Zoo Financial Analyst
Apply NowCompany: Oregon Metro
Location: Portland, OR 97205
Description:
Salary: $93,411.09 - $125,178.94 Annually
Location : Oregon Zoo, OR
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 2025-1240-FRS-5
Department: Finance and Regulatory Service
Division: Budget and Financial Mgmt
Opening Date: 03/06/2025
Closing Date: 3/20/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
Position Summary
Hello, we're Metro! Metro is dedicated to shaping a better future for the greater Portland region. The work the people of Metro do every day benefits the lives of the people who live here, today, and tomorrow.
Are you an individual with a strong finance and accounting background that is looking for an opportunity to apply your experience and knowledge to help better the Oregon Zoo and the overall community it serves? Are you proactive and a strategic thinker with a strong financial background who would like to make a substantive contribution to the economic recovery and rebuilding efforts occurring at the Oregon Zoo?
As the Zoo Financial Analyst, you will perform a wide variety of financial, budgetary and business operations analysis for the Oregon Zoo, including day to day management of program responsibilities, database and records management, policy and procedure formulation and recommendation, and manage various processes related to grants and grant funding sources. This position reports to the Zoo Finance Manager and will assist in leading the work of the zoo finance team.
inspires visitors to learn about protecting endangered species and restoring native habitats and is the state's most popular paid attraction. The zoo's roughly 320 employees welcome almost 1.4 million visitors each year. Our zoo is home to more than 200 different animal species. Our mission is to create a better future for wildlife, with a focus on fighting extinction locally in the Pacific Northwest. The zoo is widely recognized for its commitment to animal welfare, conservation, and research.
Based on the business needs of the , the Financial Analyst selected for this position will have the expectation of primarily working on-site at the Zoo 400 SW Canyon RD, Portland, OR 97221.
As the Zoo Financial Analyst you will:
Financial Management and Analysis
Financial Systems Support
Other Responsibilities and Process Support
Attributes for Success
DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
At Metro, we strive to cultivate diversity, advance equity, and practice inclusion in all of its work. This means attracting and empowering a workforce that is inclusive of a broad range of human qualities. Workplace diversity is both a moral imperative and a business strength, essential to providing quality support and services to our region. Metro's goal is to hire, develop and retain highly skilled and talented individuals across all departments and programs who best reflect the diversity of our community.
Learn more about Metro's Diversity Action Plan
TO QUALIFY
We will consider any combination of relevant work experience, volunteering, education, and transferable skills as qualifying unless an item or section is labeled required. Please be clear and specific in your application materials on how your background is relevant.
Minimum qualifications
Required qualifications
The candidate selected for the position will need to pass a criminal background check prior to being hired. Criminal convictions do not necessarily preclude employment and will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
If this statement is true for you, then you may be ineligible to apply
If you were terminated for cause during any employment with Metro, or resigned in lieu of termination, you may be ineligible for rehire for a minimum of 3 years.
Like to have qualifications
You do not need to have the following preferred qualifications/transferable skills to qualify. However, keep in mind we may consider them when identifying the most qualified candidates. Your transferable skills are any skills you have gained through education, work experience, including the military, or life experience that are relevant for this position.
SCREENING AND EVALUATION
The application packet: The application packet consists of the following required documents. Please ensure that you upload these documents in your online application. Make sure your application is complete, missing any part of these items could result in an incomplete application and will not be moved forward in the recruitment.
The selection process: We expect to evaluate candidates for this recruitment as follows. The selection process is subject to change.
COMPENSATION, BENEFITS AND REPRESENTATON
The full-salary range for this position is step 1 $93,411.09 to step 7 $125,178.94. However, unless a candidate's qualifications justify, based on the Oregon Pay Equity Act requirements and Metro's internal equity review process, the appointment will likely be made between step 1 $93,411.09 to the equity range step 4 $108,134.44
This position is not eligible for overtime and is non-represented. It is classified as a Program Analyst
Classification descriptions are typically written broadly and do not include the specific duties and responsibilities of the positions. View the classification description.
