record postage machine usage.
• Process petty cash replenishment for the restaurant and gift shop.
• Calculate and record stipends for keeper interns.
• Calculate employee per-diem for work-related travel.

Payroll

• Assist with the processing of bi-weekly payroll.
• Record payroll transactions through journal entries in accounting software.
• Process payment through AP in accounting software for monthly IRA contributions from payroll data.
• Pull monthly IRA contribution reports, process payments, and record transactions in accounting software.
• Record benefit invoices by cost center in accounting software and process online payments for Colonial Life and Guardian.

Month End Close

• Assist with the month end close.
• Reconcile both BOA bank accounts (payroll, operating).
• Prepare journal entries to record monthly expenses from prepaid expense.
• Record postage usage from Pirate Ship and postage machines.
• Record fund transfers from Operating to Payroll accounts.
• Record safe order replenishment requests.
• Follow-up on invoice approvals to ensure all AP is recorded for the month; enter or accrue expenses as needed.
• Record interdepartmental inventory and purchase transfers.
• Calculate and allocate monthly Clover fees by department.
• Prepare, file, and pay monthly Virginia sales and use tax and Norfolk meals tax returns.

Quarterly Reporting

• Provide copier usage reports to CopyFax and allocate overage charges to departments.

Annual Reporting

• Pull data and process vendor 1099 submissions.
• Submit required paperwork to the Department of Agriculture to maintain fundraising status.
• Submit paperwork for Virginia tax-exempt status.
• Assist with year-end tasks and preparation for fiscal  year-end audit.
• Gather reports and assist with annual Workers’ Compensation  audit

General Accounting & Administrative Support

• Serve as back-up for Account Clerk.
• Provide support to Director of Finance with monthly closing activities.
• Identify and resolve accounting discrepancies or inaccuracies.
• Provide managers and directors with financial reports or account ledgers upon request.
• Manage equipment maintenance and leases (copiers, postage machine, POS systems).
• Serve as backup for change requests; create new project IDs as needed.

Other

• Expand knowledge and work tasks to respond to growing needs of the department.

Accountant II 

(Includes all core duties of Accountant I but emphasizes higher-level ownership)

• Oversee AP workflow including invoice approvals, vendor reconciliation, payment processing, and credit card management.
• Manage Amazon accounts, BOA payments, postage tracking, petty cash replenishment, stipends, and travel per diem calculations.
• Serve as back-up to the Director of Finance for payroll.
• Coordinate and process payroll in partnership with HR.
• Record payroll journal entries and manage IRA contributions and benefit invoice processing. 
• Coordinate the full monthly close process.
• Prepare and enter all month-end journal entries for Director review and posting.
• Complete all assigned balance sheet reconciliations.
• Reconcile BOA accounts, record safe replenishment, transfers, postage, inventory transfers, and monthly Clover fee allocations.
• Verify AP completeness and enter/accrue expenses as needed.
• Prepare, file, and pay Virginia sales and use tax and Norfolk meals tax. 
• Provide and allocate copier usage reports.
• Process vendor 1099 submissions and tax-exempt filings.
• Assist heavily in fiscal year-end tasks and audit preparation.
• Support Workers’ Compensation audit processes.
• Serve as back-up and reviewer for the Account Clerk.
• Troubleshoot and resolve accounting discrepancies.
• Provide managers and directors with needed financial reports.
• Manage equipment maintenance and leases.
• Serve as backup for change requests and create project IDs as needed. 
• Expand expertise and responsibilities in response to the department’s growing needs.

Minimum Qualifications

Accountant I

• Associate’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• 2–3 years of progressive accounting experience. 

Accountant II

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• 3–5 years of progressive accounting experience. 

Both Levels Require:

• Demonstrated intermediate-level proficiency in Microsoft Excel 
• Experience utilizing accounting software to perform financial transactions and reporting
• Experience preparing and reconciling balance sheet accounts 
• Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) 
• Understanding of internal control processes and procedures to ensure financial accuracy and compliance

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including complex formulas, data analysis, and reporting 
• Experience supporting or participating in financial and compliance audits 
• Experience working in a nonprofit organization environment

Physical Requirements / Working Conditions

• Work is performed primarily in a shared office setting 
• Requires prolonged periods of sitting, computer use, and data entry 
• Must be able to occasionally lift, carry, and move items weighing up to 25 pounds

Special Requirements

• Ability to pass a background check.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The Virginia Zoo is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to

creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration

for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual

orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

ADA Accommodation Statement

The Virginia Zoo is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with

disabilities to ensure equal access to employment opportunities and the essential functions of each

position. Applicants or employees who require accommodation may contact Human Resources to

initiate an interactive process.