Staff Accountant

Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo is seeking a detail-oriented Staff Accountant to support our Finance & Business Operations team during an exciting period of growth and expansion.

This role is ideal for an accounting professional who enjoys hands-on work across payroll processing, accounts payable (AP), reconciliations, and general ledger accounting in a nonprofit environment. This position reports to the Senior Accountant and Director of Finance & Business Operations, with a dotted-line (indirect) reporting relationship to the Director of People & Culture for payroll-related functions.

What You’ll Do

• Process and record invoices in QuickBooks Online to ensure timely payments 
• Maintain vendor records, including W-9s and 1099 compliance 
• Coordinate check runs and ACH payments 
• Process biweekly payroll in coordination with the Director of People & Culture, ensuring accuracy of wages, deductions, and compliance with applicable laws 
• Reconcile payroll and benefit-related accounts and ensure timely remittance of benefit premiums 
• Record payroll entries in the general ledger 
• Prepare monthly bank reconciliations 
• Track and reconcile corporate credit card activity 
• Support audit preparation and maintain organized financial records 

What You’ll Grow Into

• Fixed asset accounting and depreciation tracking 
• Monitoring restricted funds and grant/project spending 
• Strengthening reconciliation processes across accounts 
• Supporting budgeting and annual audit schedules 

What You Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, or related field (or equivalent experience) 
• 2–3 years of accounting experience, including exposure to payroll processing 
• Strong knowledge of general ledger and reconciliations 
• Experience with QuickBooks Online preferred; payroll system experience (e.g., ADP) a plus 
• Solid Excel skills and attention to detail 
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and communicate effectively across Finance and HR 

Why Join Us

• Be part of a mission-driven organization focused on conservation, education, and community 
• Opportunity to expand into payroll and broader accounting functions 
• Collaborative, cross-functional partnership between Finance and HR 
• “Zero drama” team environment 

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Life Insurance 
• 403(b) Retirement Plan 
• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick, Personal) 

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• Primarily a sedentary, office-based role involving extended periods of sitting 
• Frequent use of a computer, including typing, viewing screens, and data entry 
• Ability to occasionally stand, walk, bend, and reach 
• May lift and move items up to 10–15 pounds (e.g., files, office supplies) 
• Requires visual acuity for detailed work, including reviewing financial data and reports 
• Work is performed in a typical indoor office environment with minimal exposure to noise or environmental hazards 

Our Values

Conservation | Credibility | Community | Compassion

Equal Opportunity Employer / ADA Statement

Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law.

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Zoo provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities throughout the hiring process and employment. If you require accommodation, please contact us to make appropriate arrangements.