Controller in Jefferson, Kentucky at J B Speed Art Museum

Position Title: Controller

Reports to: Chief Finance Officer

FLSA Status: Exempt, not eligible for overtime

Work Schedule: Hybrid, Remote 2 days, In Office 3 days

The Controller is responsible for overseeing the financial operations of the nonprofit organization, ensuring compliance with accounting standards, regulations, and best practices. This role includes managing financial reporting, budgeting, audits, and internal controls to support the organization's mission and sustainability. The Controller will collaborate

with senior leadership, program staff, and external stakeholders to maintain financial integrity and transparency.

Duties & Responsiblities

Financial Management & Reporting

• Oversee and manage all accounting functions, including general ledger, accounts payable/receivable, payroll, and cash management.
• Prepare and analyze monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and nonprofit accounting standards.
• Ensure accurate and timely reporting to funders, donors, and grant agencies as required.
• Develop and monitor financial policies, procedures, and internal controls to safeguard the organization’s assets.

Budgeting & Forecasting

• Prepare financial projections, cash flow forecasts, and scenario analyses to support decision-making.
• Track and report variances between actual and budgeted performance, providing strategic insights and recommendations.

Compliance & Audit

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, including tax filings (IRS Form 990, payroll taxes, etc.).
• Coordinate annual audits and financial reviews, serving as the primary liaison with external auditors.
• Maintain proper documentation for grant compliance and restricted fund accounting.

Grant & Fund Management

• Oversee grant tracking and reporting, ensuring funds are properly allocated and expended per grant agreements.
• Monitor restricted and unrestricted funds, ensuring appropriate accounting treatment.
• Work closely with program managers to align financial reporting with programmatic goals.

Leadership & Team Management

• Supervise and mentor finance and accounting staff, fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with leadership to provide financial insights and support strategic planning efforts.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting or related discipline
• Minimum of 5 years accounting experience in a senior accounting or financial management role with at least 5 years’ experience in management
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Self-motivated and self-directed
• Ability to work closely with a senior management team

Essential Skills

Experience with:

• Managing Processes, Financial Software, Developing Standards, Audits, Non-Profit Accounting, Finance, Tracking Budget Expenses, Financial Skills, Analyzing Information, Developing Budgets, Performance Management
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Self-motivated and self-directed
• Ability to work closely with a senior management team
• Ability to plan and organize.
• Ability to work accurately and efficiently and keep track of numerous projects simultaneously.
• Ability to function independently and be flexible for interruptions and changing priorities.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office software.
• Proficient or able to become proficient in Museum specific software including Altru and Financial Edge.
• Ability to use judgment and discretion; to keep confidentiality; to exercise tact and diplomacy.
• Well organized, accurate and detail oriented. Ability to establish goals and priorities; to perform duties in a timely manner under stress.

Supervisory Responsibility

Reports for this position include:

o Accounts Receivable Specialist

o Accounts Payable Specialist

Work Environment

1. Extensive use of telephone and computer throughout the workday.

2. Able to adapt to and work from various locations so the requirements of this position can be fully met.

3. Willing, as necessary, to work beyond normal working hours, on weekends, and remains accessible when away from the Museum so the requirements of this position can be fully met.

Physical Requirements

1. Sits, reaches, walks, climbs, and lifts intermittently throughout the workday so the requirements of this position can be fully met.

2. Communicates using English language.

3. Sees and hears or uses prosthetics that will enable these senses to function adequately so that the requirements of this position can be fully met.

4. Able to lift, push, pull, and move equipment, supplies, etc., of twenty-five (25) pounds throughout the workday.