Job Description

The Portland Art Museum (referred to as Museum) and PAM CUT // Center for an Untold Tomorrow invites applications for the position of Controller. The Controller is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the Accounting department. This includes financial reporting in compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and related legal requirements; ensuring a strong system of internal controls; integration of all financial and related fundraising systems; preparation for the annual audit and related tax returns; and supervision of a five person accounting team.

The Controller oversees financial management and assists the CFO in communicating financial results to inform management decision making for the Museum. This role is responsible for upholding financial standards by collaborating with various levels of staff from the front line to the Board. While the Controller does not need to have an art background, they do need to be adaptable to non-profit culture and understand the complexity of budgeting for and financial management of projects and programs.

The Museum is currently under construction on our expansion and renovation project of the Rothko Pavilion. This role will be responsible for construction reporting and analysis to remain up to date of the budgetary outcomes.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Responsible for the day-to-day operations, training, supervision and performance reviews of the accounting staff in the processing of accounts payable, accounts receivable, cash receipts, payroll and G/L accounting
• Responsible for accurate and timely financial reporting in compliance with GAAP and for maintaining a strong system of internal controls including documentation, identifying controls and risks, monitoring ongoing compliance and enforcing policies & procedures
• Responsible for reviewing activity related to the endowment and restricted funds for compliance with laws and regulations and reconciling monthly activity for all funds
• Responsible for developing and maintaining the budgeting and cash forecasting models
• Responsible for maintaining the integrity of the accounting software and the accuracy of information interfacing between it and the fundraising software (Altru), including postings of transactions prepared by the Accounting, Development and Membership departments
• Responsible for the preparation of financial reports to the Board of Trustees, division directors and department managers
• Responsible for construction reporting and analysis to track costs and cashflows against budget
• Responsible for the coordination and supervision of the annual audit including the preparation and review of work papers prepared by staff and preparation of the audited financial statements
• Responsible for coordination and/or preparation of required tax and information returns related to the Museum’s finances and fundraising activities including Forms 990/990T, the Oregon CT-12 and 20 and the Washington Charitable Solicitations Renewal Form
• Collaborate with other departments to create a culture of communication and collaboration on matters that affect financial information recording and reporting

Secondary or Additional Responsibilities

• Assist in the processing of accounts payable, including check issuance, accounts receivable and cash receipts
• Participate in strategic planning as necessary
• Additional duties as assigned, include research projects and system upgrades and implementation
• Partners with CFO on Board reporting
• Performs other related duties as assigned

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Manages a team of 5, which includes two Senior Accountants, Payroll & Benefits Administrator, Accounts Receivable Coordinator, and Accounts Payable Coordinator
• Decisions are made within PAM policy constraints and within broad interpretation of applicable laws
• Total budgetary preparation/compliance accountability
• Totally accountable for control of capital assets
• Partially accountable for long-range operational and strategic planning
• Recruitment, mentoring, performance management, training, and coaching. Serves as a leadership example by being clear on the strategic direction of the department, being accountable and holding others accountable, and centering collaboration and the values of the Museum

Institutional Responsibilities

• Support the Museum’s mission, vision and core values of creativity, connection, equity, learning, accessibility and accountability.
• Contribute to and support the PAM strategic plan, annual priorities, and institutional initiatives such as diversity, equity, inclusion and access.
• Contribute to a positive organizational culture based on mutual respect, a spirit of collegiality, cooperation, and openness to many perspectives.
• Participate in a culture of ongoing learning, collaboration, innovation, creativity, and community engagement.
• Use the equity lens in decision making. Promote equity and inclusion goals and have a “people first” mindset.

Required Knowledge & Skills

If you have any questions along the way including wanting to talk about a non-traditional career background, please reach out to HR.

• Knowledge and experience applying GAAP
• Experience preparing annual and monthly financial statements and periodic reports to grant funders and endowment donors
• Experience analyzing accounts and accounting relationships that result in complex accounting entries
• Experience with fund accounting required
• Excellent organizational and analytical skills
• Excellent written and verbal skills. Prior experience explaining accounting principles to various knowledge levels
• Must be accurate and detail oriented and prioritize multiple responsibilities and work under pressure to meet deadlines

Education, Formal & Informal Experience, Training Required, Certification, Etc.

• Licensed CPA or equivalent combination of education and experience, with 5 - 8 years of experience in non-profit accounting preferred
• 5 years experience directly supervising accounting staff. A highly motivated leader and team player with a proven track record of excellence in leading others and building cohesive and effective teams
• Experience in Microsoft Word, Excel spreadsheets and accounting systems are a necessity - Blackbaud Financial Edge experience preferred

Job Conditions

• Exempt and full time status
• Schedule/Hours: Monday through Friday, 9:00am - 5:00pm, 40 hours per week (Flexibility in work schedule depending upon time constraints of the role. Budget and year end are busy times, but time off can be adjusted at other times in the year)
• Onsite with occcasional work from home flexibility
• Extensive computer work

Physical Activities

• Frequent repetitive motions of hands/wrists and use of fingers
• Frequently communicating with staff members
• Frequently sitting
• