The Morgan Library & Museum (“the Morgan”), a museum and independent research library in midtown Manhattan, invites applications for the role of Controller. The Controller oversees the Morgan’s financial operations, accounting, and reporting, leading a team of four full-time staff in providing timely and high-quality support for the Morgan’s many activities during a period of institutional growth.
This role requires extensive experience in endowment- and grant-supported organizations. Experience in a cultural institution, and a passion for museum and/or library work, are essential, as is demonstrated skill in leading a high-functioning team. This is a rare opportunity both to lead a financial team and function as a strategic partner in organizational financial planning. This position reports to the Morgan’s Chief Operating Officer.
- Oversee the Morgan’s daily financial operations, including accounting functions, cash flow, and bank reconciliations, ensuring the efficient functioning of all such processes.
- Supervise processing of bi-weekly payroll; work with the Director of Human Resources to ensure that payroll records, policies and procedures are complete and accurate.
- With the Chief Operating Officer and the Manager of Financial Planning and Analysis, develop the Morgan’s annual budget.
- Prepare and issue financial reports and statements (monthly closing, semi-annual and year-end) in an accurate and timely manner.
- Manage the accounting for the Morgan’s pooled endowment fund and the investment reconciliation of the endowment portfolio.
- Manage the annual audit, ensuring timely completion of quality financial statements.
- Prepare all information for Form 990 and other required tax filings; work with independent auditors to ensure completion of tax returns well in advance of deadlines.
- Prepare compliance reports for outstanding bonds.
- Work closely with the Development Department to prepare grant proposals, ensure that expenditures are consistent with grant proposals and program budgets, and produce financial reports for funders.
- Promote a positive and supportive work environment for a team that is essential to the smooth and efficient operation of the Morgan. Train, supervise and evaluate staff; cross-train as appropriate.
- Ensure that documentation of accounting policies and procedures is systematically reviewed and updated.
- Seek opportunities for efficiencies in workflows within and beyond the Finance Department.
- Provide support for other projects and institutional priorities as required.
- Bachelor’s degree is required, Master’s degree preferred, in field(s) of study that support success in this role.
- Minimum of 10 years (more preferred) of accounting and financial management experience, with at least five years in a leadership capacity.
- Previous experience as a Controller in the not-for-profit sector.
- Advanced proficiency in one or more accounting systems (Abila MIP a plus), Excel, and one or more payroll systems. Ideal candidate will be a “power user” of accounting software.
- Experience in developing budgets, forecasting revenue, and producing financial reports.
- Thorough knowledge of New York endowment law and accounting rules.
- Experience with the accounting for and reporting on an investment portfolio, and with managing fund restrictions.
- Substantial experience in a financial environment based largely on restricted endowment and grant support, including careful expense tracking, income release, and financial reporting.
- Experience supporting an operating environment with daily constituent needs (e.g., admissions desk, retail store).
- Detailed knowledge of and experience preparing IRS Form 990 and supporting documents, including reporting on retail operations.
- Thorough knowledge of payroll processing and federal, state and city laws affecting employee benefits and pay.
- Interest in reviewing and improving workflows and identifying cost-effective uses of technology for financial operations.
- Ability to motivate, supervise, and work cooperatively and effectively with Financial Services staff and colleagues.
- Evidence of strong written and oral communication skills. Skill in conveying complex financial information to staff, board members, and other audiences as needed.
- Ability to work on multiple short-, mid-, and long-term projects simultaneously and to manage overlapping deadlines.
- Quiet efficiency in managing routine and essential administrative tasks. Able to work for extended periods at a computer workstation.
$175,000–$200,000 annually, commensurate with experience. Excellent benefits plan.