Questions?
Talent Acquisition Specialist: Kara Hill
Email:
Additional Information
Equal employment opportunity
All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, familial status, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability for which a reasonable accommodation can be made, or any other status protected by law.
Accommodation
Metro will gladly provide a reasonable accommodation to anyone whose specific disability prevents them from completing this application or participating in this recruitment process. Please contact the recruiter outlined in the job announcement in advance to request assistance.
Veterans' preference
Under Oregon Law, qualified veterans may be eligible for veterans' preference when applying for Metro positions. If you are a veteran and would like to be considered for a veterans' preference for this job, please provide qualifying documents as instructed during the application process.
Hybrid Telework
Positions designated as "hybrid telework," meaning you may have the option to work away from the office, although there may be times that coming into the office will be required. The designation of Hybrid Telework may be subject to change at a future time. All employees must reside in Oregon or Washington; Metro cannot support ongoing telework from other locations.
Pay equity at Metro
No matter who you are or where you work at Metro, you deserve to be paid fairly for the work you do.Every worker must get equal pay for equal work regardless of your gender, race, age, or other protected characteristics. Metro has established processes and conducts routine pay equity reviews as part of the hiring process to ensure compliance with the 2017 Oregon Pay Equity Act.
Online applications
Metro accepts job applications online. If you need assistance or accommodation with your application, or access to a computer, please contact the recruiter outlined in the job announcement in advance to request assistance.
How to Apply
For tips on how to apply and more information on what the application process looks like, visit Metro's page.
Government Jobs
For assistance with your account or to reset your password please visit GovernmentJobs page.
As part of the Metro family, you play a vital role in serving the people of the greater Portland region.
Family members, including eligible spouses, domestic partners, and children, are covered under most of our benefits programs. Benefits vary depending on position and full-time, part-time, and variable hour status.
This is a budgeted, regular status position with a full-time schedule. The position is eligible for these benefits:
Metro also offers a variety of perks for all employees, including free admission to the Oregon Zoo (including ZooLights!), Oxbow and Blue Lake Regional Parks, membership discount at Lloyd Athletic Club, credit union eligibility and more. Employees also receive access to financial wellness and legal consultation services, as well as first-time home buying and ownership counseling.
Some positions are represented by a union and have additional benefits.
Location : Oregon Zoo, OR
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 2025-1240-FRS-5
Department: Finance and Regulatory Service
Division: Budget and Financial Mgmt
Opening Date: 03/06/2025
Closing Date: 3/20/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
Position Summary
Hello, we're Metro! Metro is dedicated to shaping a better future for the greater Portland region. The work the people of Metro do every day benefits the lives of the people who live here, today, and tomorrow.
Are you an individual with a strong finance and accounting background that is looking for an opportunity to apply your experience and knowledge to help better the Oregon Zoo and the overall community it serves? Are you proactive and a strategic thinker with a strong financial background who would like to make a substantive contribution to the economic recovery and rebuilding efforts occurring at the Oregon Zoo?
As the Zoo Financial Analyst, you will perform a wide variety of financial, budgetary and business operations analysis for the Oregon Zoo, including day to day management of program responsibilities, database and records management, policy and procedure formulation and recommendation, and manage various processes related to grants and grant funding sources. This position reports to the Zoo Finance Manager and will assist in leading the work of the zoo finance team.
inspires visitors to learn about protecting endangered species and restoring native habitats and is the state's most popular paid attraction. The zoo's roughly 320 employees welcome almost 1.4 million visitors each year. Our zoo is home to more than 200 different animal species. Our mission is to create a better future for wildlife, with a focus on fighting extinction locally in the Pacific Northwest. The zoo is widely recognized for its commitment to animal welfare, conservation, and research.
Based on the business needs of the , the Financial Analyst selected for this position will have the expectation of primarily working on-site at the Zoo 400 SW Canyon RD, Portland, OR 97221.
