About East Coast Zoological Foundation

East Coast Zoological Foundation (ECZF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization located on Florida’s Space Coast. Through Brevard Zoo, the forthcoming Bowen Aquarium and Conservation Center, and Restore Our Shores, ECZF advances animal wellbeing, conservation, education, and community engagement. Its mission is to share the joy of nature to help wildlife and people thrive.

ECZF receives no recurring government funding for its operations. Its work is supported through earned revenue, philanthropy, partnerships, grants, and the continued investment of the surrounding community.

Brevard Zoo

Community has been central to Brevard Zoo since its beginning. More than 16,000 volunteers helped build the Zoo, which opened in 1994 and has grown into one of Florida’s leading cultural and conservation institutions. Today, it welcomes 500,000+ guests annually and cares for more than 900 animals representing nearly 200 species.

Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, Brevard Zoo is known for immersive experiences including kayaking through Expedition Africa, giraffe feedings, and a range of animal encounters. It is also home to the Sea Turtle Healing Center, which rehabilitates and releases wild sea turtles.

The Brevard Zoo was voted the 5th Best Zoo in the U.S. by USA Today's 10 Best Readers' Choice Awards, and has been in their Top 10 for 7 years running.

Bowen Aquarium and Conservation Center

ECZF is preparing to break ground on the Bowen Aquarium in December 2026. Located on 14 acres of shoreline at Port Canaveral, the Aquarium will become ECZF’s second major campus and a regional center for conservation, education, animal wellbeing, research, and public engagement. The Aquarium is the central focus of ECZF’s $140 million Our Legacy Campaign, the fundraising effort supporting its development.

Bowen Aquarium will focus on Florida’s native wildlife and waterways, with particular emphasis on restoring the Indian River Lagoon and surrounding coastal ecosystems. It will also provide expanded medical and research facilities for the rehabilitation of sea turtles and manatees.

Restore Our Shores

Restore Our Shores is ECZF’s field-based conservation program focused on restoring and protecting the Indian River Lagoon. Its work includes building living shorelines, restoring oyster reefs, engaging community volunteers, and advancing practical, science-based approaches to improving the health and resilience of local waterways.

The Opportunity

ECZF is preparing for substantial operational and financial growth. The organization continues to grow the award-winning Brevard Zoo while preparing to construct and operate Bowen Aquarium, manage the $140 million Our Legacy Campaign, and meet the reporting and compliance requirements associated with tax-exempt bond financing.

The campaign adds substantial complexity to ECZF’s accounting operation. The Controller must understand the financial mechanics of a major fundraising campaign, including pledges, contribution receivables, donor restrictions, releases from restriction, grants, gift documentation, and capital expenditures. Close coordination with Philanthropy will be essential to keeping accounting records, fundraising data, donor agreements, and project reporting aligned.

This is an opportunity to shape the accounting infrastructure of a respected, mission-driven organization as it becomes a significantly larger, multi-site enterprise. The finance function is also navigating a period of transition. ECZF has engaged an experienced nonprofit CPA as interim Controller to maintain the close, reporting, and essential accounting processes during the search.

The incoming Controller will be the visible and accessible leader of the accounting team, establishing confidence, consistency, and accountability while strengthening systems, controls, documentation, and working relationships. This person must understand the work at every level, remain closely connected to the team, and be willing to investigate and resolve issues when needed.

As ECZF continues to evolve its financial policies, procedures, and controls, the Controller will have meaningful latitude to identify opportunities and implement improvements in partnership with CFO David Lamadrid, who joined ECZF in October 2025.

Position Summary

ECZF seeks a Controller to lead the accounting operations of an approximately $20 million nonprofit with about 275 employees and serve as the organization’s primary steward of accounting integrity, financial controls, and reporting accuracy. As Bowen Aquarium is developed and begins operating, this person will prepare the accounting function for substantial growth in revenue, staffing, and complexity.

Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, the Controller will oversee day-to-day accounting operations, the monthly and annual close, financial statement preparation, audit readiness, internal controls, payroll accounting, nonprofit and campaign accounting, grant reporting, and capital project accounting.

ECZF’s current budgeted finance structure comprises 6.5 full-time equivalent positions: the CFO, Controller, Accounting Manager, Senior Accountant, Accounts Payable Clerk, Accounts Receivable Specialist, and part-time Cash Room Clerk.

The Controller will directly lead and develop the accounting staff, creating clear expectations, improving communication, encouraging cross-training, and building a stable team culture. Success requires both strong technical accounting capability and the ability to communicate well, earn trust, and translate accounting requirements for colleagues throughout the organization.

This must be a genuinely hands-on leader who can perform, review, or troubleshoot the work for which the department is responsible. Experience in a larger or more specialized organization can translate well, provided the candidate has maintained direct ownership of core accounting processes and is comfortable working closely with details.

Substantive nonprofit accounting experience is required. The successful candidate must understand donor restrictions, grants, contribution revenue, campaign pledges, capital activity, and nonprofit financial reporting from the outset. Strong analytical skills will also allow the Controller to support budgeting, forecasting, and organizational decision-making in partnership with the CFO.

What Success Looks Like

Initial Priorities

• Establish trust with the finance team, CFO, department heads, auditors, and other key partners while learning how Accounting can better support operations across ECZF.

• Assess the organization’s accounting systems, processes, controls, reporting practices, staffing needs, and current risks, including the funding structure, pledges, donor restrictions, and construction activity associated with the Our Legacy Campaign.

• Complete the transition from the interim Controller, assume ownership of the close, reconciliations, financial statements, audit preparation, and compliance calendar, and establish clear team expectations and priorities.

Within the First Six Months

• Deliver accurate, timely financial reporting supported by stronger close procedures, reconciliations, documentation, review practices, and internal controls.

• Strengthen nonprofit, grant, campaign, donor-restricted, and capital project accounting, including consistent reconciliation and communication between Finance and Philanthropy.

• Build a cohesive, cross-trained accounting team and provide more useful information to the CFO and department leaders, creating greater operational stability and allowing the CFO to focus on financing, planning, and growth.

Longer-Term

• Build a scalable accounting infrastructure capable of supporting Brevard Zoo, Bowen Aquarium, Restore Our Shores, and ECZF’s expanded financial, compliance, and public reporting requirements.

• Maintain reliable accounting throughout the $140 million campaign and Aquarium construction while improving visibility into net assets with and without donor restrictions.

• Help shape the finance team’s long-term structure, maintain a strong and practical control environment, and establish Accounting as a responsive and trusted organizational partner.

Essential Job Functions

The Controller will provide hands-on leadership across ECZF’s accounting function while strengthening the systems, controls, and team practices needed for continued growth. Key responsibilities include:

Accounting Operations and Financial Reporting

• Lead all day-to-day accounting functions, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger maintenance, bank and investment account activity, cash management, and reconciliations.

• Direct the monthly and annual close, ensuring that postings, accruals, reconciliations, and financial entries are complete, accurate, and timely.

• Prepare financial statements and reporting packages for the CFO, executive leadership, Finance Committee, Board, and other stakeholders, including clear budget and variance analysis.

• Maintain the chart of accounts, supporting documentation, and proper classification of revenue, expenses, assets, liabilities, and net assets with and without donor restrictions in accordance with GAAP and FASB ASC 958.

Internal Controls and Compliance

• Assess, document, implement, and continually strengthen internal controls, accounting policies, standard procedures, segregation of duties, approval processes, safeguards, and audit trails.

• Oversee the purchasing-card program, including approvals, controls, reconciliation, documentation, and compliance.

• Maintain compliance with applicable federal, state, and local financial and tax requirements, including IRS requirements for tax-exempt organizations and ECZF’s records-retention policy.

