Controller

Museum of Life and Science

  • Durham, NC
  • $80,000-95,000 per year
  • Permanent
  • Full-time
  • 15 days ago
Location Museum of Life and Science
About the Organization The Museum of Life and Science, one of North Carolina’s top family destinations, has been a beloved Durham institution for 75 years. The Museum features 84 acres of exhibits, experiences, and outdoor exploration, including one of the East Coast's largest butterfly conservatories and a two-story science center. As an accredited zoo, the Museum is home to lemurs, black bears, endangered red wolves, and more than 140 species of live animals, butterflies, and insects. Readers of Durham Magazine, Indy Week, and Carolina Parent have repeatedly named us the top Museum in the Triangle. Charity Navigator rated the Museum, a 501(c3) nonprofit organization, 100 out of 100-- the highest possible score.Our mission is to create a place of lifelong learning where people of all ages embrace science as a way of knowing about themselves, their community, and their world. The Museum serves our increasingly diverse community with interactive and accessible experiences that build and develop lifelong connections with science, nature, and critical thinking. The Museum partners with NASA, NOAA, the National Science Foundation, Duke University, NC State University, and the University of North Carolina on many research projects and programs.In addition to an incredible team of co-workers, the Museum provides competitive compensation commensurate with experience, as well as a full array of employee benefits for eligible positions, including a generous 403b retirement plan with employer contributions, health, dental, and vision insurance, flex-spending plans, life insurance, long-term disability insurance, paid vacation and sick leave, nine paid annual holidays, employee appreciation events, and a family membership to the Museum.
Full-Time/Part-Time Full-Time
Exempt/Non-Exempt Exempt
DescriptionPosition Objective: Supports the Museum’s Mission by providing accurate and timely financial information, ensuring compliance with state and federal laws as related to accounting, and providing accounting support as needed for a variety of special projects.Responsibilities
  • In all activities, the Controller is expected to act ethically and with the attention to detail that supports the integrity and the timeliness of financial reporting to management, board of directors, government agencies, and grantor organizations.
  • Provide operational oversight of the Museum’s accounting and internal control processes.
  • Manage and support direct reports in the preparation of payroll, billing/accounts receivable, visitor reporting, grants management, accounts payable, fixed assets and accounting duties.
  • Complete monthly financial statements for multiple departments and funds, including all supporting schedules, as well as balance sheet reconciliations.
  • Assist VP of Finance in monthly financial analysis of budget to actual.
  • Work with departments to prepare the monthly financial forecast and variance analysis.
  • Manage the annual financial statement audit and coordinate other audits that may be required by grantors or insurers.
  • Prepare quarterly reports to monitor 403b compliance and serve as the lead in the annual 403b audit.
  • Collaborate with the VP of Finance on the development of the annual operating budget, working closely with departments to understand their challenges and opportunities.
  • Collaborate with the VP of Finance, Director of Grants Management, and team members to recommend accounting best practices as needed.
  • Work closely with the Human Resources team where accounting and human resources work intersects related to audit, policies and procedures, systems, and employee communications.
  • Recommend and lead collaborations across the organization to support the achievement of annual team operating goals.
  • In partnership with the VP of Finance, manage the accounting team members to support their achievement of individual and departmental goals with a focus on Museum values.
  • Communicate directly with team members using strong written and verbal skills.
  • Identify and evaluate issues that arise and use critical thinking to troubleshoot.
  • Using the Museum’s values as a guide, foster a positive staff culture and work environment, motivating the team through positive reinforcement.
  • Prioritize and handle multiple tasks, delegating when appropriate.
  • Develop and train team members.
  • Effectively communicate operational successes, opportunities, and concerns to management.
  • Know and model adherence to Museum policies and procedures.
  • Work independently with limited coaching and oversight.
  • Always demonstrate adherence to Museum safety procedures.
  • Engage with Museum visitors in a positive and helpful way to support an enjoyable and safe guest experience.
  • Prioritize the Museum’s values of inclusion and kindness in all interactions with staff, volunteers, and guests.
  • Additional duties as assigned.
Actual Pay Rate: $80,000- $95,000/ annually
Position Requirements
  • BA/BS in Accounting or related field
  • Minimum 7 years of accounting experience, 5 years of non-profit accounting experience preferred
  • 4 years supervisory experience
  • NC CPA license
  • Expert-level computer proficiency (Microsoft Excel)
  • Proficient with accounting and business software
  • Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)
  • Strong budgeting, accounting and reporting experience
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with emphasis on teamwork and customer service
  • Demonstrated strong financial analysis and modeling skills
  • Excellent analytical skills with strong attention to detail and a passion for solving data questions
  • Strong planning, multi-tasking and organizational skills to balance and prioritize duties
  • Experience with audit
  • Ability to perform tasks with a high degree of accuracy and independence.
Desired:
  • Knowledge of Paychex payroll software
  • Proficiency with MIP, Altru and Counterpoint financial systems
  • Experience with grants and fund accounting strongly preferred
  • Excellent presentation skills with the ability to analyze and explain complex financial information
Shift -not applicable-
Pay Range $80,000- $95,000/annually
EOE Statement The Museum of Life and Science is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment regardless of race, color, religion, creed, age, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, military or veteran status, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law. In addition, we will provide reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities to participate in the job application or interview process, perform crucial job functions, and receive other benefits and privileges of employment. As an equal opportunity employer, we value the differences and benefits that a diverse culture brings. Join us!Category Accounting/Finance

Museum of Life and Science