Job Title: Controller
Reports to: Senior Vice President of Finance (SVPF)
Department: Finance

FLSA Status: Exempt
Location: Arizona Science Center

 

SUMMARY
The Controller is a key member of the Expanded Leadership Team, overseeing the day-to-day financial operations of the Arizona Science Center. Reporting to the SVPF, this role is responsible for managing all accounting functions, financial reporting, payroll, compliance, budgeting, and internal controls. The Controller ensures accurate and timely financial results in accordance with GAAP and supports the organization’s mission through strong financial stewardship and operational efficiency.

 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

 

Accounting & Financial Management

 

  • Lead daily, monthly, and annual accounting operations, including journal entries, reconciliations, and month-end close.
  • Prepare and review financial statements with supporting analytical commentary.
  • Oversee revenue and expense tracking, including data from POS and expense systems (e.g., SAP/Concur).
  • Prepare documentation for grant invoices and reporting, Board review, and audits.
  • Ensure compliance with GAAP and relevant regulatory and tax requirements.
  • Continual process improvement

 

Payroll & Compliance

  • Manage payroll processing in coordination with HR, ensuring timely and accurate disbursements.
  • Monitor compliance with labor laws and payroll tax regulations.
  • Reconcile payroll-related accounts and prepare payroll-related reports.

 

Cash Flow & Budgeting

  • Create and maintain cash flow projections.
  • Coordinate the annual budgeting process and ensure integration with financial reporting systems.
  • Provide financial analysis and reporting to support decision-making.

 

Audit & External Reporting

  • Support annual financial statement audits and single audits as applicable.
  • Prepare audit schedules and submissions, including Data Arts reporting.
  • Interface with external auditors and ensure timely and accurate submissions.

 

 

Team Leadership & Collaboration

  • Supervise and support 2–4 accounting staff members.
  • Plan and manage departmental workflow and deadlines.
  • Provide cross-functional support and training across the organization on financial processes and systems.

 

QUALIFICATIONS, EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

  • Understanding of non-profit accounting and working with the SVPF on GAAP standards.
  • Experience with financial systems and tools, including payroll and expense platforms.
  • Experience with Blackbaud’s Financial Edge is highly preferred
  • Experience with report writing
  • Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
  • Ability to collaborate effectively across departments and with external stakeholders.
  • Professional, team-oriented approach with leadership experience in managing accounting functions.
  • Knowledge of and experience with Tessitura POS software is preferred
  • Four-year degree; Accounting or Finance preferred
  • Minimum of 5 years of experience in related position
  • Microsoft and Google Suite experience

 

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Arizona Science Center maintains a firm policy of equal employment opportunity for all employees and applicants. We recruit, hire, train, promote, compensate, and dismiss Employees based on such factors as experience, character, ability, and skill, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin or heritage, age, marital or veteran status, disability, citizenship, or any other status protected by federal, state or local law.

 

ACCOMMODATIONS

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the role. The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or physical requirements. Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

 

BENEFITS include, but are not limited to:

  • 21 paid days off annually including holidays, birthdays, and vacation days
  • 10 days of accrued sick time
  • Professional Development Opportunities
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
  • Life and Long-Term Disability insurance
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • 401(k) retirement plan
  • Family membership to Arizona Science Center and 600+ Association of Science and Technology Centers (ASTC)
  • Admission Exchange Program - Year-round complimentary admission for the employee and one guest to visit the Phoenix Zoo, Desert Botanical Garden, Phoenix Art Museum, Heard Museum, Arizona Museum of Natural History, and more.