• Support the CFO in reviewing contracts, renewals, and financial commitments, and lead the implementation of improvements addressing identified accounting, process, and control risks.

Audit, Tax, Payroll, and Benefits

• Serve as the primary staff liaison for the annual external audit, coordinating schedules, supporting documentation, confirmations, auditor requests, and implementation of accepted recommendations.

• Lead or support the preparation of the annual audit, IRS Form 990, tax returns, sales-tax filings, and other required financial, fiduciary, and legal reports.

• Ensure accurate and timely payroll processing and accounting in close partnership with Human Resources, including payroll review, account reconciliations, tax filings, related liabilities, and FLSA compliance.

• · Coordinate accounting for employee benefits, including health insurance, 403(b) retirement contributions, and leave accruals.

Campaign, Grant, and Capital Project Accounting

• Lead accounting and financial reporting for ECZF’s $140 million Our Legacy Campaign, including gifts, pledges, contribution receivables, donor restrictions, conditions, releases from restriction, and other recognition and reporting considerations.

• Establish regular reconciliation among Sage Intacct, Raiser’s Edge, donor agreements, pledge schedules, fundraising records, and campaign reports in close partnership with Philanthropy.

• Oversee grant and donor-restricted fund accounting, ensuring resources are recorded, reconciled, reported, and used in accordance with donor and funder requirements, including preparation of grant drawdown requests.

• Maintain capital project accounts for Bowen Aquarium and other initiatives, coordinate budget-to-actual reporting with project leaders and develop processes capable of supporting Aquarium construction and future multi-site operations.

Budgeting and Analytical Support

• Lead the preparation of ECZF’s annual budget in partnership with the CFO and organizational leaders.

• Analyze monthly, quarterly, and annual results against budgets, forecasts, and prior periods, identifying variances, trends, risks, cost pressures, and opportunities.

• Monitor departmental spending and headcount, coordinate with departments, and translate financial information into useful reporting and commentary for non-financial leaders.

• · Support cash-flow forecasting, multi-year projections, scenario planning, and other financial analysis requested by the CFO.

Team Leadership and Organizational Partnership

• Lead, supervise, coach, and develop the accounting staff, including hiring, onboarding, performance planning, evaluation, professional development, and clear accountability.

• Establish clear roles and expectations while building cross-training, redundancy, and continuity across essential accounting functions.

• Develop strong working relationships across the institution and its campuses, positioning Accounting as a responsive and trusted internal partner.

• Work effectively with auditors, banks, consultants, vendors, government partners, and other stakeholders; remain current on relevant accounting standards, systems, and regulatory developments; and perform other duties and special projects as assigned.

Qualifications

The successful candidate will bring strong technical accounting expertise, substantive nonprofit experience, and the ability to lead a team while remaining closely engaged in the work. Specific qualifications include:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting.

• At least five to seven years of progressive accounting experience, including two or more years leading staff.

• Experience as a Controller, Assistant Controller, Director of Accounting, or comparable in-house accounting leader.

• Substantive nonprofit accounting experience, including GAAP, FASB ASC 958, donor restrictions, contribution revenue, and grants.

• Direct responsibility for close, financial statements, general ledger integrity, reconciliations, audits, Form 990, and regulatory filings.

• Experience strengthening accounting processes, documentation, internal controls, and financial systems.

• Demonstrated ability to lead, coach, and develop accounting staff while remaining hands-on across the function.

• Strong analytical, organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, meet deadlines, and explain financial information to non-financial colleagues.

• Experience with capital campaigns, construction accounting, tax-exempt financing and compliance, or multi-site operations is strongly preferred.

• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, and experience managing and optimizing accounting systems; experience with Sage Intacct, Raiser’s Edge, and Paycor is preferred.

• CPA license is welcome but not required.

Leadership Attributes

The ideal candidate will be:

• Visible, accessible, and closely engaged with the accounting team.

• Clear and consistent in setting expectations, making decisions, and holding others accountable.