As the Zoo Financial Analyst you will:
Financial Management and Analysis
- Provide technical accounting support at the Zoo, including day to day management of program responsibilities, overseeing the month end and year-end financial close process, balance sheet reconciliations, financial statement preparation, and regular and ad-hoc budgetary and financial analysis.
- Maintain user-friendly chart of accounts and coordinate changes with Metro Accounting; train and assist Zoo staff with the appropriate coding of accounting transactions.
- Prepare revenue, attendance, and profit & loss reports on a monthly, quarterly, annually and ad hoc basis.
- Provide financial analysis and budget management support for the zoo's capital programs and projects.
- Provide organizational support as needed, including budget development, needs assessment, research, analysis, materials and report formulation, projections and policy recommendations.
- Develop and document processes related to management of federal grants and other grant funding sources; reconcile, report, and maintain financial information for grant related funding for various programs.
Financial Systems Support
- Oversee the reporting module of the Zoo point of sale system ensuring daily recording into Metro's financial system and supporting zoo finance staff; support the Guest Services managers in software administration and act as an active member in Guest Services software implementation/integration projects.
- Serve as the Zoo's PeopleSoft power user and support staff in the usage of Metro financial software packages, including Questica.
- Use multiple software programs to run reports and perform reconciliations including budget, financial and payroll. Learn tools of each software and be able to prepare reports and at times, customize reports as needed.
- Work with other zoo finance staff in advising and developing new reports from improved reporting tools.
Other Responsibilities and Process Support
- Monitor and analyze internal controls and process, with a focus on efficiency enhancements.
- Coordinate fiscal year end processes and management and reconciliation of financial/personnel related information.
- Gain strong understanding of the programs and projects within the zoo to be able to provide financial support across all areas and help develop outcome and performance measurements.
- Remain current on legal requirements, regulations and bills impacting program area; reports legal and regulatory changes and market trends to management; monitors programs and procedures that assure compliance with laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
- Assist Finance Manager with related finance tasks and overseeing work of the zoo finance team.
Attributes for Success
- A self-starter who is not afraid to roll up their sleeves and do the work that needs to get done.
- Ability to succeed in a work environment where ambiguity exists.
- Demonstrated ability to develop impact measurement and/or evaluation tools.
- Advanced organizational skills with a proven ability to multi-task in an efficient and effective manner.
- Systems thinker with critical thinking and problem-solving ability.
- Ability to coordinate and provide quality support to internal and external stakeholders.
- Interested in finding areas for improvement, development processes and using financial analysis to drive operational decisions.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees and the public.
- Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing with people of all ages and from a variety of cultural, economic, and ethnic background.
DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
At Metro, we strive to cultivate diversity, advance equity, and practice inclusion in all of its work. This means attracting and empowering a workforce that is inclusive of a broad range of human qualities. Workplace diversity is both a moral imperative and a business strength, essential to providing quality support and services to our region. Metro's goal is to hire, develop and retain highly skilled and talented individuals across all departments and programs who best reflect the diversity of our community.
Learn more about Metro's Diversity Action Plan
TO QUALIFY
We will consider any combination of relevant work experience, volunteering, education, and transferable skills as qualifying unless an item or section is labeled required. Please be clear and specific in your application materials on how your background is relevant.
Minimum qualifications
- A Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration or a related field; AND
- Two years of comparable budgeting, accounting or grant management experience; OR
- We will consider any combination of education and experience that provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the position duties and responsibilities.
- Position will be required to be primarily on site/in person.
Required qualifications
The candidate selected for the position will need to pass a criminal background check prior to being hired. Criminal convictions do not necessarily preclude employment and will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
If this statement is true for you, then you may be ineligible to apply
If you were terminated for cause during any employment with Metro, or resigned in lieu of termination, you may be ineligible for rehire for a minimum of 3 years.
Like to have qualifications
You do not need to have the following preferred qualifications/transferable skills to qualify. However, keep in mind we may consider them when identifying the most qualified candidates. Your transferable skills are any skills you have gained through education, work experience, including the military, or life experience that are relevant for this position.
