Finance Specialist
About the Position
Oakland Zoo is looking for a highly organized and detail-oriented individual to join our team as a Finance Specialist. This role is responsible for assisting with the oversight and daily flow of our financial operations, including payroll processing. They will demonstrate proficiency using HRIS and accounting software, and solid internal customer service skills. If you are looking for a mission-driven organization where you can pair your keen sense of numbers with a collaborative and solution-focused work style, this could be the perfect position for you.
Finance
Department
Manager:
Director of Finance
Year-Round
Full-Time
$31-33/hour (depending on experience)
Application Deadline:
Priority Application Deadline: July 20th
Benefits
Oakland Zoo offers a comprehensive benefits package, including Health insurance, Dental insurance, Vision insurance, Flexible spending account, Retirement plan, Paid time off, Employee Assistance Program, and A Family Zoo Membership.
Essential Job Duties
Schedule: 8am-5pm (flexible)
Hybrid Role: 1 remote day per week
Current Team consists of: CFAO, Director of Finance, AP Specialist, Accountant, & Senior Accountant
Department Responsibilities (50%)
- Assist the Director, Finance in overseeing day-to-day financial operations and maintaining accurate financial records.
- Assist in the preparation of financial statements, reports, and budgets as required.
- Participate in financial analysis and forecasting activities to support strategic decision-making.
- Act as a backup for AP in monitoring cash flow and ensuring proper cash management procedures are followed.
- Contribute to the development and implementation of financial policies and procedures to enhance internal controls and improve efficiency.
- Support finance department staff on the effective use of business systems, including accounting platform and payroll system.
- Liaise with external auditors and regulatory authorities as needed.
- Perform other duties as needed and assigned
Payroll Processing (50%)
- Support the processing of payroll for all employees, ensuring timely and accurate calculations of wages, salaries, deductions, and benefits.
- Monitor and maintain employee payroll records, including tax withholdings, vacation and sick leave accruals, and other related information.
- Collaborate with HR and other departments to ensure accurate and timely employee data updates, such as new hires, terminations, promotions, and salary changes.
- Stay up to date with relevant payroll legislation and regulations to ensure compliance with applicable laws and guidelines.
Who You Are
- Proven experience working in finance or accounting roles, with an understanding of financial principles and practices.
- Proficiency and interest in using payroll and accounting software, preferably UKG (Ultimate Kronos Group) and/or SAGE Intacct.
- Solid understanding of financial statements, budgets, and forecasting processes.
- High level of integrity and discretion, with a commitment to maintaining confidentiality and handling sensitive information appropriately.
- Strong analytical skills and attention to detail, with the ability to spot errors and discrepancies.
- Ability to handle multiple priorities, work independently, and meet ongoing deadlines
- Oakland Zoo requires vaccination*
Bonus If You Have
- Bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, or a related field
- Familiarity with non-profit accounting principles and fund accounting
- At least 2 years of payroll processing experience, preferred with UKG/UltiPro
Required Education
Knowledge, Skills, and Qualities
May be representative, but not all-inclusive, of those knowledge, skills and abilities commonly associated with this position.
- Collaboration – builds trusting relationships with both internal and external stakeholders across our organization and community-wide and approaches differences of opinion with curiosity and humility.
- Communication – communicates respectfully and effectively with stakeholders across identities, both verbally and in writing.
- Dependability – demonstrates trustworthiness and reliability, including while working with little or no direct supervision.
- Enjoyment – finds joy in one’s work, approaches tasks with thoughtfulness & intentionality, and fosters collective well-being by embracing the unique skills and qualities of colleagues.
- Inclusive Culture - fosters a culture of mutual respect, transparency, collaboration and belonging which allows all employees to feel appreciated, included, and valued.
- Organization – strong attention to details and able to build and/or maintain efficient systems
- Passion – wholeheartedly believes in, represents, and models Oakland Zoo’s mission and PRIDE values at all times.
- Solution-oriented – utilizes an open-minded and strengths-based approach to finding solutions for complex challenges.
- Sustainability – oriented toward the mission and values of Oakland Zoo and able to put those into practice by finding creative and resourceful ways to develop sustainable practices within your role and department
- Time management – strong capabilities with a demonstrated ability to effectively prioritize multiple commitments
- Wildlife Aware - understands mission to support the conservation and welfare of animals at the Zoo, locally and globally. This is demonstrated by a willingness/passion to reflect this mission in all actions and to continue to learn how to take action for wildlife
Who We Are
The Oakland Zoo (managed by The Conservation Society of California) is an award-winning facility stretching 100 acres and overlooking the city of Oakland atop the hills of beautiful Knowland Park. Our mission is to inspire respect for and stewardship of the natural world, while providing a quality visitor experience. As an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), The Zoo is part of the largest conservation organization in the nation. Our employees take PRIDE in our values of being Positive, Respectful, Inquisitive, Driven and Effective members of a team who places the care of our animals, stewardship of the natural environment, and the experience of our guests at the forefront of all that we do.
Oakland Zoo’s Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Access
We believe that all people should have safe access to the Zoo and culturally relevant and responsive experiences with our staff, programs, and curriculum. The Oakland Zoo is also striving to create an equitable and inclusive internal culture where all staff members feel represented and valued for their identities and lived experiences. We examine how power, bias, race and other aspects of identity impact our organization. We work to build a culture of continuous learning and improvement toward a vision of equity and belonging for all staff. We are looking for team members who can actively join us in this process. We are committed to reflecting the diverse community in which we exist and strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ identifying folks, and women to apply.
Equal Opportunity Employment
The Conservation Society of California is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status, marital status or other characteristics protected by law. The Conservation Society of California also promotes respect for all people and will not tolerate harassment based on any of these characteristics.
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