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Zoo Accounting Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Zoo Accounting information

What does a zoo accountant do?

A zoo accountant is responsible for managing the financial records and transactions of a zoo. This includes budgeting, preparing financial reports, overseeing payroll, handling invoices, and ensuring compliance with financial regulations. Zoo accountants may also work on fundraising reports and help manage grants or donations. Their work is vital for maintaining the financial health of the zoo and supporting its educational and conservation missions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a zoo accountant?

To thrive as a Zoo Accountant, you need a solid background in accounting principles, financial analysis, and a relevant degree such as a bachelor's in accounting or finance. Familiarity with accounting software like QuickBooks or Sage, as well as proficiency in Excel and knowledge of nonprofit or government financial regulations, are typically required. Attention to detail, organizational skills, and effective communication are essential soft skills for this role. These skills ensure accurate financial tracking, compliance, and informed decision-making that support the zoo's operational and conservation goals.

What are some common challenges faced by accounting professionals working in a zoo environment?

Accounting professionals in a zoo setting often manage unique challenges such as handling diverse revenue streams (ticket sales, memberships, donations, and grants), tracking restricted funds for conservation programs, and ensuring compliance with non-profit regulations. Additionally, they may need to collaborate closely with animal care, education, and development teams to align financial planning with operational needs. Adapting to the seasonal nature of zoo attendance and budgeting for unpredictable expenses like animal care emergencies are also frequent aspects of the role.

What is the difference between Zoo Accounting vs Zoo Finance?

AspectZoo AccountingZoo Finance
Required CredentialsAccounting certifications (e.g., CPA), relevant degreesFinance certifications (e.g., CFA), relevant degrees
Work EnvironmentOffice-based, administrative, and record-keeping tasksFinancial analysis, budgeting, and investment planning
Employer & Industry UsageZoos, wildlife parks, conservation organizationsZoos, conservation agencies, nonprofit organizations

Zoo Accounting focuses on managing financial records, budgeting, and compliance within zoo organizations. Zoo Finance involves broader financial planning, investment analysis, and financial strategy for zoo operations. While both roles require financial credentials and work in similar environments, Zoo Accounting is more about record-keeping, whereas Zoo Finance emphasizes strategic financial management.

What are popular job titles related to Zoo Accounting jobs in Washington?

For Zoo Accounting jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Washington are hiring for Zoo Accounting jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Zoo Accounting job openings:

Infographic showing various Zoo Accounting job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, and 23% Part Time. Highlights an 92% In-person, and 8% Remote job distribution.

Financial Specialist

Washington, DC • On-site, Remote

Smithsonian Institution
Museums and Historical Sites • 5 - 10K employees

$102K - $133K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago


Smithsonian Institution rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 25 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

