Controller

Back Controller East Coast Zoological Foundation Brevard County, FL Apply Now Download Prospectus 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 maint