• Practical and hands-on, with the judgment to move comfortably between detailed accounting work and broader organizational priorities.

• Skilled at building trust with department leaders and positioning Accounting as a responsive internal partner.

• Adaptable and steady in a growing organization where systems, roles, and operating needs continue to evolve.

• Guided by integrity, discretion, and a genuine commitment to ECZF’s mission.

Reporting Relationships

The Controller reports directly to the Chief Financial Officer and has the following supervisory responsibilities:

• Accounting Manager (vacant)

• Senior Accountant

• Accounts Payable Clerk

• Accounts Receivable Specialist

• Part-time Cash Room Clerk

The Controller will work closely with Human Resources, Philanthropy, Operations, Aquarium project leadership, department heads, external auditors, banking partners, consultants, and the Finance Committee.

*Bold indicates a direct report within the current structure.

Compensation & Benefits

The salary range for this position is approximately $110,000 to $130,000. New employees are eligible for company insurance benefits on the first day of the month following 60 days of continuous full-time employment. Benefits include:

• Medical, Dental ,and Vision insurance

• Life and Short-term disability insurance

• Voluntary long-term disability, accident, critical illness options

• Voluntary term life and AD+D coverage

• Health Savings Account (HSA) for eligible employees

• 403(b) retirement plan with a discretionary match up to 3% of base salary

• Paid time off begins at 17 days annually, increases to 23 days after two years and 28 days after four years, with a maximum carryover of 240 hours.

• Bereavement leave offered in the event of the loss of a family member, a companion pet, or a Zoo animal in an employee’s direct care

• Employee assistance program

• Zoo membership and tickets

• Admission to local attractions through AttractionShare

• As a reflection of our firm’s commitment to equity and equal pay, salary ranges or salary starting points are published for every search we conduct. The practice of withholding salary information can perpetuate wage disparities and place certain candidates at a disadvantage during negotiations.

Location & Work Expectations

This is a full-time, exempt position based in Melbourne, Florida. The successful candidate must reside in or relocate to the Brevard County region.

The finance team currently works a hybrid schedule, generally three days onsite and two days remotely. The Controller must maintain a consistent onsite presence, with the final schedule established in partnership with the CFO.

Occasional travel and evening or weekend work may be required, particularly during audits, year-end close, major projects, or organizational events. The role is primarily office-based but may involve movement between indoor and outdoor facilities, exposure to Florida weather, and occasional lifting of up to 20 pounds.

Submission Instructions (read carefully)

Cooper Coleman is leading this search on behalf of the East Coast Zoological Foundation. To apply, please click Apply Now and complete the simple application. All expressions of interest should be made only through the online application, and all inquiries will be held in confidence.

A cover letter is not required with your initial application but is welcome to help us understand your fitness for and interest in this role during our initial evaluation. Candidates invited for interviews will be asked to provide a thoughtful letter of interest indicating their specific qualifications for the opportunity, desire to join ECZF, and connection to its mission.

Cooper Coleman LLC is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified candidates and will refer candidates without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation or identity, age, ability, veteran status, or any legally protected basis.

EEO & Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

East Coast Zoological Society of Florida, Inc., dba Brevard Zoo, is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

ECZF does not tolerate discrimination or harassment in any aspect of employment, including recruitment, hiring, promotion, compensation, benefits, training, transfer, termination, or any other terms and conditions of employment. Employees and applicants are encouraged to report any concerns regarding discrimination or harassment, and retaliation for reporting such concerns is strictly prohibited.

Brevard Zoo is committed to an inclusive environment where employees are encouraged to be their authentic selves, and values the diverse qualities, perspectives, and experiences of all individuals.

Background Checks & Credentials Verification

Before sending your resume for this position, please read it over for accuracy. Cooper Coleman verifies its candidates' employment and academic credentials at the time of offer. ECZF conducts background checks and drug screening as conditions of employment. Required screenings must be completed before the successful candidate’s start date.