2nd of 29 rated museums


Job description

Summary
The Smithsonian Institution is the world's largest museum, education, and research complex, with 21 museums and the National Zoo. This position is located in in the Smithsonian Institution, Office of Deputy Secretary and Chief Operating Officer, Under Secretary for Museum and Culture, Archives of American Art (AAA).
Learn more about this agency
Duties
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Financial Specialist is responsible for planning and executing financial management studies that analyze administrative processes such as budgeting, finance, procurement, and property management.
In this position, you will:
  • Advise management officials and department heads on financial operations, budget execution, travel payments, and financial compliance requirements; research and resolve complex financial, travel issues, and provide recommendations consistent with applicable policies, procedures, and internal controls. Manage budgeting, accounting, and payment operations by monitoring obligations, expenditures, commitments, and available balances; processing and overseeing travel reimbursements, vendor invoices, and other financial transactions; performing reconciliations; analyzing spending trends and financial data; identifying discrepancies; and recommending corrective actions.
  • Assist with budgeting, accounting, and payment operations by monitoring obligations, expenditures, commitments, and available balances; reviewing and processing travel reimbursements, vendor invoices, and other financial transactions; performing reconciliations; analyzing spending trends and financial data; identifying discrepancies; and recommending corrective actions to support effective financial management and budget execution.
  • Coordinate procurement and acquisition-related financial activities in collaboration with Contracting Officer's Technical Representative (COTR), program officials, and other stakeholders; compile procurement packages, obtain required vendor quotes and supporting documentation, verify the availability of funds, and ensure financial and administrative requirements are satisfied before obligations are established.
  • Serve as the Accountable Property Officer (APO) and oversee the accountability and control of assigned personal property, including inventories, transfers, disposals, reconciliations, and resolution of discrepancies; assist with the management and coordination of facilities operations for the Washington, DC and New York City offices, including facility service requests, repairs and maintenance, space requirements, safety and security needs, building access, and other operational requirements; and coordinate with facilities personnel, vendors, contractors, and internal stakeholders to facilitate and track facility-related activities and requests.
  • Develop, prepare, and assist with financial reports, budget projections, reconciliations, statistical and trend analyses, and executive summaries to support management decision-making and financial performance monitoring; analyze financial data, identify trends and discrepancies, and recommend corrective actions; and assist with audit readiness, internal control reviews, audit findings and recommendations, corrective action plans, and process improvements to strengthen financial accountability, compliance, and operational efficiency.

Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • Requires career/career-conditional status or eligibility.
  • Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered with Selective Service.

Conditions of Employment
Qualification requirements, including one year time-in-grade at the next lower grade level for promotion candidates, must be met within 30 days of the job announcement closing date. See the 'Required Documents' section for additional information.
For information on qualification requirements, see Qualification Standards Handbook for General Schedule Positions viewable on OPM Website.
Qualifications
Experience: You qualify for this position if you have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-11 level in the Federal Service. For this position, specialized experience is defined as:
  • Assisting in the planning and execution of financial management studies analyzing administrative processes such as budgeting, finance, procurement, and property management.
  • Reviewing and reconciling internal reports from the financial management system to ensure accuracy and consistency.
  • Collaborating with other organizations to resolve accountability issues and provide financial management guidance.
  • Providing human resources management services, including personnel actions and time and attendance.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Part-time and/or unpaid experience related to this position will be considered to determine the total number of years and months of experience. Be sure to note the number of paid or unpaid hours worked each week.
Additional information
This position is included in the bargaining unit.
Current or Former Political Appointees: Beginning January 1, 2010, agencies must seek prior approval from OPM before they can appoint a current or recent political appointee to a competitive or non-political excepted service position at any level under the provisions of title 5, United States Code. If you are currently or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, or Non-career SES employee in the executive branch, you MUST disclose that to the Office of Human Resources. Submit a copy of your applicable SF-50, along with a statement that provides the following information regarding your most recent political appointment:
  • Position title;
  • Type of appointment (Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES, or Presidential Appointee);
  • Agency; and,
  • Beginning and ending dates of appointment.

Recruitment Incentive: Recruitment incentive(s) may be authorized for this position. However, approval for incentives are contingent upon various availability. If authorized, certain incentives will require the incumbent to sign a service agreement to remain in the Federal government for a certain time period.
Note: This statement does not imply nor guarantee an incentive will be offered and paid.
Selections may be made for vacancies across the Smithsonian Institution (SI). By applying to this position, you agree to allow your application and other personal information to be shared with one or more SI hiring officials for employment consideration for same/similar positions within the location(s) identified in this announcement.
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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The Smithsonian offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes, in part, vacation and sick leave, holidays, health/life insurance, accident insurance, and excellent retirement program options.
Please see Benefits at https://www.si.edu/OHR/benefits for a complete description.
Flexible Spending Accounts - https://www.fsafeds.com/
Health Insurance - http://www.opm.gov/insure/health/index.asp
Leave - http://www.opm.gov/oca/leave/index.asp
Life Insurance - http://www.opm.gov/insure/life/index.asp
Long Term Care Insurance - http://www.ltcfeds.com
Retirement Program - https://www.opm.gov/retirement-services/

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