Finance Director

Summary

The North Carolina Aquarium Society is seeking applicants for their Finance Director position.

The Aquarium Society is a 501c3 nonprofit, based in Raleigh, N.C., that serves as the support organization for North Carolina’s three aquariums on the coast (Fort Fisher, Pine Knolls Shores, and Roanoke Island) as well as Jeanette’s Pier in Nags Head, N.C.  This position is not a position with the State of North Carolina.

The Finance Director reports to the Chief Financial Officer and supervises one Finance Coordinator.

Financial Leadership & Accounting Operations

• Provide strategic oversight of the Society’s financial operations, ensuring the integrity, accuracy, and reliability of the general ledger, financial records, and accounting systems.
• Lead the month‑end and year‑end close processes, including reviewing and approving adjusting journal entries, key reconciliations, and financial schedules to ensure timely and accurate reporting.
• Oversee the preparation and review of bank account reconciliations, cash‑receipt balancing, fixed asset accounting, depreciation schedules, and subsidiary ledger reconciliations.
• Partner with the CFO and the executive management team to create the Society’s annual budget and monitor variances to ensure alignment with the organization’s strategic goals.
• Establish and maintain strong internal controls, accounting policies, and procedural documentation to support compliance, operational efficiency, and audit readiness.

Revenue Management, Reporting & Analysis

• Provide executive oversight of accounts receivable, invoicing, and revenue recognition processes; ensure accurate and timely billing for rent, concessions, pledges, and Aquarium program reimbursements.
• Review and validate revenue reconciliations between Counterpoint and the general ledger, ensuring data integrity across departments.
• Direct the preparation and analysis of Aquarium Support Reports and other financial reporting for Aquarium leadership, program managers, and senior executives.
• Oversee reconciliation of donor pledges with the development database to ensure accurate financial reporting and alignment with fundraising activity.

Cross‑Functional Partnerships & Organizational Support

• Serve as the primary financial liaison to the North Carolina Aquariums, ensuring appropriate journal entries, reporting accuracy, and alignment between Society and Aquarium financial transactions.
• Provide financial leadership and oversight for grant management, including reconciliation reporting and participation on the Aquarium Grants Committee.
• Represent the Society as the senior financial partner for the Aquarium Scholars program, ensuring compliance, financial stewardship, and program accountability.

Tax Compliance, Audit, & Regulatory Oversight

• Oversee sales tax reporting and compliance, reviewing calculations prepared by accounting staff.
• Lead preparation efforts for the annual audit, ensuring all required schedules, documentation, and reconciliations are complete, accurate, and delivered on time.
• Maintain organizational readiness for regulatory, financial, and compliance audits through robust documentation and continuous process improvements.

System Stewardship & Process Improvement

• Provide executive oversight for the maintenance and optimization of the Society’s accounting system and financial processes.
• Ensure financial policies, procedures, and system manuals are current, accurate, and aligned with organizational needs and best practices.
• Champion process improvements, system enhancements, and workflow efficiencies to strengthen financial operations and organizational effectiveness.

The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, business administration, accounting, or related field; or

three to four years of related experience in financial and operational leadership, preferably in the nonprofit or philanthropic sector and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience. 

• CPA, CMA, or equivalent financial certification is a plus.
• Strong understanding of nonprofit accounting and IRS compliance.
• Experience with operational systems and technology tools.  Sage Intacct experience is a plus.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.