Mission & Values

The Virginia Zoo, founded in 1901 and located in Norfolk, Virginia, is home to more than 700 animals representing over 150 species across 53 acres of outdoor habitats, the World of Reptiles, classrooms, and guest amenities. The Zoo is committed to inspiring our community to take action to save the world’s wildlife and their ecosystems. Our vision is a world where everyone values wildlife and the environment.

We prioritize the health, safety, and well being of every animal in our care. We empower our community to protect wildlife and ecosystems locally and globally. We create meaningful experiences that inspire curiosity, learning, and stewardship. We uphold ethical standards in all operations, partnerships, and interactions. We foster a welcoming environment where diverse perspectives strengthen our mission. We work together—staff, volunteers, city partners, and community to advance shared goals.

Position Summary

The Account Clerk is a transactional accounting support role responsible for processing, recording, and reconciling all incoming payments and revenue for the organization. This role ensures accuracy in recording daily financial transactions, maintains detailed records in the general ledger, ensures internal controls and supports month-end closing activities.

Essential Duties / Responsibilities

• Process daily deposit transactions (cash, check, credit card).
• Prepare cash deposits for bank pickup.
• Deposit checks received directly to bank using check scanner.
• Record payments deposited directly into the bank and maintain accurate documentation in financial software.
• Process Ticketure payments, record corresponding revenue in FE NXT, and prepare invoices for the City of Norfolk.
• Pull donation reports from online giving platforms, verify and match deposits, review fee reports, and record receivables in FE NXT.
• Create and record sponsor invoices.
• Calculate sales tax and allocate revenue between VZS and vendors for viewing machines.
• Collect and process funds from donation boxes and the Plinko machine, including coin rolling, deposit preparation, and FE NXT recording.
• Run daily conservation roundup reports and update the tracking system.
• Manage and contest customer chargebacks for credit card transactions.
• Provide support to both Accountant and Director of Finance with monthly closing activities.
• Expand knowledge and work tasks to respond to growing needs of the department.

Education and Experience

• High school diploma; some accounting coursework preferred
• 1-3 years of cash handling or accounting support experience

Minimum Qualifications

• Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Excel 
• Experience using accounting software applications 
• Strong attention to detail with a high degree of accuracy in cash handling 
• Experience performing balance sheet reconciliations and resolving discrepancies

Preferred Qualifications

• Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Excel 
• Working knowledge and understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)
• Experience working in a nonprofit organization environment 
• Cash-handling certification or related credential

Physical Requirements / Working Conditions

• Work is performed primarily in a shared office setting 
• Requires prolonged periods of sitting, computer use, and data entry
• Must be able to occasionally lift, carry, and move items weighing up to 25 pounds

Special Requirements

• Ability to pass a background check

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The Virginia Zoo is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to

creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration

for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual

orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

ADA Accommodation Statement

The Virginia Zoo is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with

disabilities to ensure equal access to employment opportunities and the essential functions of each

position. Applicants or employees who require accommodation may contact Human Resources to

initiate an interactive process.

This is a part-time position working 16 - 20 hours per week.