Controller

CONTROLLER

Lowell Observatory seeks applications for the full-time Controller position. The Controller is integral to the efficiency and effectiveness of Lowell Observatory’s Business Office. The Controller is a hands-on position which handles the day-to-day accounting activities and supervises the Accounts Payable (AP), Purchasing and Cash functions of the Observatory. The Controller reports to the Chief Financial Officer.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Responsible for maintaining the integrity of the general ledger and subsidiary ledgers
• Maintains bank accounts by monitoring daily deposits and payments, as well as performing monthly bank reconciliations
• Perform short-term cash flow forecasts
• Monitor visitor center sales by ensuring cash is deposited and managing credit card merchant accounts. Track and follow-up on discrepancies
• Works with the Philanthropy department to ensure accurate recording of contributions, pledges and other more complex gifts
• Support the annual budget process by gathering and organizing data for a $18M budget
• Monthly journal entries and reconciliations to maintain accuracy of general ledger records
• Monthly Allocations of company indirect costs
• Assist with preparation of financial statements as needed
• Review invoices for accuracy, completeness, and consistency (including entries for Observatory credit cards) as entered into accounts payable and assist accounts payable with preparation and execution of bi-weekly payment run
• Serve as Administrator for company credit card program.
• Prepare transaction privilege tax returns monthly for payment of state and city use tax
• Maintenance of fixed asset records in the accounting software, including recording new acquisitions and disposals as they occur. Fixed asset inventories are to occur at least once every two years.
• Participate in audits, including preparing schedules for assigned general ledger accounts and assisting external auditors with their requests as needed
• Assist Human Resources with the Annual Workers Compensation Audit
• Manage collection of vendor Certificates of Insurance (COIs) using Certificial or other chosen programs
• Supervise accounts payable with annual preparation and distribution of 1099-MISC forms
• Review requests and issue purchase orders as needed.
• Safeguard assets by establishing, reviewing, and monitoring internal controls
• Maintain the accounting software, including managing AP automation software
• Maintain Business Office page of internal employee website.
• Prioritize assignments/projects and multi-task within restricted time constraints
• Supervise personnel performing staff accounting, accounts payable and purchasing functions
• Supervisor of staff accountant, accounts payable and payroll staff
• All other duties as assigned

KNOWLEDGE/SKILL

• Knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles, especially those pertaining to not-for-profit accounting
• Knowledge of Federal grant compliance issues and Uniformed Guidance cost principles
• Ability to exercise good judgement and integrity with sensitive information
• Advanced skills using Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel and Word
• Experience with accounting software databases
• Working knowledge of Blackbaud Financial Edge software highly desirable as well as how it works with Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge
• Collaborative, innovative, flexible, and adept at building relationships across the organization working effectively and professionally with departments, agencies, and personnel of diverse backgrounds
• High attention to detail
• Self-motivated, able to work with little supervision

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Business Management with a concentration in accounting is required. Non-profit experience required. CPA or MBA preferred. Five years’ experience as a Senior Accountant or Controller is preferred. Satisfactory review of a current Credit Check will be required for the candidate selected for this position.

WORKING CONDITIONS

This position primarily involves working at a computer for extended periods, requiring frequent sitting with occasional standing and movement. It also involves regular verbal communication, including active listening and speaking, in both individual and group settings. Occasional lifting with assistance (up to 25lbs). Walking on our hilly campus at 7000ft elevation, sometimes over uneven terrain.

The working conditions described here represent those an employee may encounter while performing essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Status: Full Time, Regular 40hrs/week

Compensation Type: Salary

Compensation: $95K - $110K, Depends on Experience

Benefit Eligible: Yes*

FLSA Classification: Salary, Exempt

Location : Flagstaff, Lowell Observatory’s Mars Hill Campus

To Apply:
Please send the following documents to View email address on click.appcast.io

• Lowell Application (lowell.edu/careers)
• Letter of interest addressing your qualifications
• Resume
• Phone numbers and e-mail addresses of three professional references

Application review will begin on 9/8/2026. The position is opened until filled. Employees in the finance department are subject to a credit check in addition to the background check.

*Benefits Overview:

Full Time - Lowell Observatory provides 11 scheduled paid holidays, 3 weeks of sick pay, and a Flexible Paid Time Off policy, giving you the flexibility to rest and recharge. Benefits include Retirement, Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, and Long-Term Disability coverage. The company covers the majority of employee medical, life, and long-term disability premiums, as well as 50% of dependent medical coverage. After six months of employment, employees are eligible for up to a 5% match on retirement plan contributions.

Lowell Observatory is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. Lowell Observatory has always been, and always will be, committed to diversity and inclusion. We seek individuals from all backgrounds to join our teams, and we encourage our employees to bring their authentic, original, and best selves to work.

Lowell Observatory sits at the base of one of the mountains sacred to indigenous tribes throughout the region. We honor their past, present, and future generations, who have lived here for millennia and will forever call this place home.

Employment with Lowell Observatory is on an “at will” basis. At-will employment means that the relationship may be terminated at any time, with or without cause, reason or advance notice, by either you or the Observatory for any reason not expressly prohibited by law. Please note that the terms and conditions of your employment, including but not limited to compensation, benefits, duties, and policies, are subject to change at the discretion of Lowell Observatory based on business needs or changes in applicable laws and regulations.

Lowell Observatory is committed to providing access, and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. Our non-smoking campus is at an elevation of 7,200ft/2200m, and the LDT is 40 miles south of Flagstaff at an elevation of 7,800 ft/2370m. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the Human Resources office for assistance.

Salary/Compensation: $95,000 - $110,000 per year