- Experience working in government or non-profit organizations
- Working knowledge of Federal grant management
- Working knowledge of basic project management fundamentals
- Prior experience at a visitor attraction venue
- Experience using Peoplesoft or other financial and ERP software/systems
- Advanced working knowledge of Excel
SCREENING AND EVALUATION
The application packet: The application packet consists of the following required documents. Please ensure that you upload these documents in your online application. Make sure your application is complete, missing any part of these items could result in an incomplete application and will not be moved forward in the recruitment.
- A completed online application
- A cover letter addressing your experience with financial and/or management reporting.
The selection process: We expect to evaluate candidates for this recruitment as follows. The selection process is subject to change.
- Initial review of minimum qualifications
- In-depth evaluation of application materials to identify the most qualified candidates
- Consideration of top candidates/interviews
- Testing/assessments (if applicable)
- Reference check
- Background, driving records check for finalist candidate (if applicable)
COMPENSATION, BENEFITS AND REPRESENTATON
The full-salary range for this position is step 1 $93,411.09 to step 7 $125,178.94. However, unless a candidate's qualifications justify, based on the Oregon Pay Equity Act requirements and Metro's internal equity review process, the appointment will likely be made between step 1 $93,411.09 to the equity range step 4 $108,134.44
This position is not eligible for overtime and is non-represented. It is classified as a Program Analyst
Classification descriptions are typically written broadly and do not include the specific duties and responsibilities of the positions. View the classification description.
Questions?
Talent Acquisition Specialist: Kara Hill
Email:
Additional Information
Equal employment opportunity
All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, familial status, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability for which a reasonable accommodation can be made, or any other status protected by law.
Accommodation
Metro will gladly provide a reasonable accommodation to anyone whose specific disability prevents them from completing this application or participating in this recruitment process. Please contact the recruiter outlined in the job announcement in advance to request assistance.
Veterans' preference
Under Oregon Law, qualified veterans may be eligible for veterans' preference when applying for Metro positions. If you are a veteran and would like to be considered for a veterans' preference for this job, please provide qualifying documents as instructed during the application process.
Hybrid Telework
Positions designated as "hybrid telework," meaning you may have the option to work away from the office, although there may be times that coming into the office will be required. The designation of Hybrid Telework may be subject to change at a future time. All employees must reside in Oregon or Washington; Metro cannot support ongoing telework from other locations.
Pay equity at Metro
No matter who you are or where you work at Metro, you deserve to be paid fairly for the work you do.Every worker must get equal pay for equal work regardless of your gender, race, age, or other protected characteristics. Metro has established processes and conducts routine pay equity reviews as part of the hiring process to ensure compliance with the 2017 Oregon Pay Equity Act.
Online applications
Metro accepts job applications online. If you need assistance or accommodation with your application, or access to a computer, please contact the recruiter outlined in the job announcement in advance to request assistance.
How to Apply
For tips on how to apply and more information on what the application process looks like, visit Metro's page.
Government Jobs
For assistance with your account or to reset your password please visit GovernmentJobs page.
As part of the Metro family, you play a vital role in serving the people of the greater Portland region.
Family members, including eligible spouses, domestic partners, and children, are covered under most of our benefits programs. Benefits vary depending on position and full-time, part-time, and variable hour status.
This is a budgeted, regular status position with a full-time schedule. The position is eligible for these benefits:
- Medical, dental and vision health insurance
- Paid sick leave
- Paid vacation, holiday, and other leave
- Paid parental leave
- Full contribution to Oregon PERS retirement
- No-cost TriMet Hop Pass
- Employee Assistance Program
- Training opportunities
- Flexible schedules depending on position and department
- Hybrid/Telework living in Oregon /Washington depending on position and department
Metro also offers a variety of perks for all employees, including free admission to the Oregon Zoo (including ZooLights!), Oxbow and Blue Lake Regional Parks, membership discount at Lloyd Athletic Club, credit union eligibility and more. Employees also receive access to financial wellness and legal consultation services, as well as first-time home buying and ownership counseling.
Some positions are represented by a union and have additional benefits.