Senior Accountant and Finance Manager in Huntsville, Alabama at 132460 - Huntsville Madison Cty Botanical Garden

Senior Accountant and Finance Manager

Department: Finance

Supervisor: Vice President of Finance and Operations

Supervises: Accounts Payable Specialist and Accounts Receivable Coordinator

FLSA Salary Classification: Full-time, Exempt

Revision Date: May 2026

Availability: Primary schedule of standard business hours with occasional evening and weekend availability required to support the department and organizational needs.

Position Summary:

The Senior Accountant and Finance Manager supports the financial operations of the Garden and serves as the primary accounting lead under the direction of the Vice President of Finance & Operations / CFO. This position is responsible for preparing and maintaining financial records to track the organization’s assets, liabilities, profit and loss, tax liabilities and other related financial activities. Overseeing day-to-day accounting operations, ensuring accurate financial reporting, maintaining compliance with GAAP, supporting the annual audit process, assisting with budgeting activities, and supervising accounting staff.

The role focuses on operational accounting leadership, internal controls, and efficient financial processes while providing stability and continuity within the finance department.

Key Responsibilities:

Accounting Operations & Month-End Close

• Lead and coordinate the monthly close process, including journal entries, accruals, sales tax and account reconciliations
• Review and approve cash disbursements to ensure proper authorization and posting.
• Review, verify and reconcile bank deposits/statements and general ledger activity for accuracy and completeness
• Prepare balance sheet reconciliations and maintain supporting schedules
• Ensure timely processing and recording of financial transactions
• Manages year-end close activities

Financial Reporting & Compliance

• Prepare financial and management reporting for leadership review
• Support compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and organizational accounting policies
• Assist with variance analysis and reporting needs (financial & management)
• Maintain documentation supporting accounting processes and internal controls

Budgeting, Forecasting & Analysis

• Assist with the annual operating budget process and departmental budget preparation
• Support budget tracking and monitoring throughout the fiscal year
• Prepare budget-to-actual reports and assist with variance analysis
• Provide financial information and reporting support to department leaders as needed

Audit Support

• Coordinate preparation of audit schedules and supporting documentation
• Serve as a primary contact for external auditors during fieldwork
• Assist in implementing audit recommendations and strengthening financial controls
• Support preparation for financial reviews and compliance requests

Team Supervision

• Supervise assigned accounting staff, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, and related accounting functions
• Provide guidance, prioritization, training, and daily oversight to finance staff
• Promote cross-training and operational consistency within the department
• Help maintain a collaborative and customer-service-oriented finance culture

Policies & Process Improvement

• Assist with implementation and consistent application of accounting policies and procedures. Stays abreast of changing regulatory considerations to maintain organizational financial compliance.
• Identify opportunities to improve workflows, efficiency, and accuracy
• Support financial system improvements and reporting enhancements
• Maintain organized accounting records and documentation standards and perform other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in finance or accounting and a minimum of 5 years of professional accounting experience is required. Understanding of and the ability to adhere to generally accepted accounting principles. Technology savvy with high comfort level utilizing the Microsoft Office suite of products, particularly Excel and accounting software.

Success Factors:

• Alignment with Organizational Values: Possessing an interest and appreciation for the mission of the Huntsville Botanical Garden and inherent alignment with the Garden’s Core Values.
• Attention to Detail: Ability to ensure accuracy in financial statements and reports, aligning with the organization's core value of exemplifying expertise.
• Analytical Skills: Highly analytical and organized, accountants should be adept at problem-solving, enabling sound decision-making and supporting both strategic and tactical planning.
• Technical Proficiency: Familiarity with accounting software (e.g., QuickBooks, SAP, or Excel) and a strong understanding of accounting principles (GAAP or IFRS) are essential.
• Organizational Skills: Strong organizational abilities are needed to manage multiple types of tasks and deadlines effectively.
• Communication Skills: Ability to convey financial information clearly to auditor, vendors, stakeholders, or team members.
• Adaptability: The ability to adapt to new regulations, technologies, and practices within the evolving accounting field.
• Self-Motivated Team Player: Capable of providing leadership through initiative and by example, demonstrating a commitment to the organization's mission.
• Goal-Oriented: A demonstrated ability to set and achieve personal goals while supporting the success of their team is essential.

Preferred Qualifications:

Previous supervisory experience and professional work in a non-profit environment. Experience with grant expense management and reporting. Prior use of QuickBooks, Square, Blackbaud/Altru and/or similar applications. CPA certification.

Physical Demands and Work Environment: The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• Physical Demands: This position is required to frequently communicate with people internal and external to the Garden with frequent periods of sedentary work in the office. Occasionally requires the ability to lift up to 15 lbs., and traverse the Garden over uneven terrain.
• Work Environment: Frequently, works in office. Occasionally required to work in an outdoor environment subject to all weather conditions and must traverse varied and uneven terrain.
• Equipment: Continuous use of a computer, occasional use of projection or AV equipment for presentations/training.

Job descriptions are guidelines that attempt to characterize essential functions and responsibilities of a job and are subject to change as needs and programs change. At Huntsville Botanical Garden job descriptions are considered neither inclusive nor exclusive. It is expected that up to 20% of your duties may change annually.

Employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.

The Huntsville Botanical Garden supports a culture of inclusion that attracts, inspires, and engages people to achieve success. The Garden is committed to hire and develop employees based on job-related qualifications irrespective of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, or veteran status. To increase diversity in professions related to the public garden realm, we encourage applications from underrepresented minorities, persons with disabilities, and veterans.