ASSISTANT CONTROLLER at Dayton Art Institute – Dayton, Ohio
Explore Related Opportunities
About This Position
JOB SUMMARY
The Assistant Controller for the Dayton Art Institute plays a critical role in supporting the financial leadership of the organization by managing core accounting functions and ensuring compliance with nonprofit accounting standards. This position assists in leading month-end and year-end closing activities, oversees key areas of nonprofit accounting, including endowment activity, restricted funds, grants, and special event revenue and helps strengthen internal controls and financial procedures. The Assistant Controller prepares financial analyses, supports audit coordination, assists with financial reporting to Committees and the Board, and partners with the Finance Director to enhance operational efficiency. This role requires advanced accounting knowledge, nonprofit expertise, and a high degree of accuracy and judgment.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES
- Prepare, review, and maintain accurate financial records in compliance with GAAP and nonprofit accounting standards.
- Perform and review general ledger accounting, including journal entries, reconciliations, and supporting schedules.
- Help lead the month-end and year-end closing processes, including endowment allocations, restricted fund activity, grant tracking, and net asset reporting.
- Review accounts payable and accounts receivable activity to ensure accuracy and compliance with nonprofit financial practices.
- Support preparation of financial statements, budgets, forecasts, and nonprofit reports such as net asset schedules and functional expense statements.
- Assist in preparing materials for the Finance Committee, Audit Committee, and Board of Directors.
- Conduct variance analysis and provide clear, data driven explanations for budget-to-actual differences.
- Assist in developing, implementing, and monitoring internal controls and accounting policies.
- Coordinate internal and external audits, including preparing audit schedules and nonprofit-specific documentation such as endowment roll forwards and restricted fund analyses.
- Maintain fixed asset records, including capital additions, disposals, and depreciation calculations.
- Prepare or support the preparation of nonprofit tax filings and required schedules (e.g., Form 990 components).
- Monitor and manage organizational cash flow, ensuring adequate liquidity across operational and programmatic areas.
- Provide financial support to departments managing grants, programs, and special events.
- Identify opportunities for improving accounting systems, reporting, and workflow processes.
QUALIFICATIONS and EXPERIENCE
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
- CPA or CMA designation preferred.
- Minimum of 4–5 years of progressively responsible accounting experience; nonprofit experience strongly preferred.
- Proficiency in accounting software (Blackbaud preferred) and MS Office, particularly Excel.
- Strong knowledge of GAAP, nonprofit accounting, endowment activity, restricted funds, and grant-related reporting.
- Experience with internal controls, policy development, and audit coordination.
- Excellent attention to detail, accuracy, and analytical skills.
- Strong organizational and time management abilities.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion.
- Effective written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to interact and build relationships with individuals from diverse backgrounds, roles, and perspectives.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT
This role is primarily based in an office setting, with regular movement throughout museum offices, galleries, storage areas, and other public facing spaces. The position may require sitting or standing for extended periods and communicating effectively in person and through electronic communication. Occasional lifting of materials up to approximately 20 lbs may be required. Work schedules may include occasional evenings, weekends, or special events depending on museum programming and operational needs.
The Dayton Art Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants in accordance with applicable federal and state law. The museum complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. The Dayton Art Institute maintains a safe, respectful, and drug-free workplace.
Scan to Apply
Job Location
Job Location
This job is located in the Dayton, Ohio, 45405, United States region.