The Walker Art Center empowers people to experience the transformative possibilities of the art and ideas of our time and to imagine the world in new ways. In our over 125-year history, we have become one of the most celebrated art museums in the country and we are known for our innovative presentations and acclaimed collections of contemporary art across the spectrum of the visual, performing, and media arts.

Responsible for direct supervision of the Walker Art Center accounting activities, processes, and personnel.  This is a diverse and dynamic environment with performing arts and film events, art exhibitions, educational events, parking ramp fees, museum shops, plus income from an endowment, grants, and individual gifts, both restricted and for general use. The fund accounting, general ledger structure, and transactions require a controller who can learn and organize this complexity. Responsibilities include interacting with diverse staff on financial transactions in support of programs and operations. This position provides critical support to the CFO role by managing and improving fundamental accounting functions.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Manage the Accounting function

• Responsible for the daily operation of the accounting department including cash management, accounts payable, accounts receivable, revenue transactions, journal entries, and general accounting.
• Ensure accurate recording and reporting of all financial transactions, and identify process improvements to decrease the possibility of manual errors and to support environmentally sustainable practices
• Develops and monitor internal controls and accounting policies. Responsible for all related training and enforcement of such policies.
• Provide considerate and engaged leadership and day-to-day management for accounting staff members, teach skills, and promote career development
• Maximize financial systems functionality to implement efficiencies and post-implementation technology enhancements that would benefit the institution.
• Serve as primary department liaison in cross-departmental collaboration with operations, human resources, IT, etc. to ensure the smooth operation of the accounting team.

Compliance and Reporting

• Provides advice and assistance to the institution based on accounting and financial data reports and trends within the framework of established accounting principles, theories, concepts, and practices of a body of laws, rules, or regulations.
• Monitors tax reporting and ensures adherence to all state and federal compliance procedures.
• Proactively develops financial strategies to minimize risk for the department and institution.
• Lead and manage tax compliance, 990 preparation, departmental audits, and sales tax filings

Financial Support

• Endowment functions: use provided data to report market values, communicate with endowment investment manager as requested, prepare endowment fund-related journal entries and committee reports
• In consultation with program managers and CFO, monitor and manage the release of restricted funds
• Assist in the preparation of materials for Finance, Audit, and Acquisition Committees.
• Provides advice and assistance to the work of the advancement team from a financial lens.
• Prepare financial statements, statistical information, annual reporting, and ad-hoc reports as needed.
• Represents Walker’s vision, purpose, and values in day-to-day work and interactions with Walker staff, patrons, trustees, as well as the greater community.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Accounting Degree required
• 5-10 years of accounting experience required
• Minimum 3 years of experience managing staff required
• Strong computer skills and extensive professional experience working within Excel and accounting and budgeting software such as Dynamics SL, Solver/BI360, or similar
• Demonstrated ability to be organized, methodical, and committed to accuracy and improvement
• Demonstrated excellent communication skills with a particular ability to explain complex financial principles or concepts plainly, ensuring knowledge transfer

PREFERRED SKILLS:

• Demonstrated knowledge of nonprofit fund accounting
• Experience working with e-commerce software like Shopify is a bonus
• Experience working within a CRM environment like Tessitura is also a bonus.
• Actively promotes inclusive actions/behaviors within the department and across departments; engages in efforts to diversify staff and vendors where applicable
• Models leadership behavior in all aspects of performance, being sensitive to cultural differences, and continually works to create a positive and supportive work environment 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

Job Specifications 

• This position is considered full-time, exempt. As an exempt position, it is not eligible for overtime pay. The minimum compensation for this role is $95,000 annually. The Walker offers a wide range of benefits for both part-time and full-time employees.
• This position is not eligible for relocation assistance.
• All applicants must be eligible to work in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship.

Vaccination Expectation The Walker Art Center’s COVID vaccination policy requires staff to be fully vaccinated or to supply a negative test every 6 days. We will consider requests for reasonable accommodations based on disability or sincerely-held religious beliefs

Walker’s DEI commitment The Walker is committed to being an employer with a staff who, at all job levels, reflects the rich diversity of the communities and audiences we serve. We are dedicated to ensuring inclusion and equity in all our employment practices. We deeply value and welcome all the unique lived experiences in our applicants and encourage anyone meeting the minimum requirements to apply.

Recruitment Timeline All positions are open until filled.