Senior Accountant

Job Description

Job Description

Working closely with the Controller and Assistant Controller, the Senior Accountant is responsible for the accurate, transparent, and compliant accounting of contributed revenue that supports the Aquarium's conservation, education, and research programs. This role maintains the organization's official accounting records in accordance with GAAP and internal policies, supports strong internal controls and reliable financial reporting, and helps reinforce trust with donors, grantors, and internal stakeholders.

This is a full-time regular position offering a comprehensive benefits package. The schedule will be Monday-Friday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm with the option for a hybrid schedule, working some days on-site and some days remotely. Remote days are only available for residents of MA, RI, NH, ME, NY and VT.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Support the Aquarium's mission by ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant accounting for contributed revenue, grants, and fundraising activities.
2. Perform day-to-day accounting for gifts, pledges, grants, sponsorships, and special events in accordance with GAAP and donor restrictions.
3. Maintain and reconcile contributed revenue activity between Raiser's Edge NXT and MIP Fund Accounting, ensuring data integrity and timely posting to the general ledger.
4. Track and account for restricted and unrestricted contributions, including deferred revenue and net asset releases.
5. Assist with grants accounting activities, including grant setup, tracking expenditures, billing/drawdowns, revenue recognition, and closeout.
6. Prepare monthly reconciliations for contributed revenue, pledges receivable, deferred revenue, and restricted net assets.
7. Support monthly close activities, including journal entries, account analysis, and variance explanations related to development activity.
8. Prepare schedules and supporting documentation for the annual audit and grantor reporting requirements.
9. Collaborate closely with Development staff to ensure gifts and grants are recorded accurately and in alignment with donor intent and internal policies.
10. Provide accounting support during a period of transition, flexing across accounting operations and development support as processes evolve.
11. Identify opportunities to improve workflows, controls, and documentation related to contributed revenue and grants accounting.
12. Serve as a knowledgeable and responsive finance partner, helping translate accounting requirements into clear guidance for non-finance colleagues.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Training and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or a related field required.
• 5 to 7 years of accounting experience, preferably within a nonprofit or mission-driven organization.
• Hands-on experience with contributed revenue, grants accounting, or fund accounting strongly preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Familiarity with Raiser's Edge NXT and MIP Fund Accounting or similar nonprofit systems is highly desirable.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, advanced Excel skills, and experience with GL and AP accounting software is required.
• Solid understanding of GAAP as it relates to nonprofit accounting, including net asset classifications and donor restrictions.
• Strong reconciliation, documentation, and analytical skills with close attention to detail and accuracy.
• Comfortable working in a hybrid role that spans accounting operations and development support, particularly during periods of change or transition.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and adapt to evolving processes.
• Clear communicator who can partner effectively with colleagues across Finance, Development, and program teams.
• Strong financial and analytical skills.
• Ability to meet deadlines.
• Alignment with the New England Aquarium's mission and values, and interest in supporting a purpose-driven organization.

For more information and to apply online please visit:

The New England Aquarium is committed to an inclusive workplace culture and is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, as defined by the EEOC. Here, we foster a culture of respect and inclusion. We strive to engage and inspire a broad audience with our efforts to protect the blue planet. We believe that an inclusive workforce provides diverse experiences, skills, and perspectives that enrich our programs, strengthen problem-solving, add creativity, and enhance our workplace culture.