Controller

Job Description

Job Description

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.

The Controller is responsible for overseeing and managing all accounting operations at the museum, ensuring accurate financial reporting, compliance with accounting standards, and the integrity of financial records. This role is essential in maintaining the financial health of the museum by managing day-to-day accounting functions, preparing financial statements, and supporting the museum’s financial goals. The Controller works closely with Walker leadership to ensure that the financial systems are transparent, efficient, and aligned with the Walker’s mission. This role is temporary and is expected to start on November 1st, 2026, and end on July 15th, 2027.

WHAT YOU GET TO DO  

Financial Reporting & Analysis:

• Prepare and oversee the preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements (income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow).
• Review financial data and reports to ensure accuracy, compliance, and completeness, and provide analysis on key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Work with the Chief Financial Officer to ensure financial reports are provided to senior leadership, the Board of Trustees, and other stakeholders in a timely manner.
• Provide financial insights and strategic advice to senior management to support decision-making, long-term planning, and budgeting.

Accounting Operations & Controls:

• Oversee and manage the day-to-day operations of the accounting department, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, endowment, and general ledger.
• Ensure the accuracy and timeliness of all accounting entries, including journal entries and account reconciliations.
• Maintain and enforce internal controls and accounting policies to ensure the integrity of financial data and safeguard Walker’s assets.
• Lead month-end and year-end closing processes, ensuring that all financial data is accurately reflected and reported.

Budgeting & Forecasting:

• Support the Chief Financial Officer in the preparation and management of the Walker’s annual operating budget, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
• Work closely with department heads to track expenses against budget, offering recommendations for cost management and efficiency improvements.
• Lead the financial forecasting process and assist in long-term financial planning for museum operations and special projects.

Compliance & Audit:

• Ensure compliance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and other regulatory requirements relevant to nonprofit financial operations (e.g., IRS Form 990, state-specific requirements).
• Assist with the preparation and coordination of the annual audit process, working closely with external auditors to provide required documentation and information.
• Prepare and oversee grant application and reporting in partnership with Development and department leaders.
• Maintain documentation for all accounting functions to support auditing, regulatory, and tax compliance.

Cash Flow Management:

• Oversee the management of cash flow, ensuring that the museum has the necessary funds to cover operating expenses and special projects.
• Monitor cash reserves and recommend strategies to optimize liquidity and ensure financial stability.
• Ensure accurate tracking of restricted and unrestricted funds, including donations, grants, and sponsorships.

Team Leadership & Development:

• Supervise and mentor accounting staff, providing training, guidance, and performance feedback to support their professional development.
• Ensure effective communication within the finance team and across the organization, fostering a collaborative and efficient working environment.
• Support the Chief Financial Officer in identifying opportunities to streamline accounting processes and implement best practices.

WHAT WE NEED IN YOU 

• A Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required. A Master’s degree or CPA designation is highly preferred.
• Minimum of 5 to 10 years of accounting experience in a variety of organizations and/or financial structures required, with at least 2 years in a supervisory or leadership role.
• Experience in nonprofit or arts-related environment is a plus
• Strong computer skills, proficiency with MS Office suite, and extensive professional experience working within accounting and budgeting software such as an ERP software, Sage Intacct preferred, CRM systems like Tessitura, e-commerce systems like Shopify and/or expense processing software like Ramp.
• Demonstrated experience and expert skill in the fundamentals of fund accounting and/or with a nonprofit organization, accomplishing tasks to a high level of accuracy.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Experience as a team member in a successful system implementation project or software upgrade project is helpful
• Prior experience in budgeting – creating templates, consolidating data and reporting results.
• Ability to work collaboratively and cohesively with others. 
• Strong work ethic with demonstrated initiative and integrity.

SKILLS

• Highly organized with strong attention to detail
• Ability to work independently, take initiative, and meet deadlines
• Demonstrated ability and willingness to face challenges, a passion for accuracy, organization and completing tasks.
• Actively promotes inclusive actions/behaviors within the department and across departments; engages in efforts to diversify staff and vendors where applicable

PHYSICAL DEMANDS    

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk.
• Prolonged periods working on a computer/looking at a screen

JOB SPECIFICATIONS  This position is considered Temporary full-time, exempt. As an exempt position, it is not eligible for overtime pay. The salary for this role will start at is $9,000 - 10,000/month (paid biweekly)

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.  

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. 

E-Verify Participation Notice  Walker Art Center participates in E-Verify to confirm the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.

For more information, please review the following notices:

• E-Verify Participation Poster (English/Spanish)
• Right to Work Poster (English/Spanish)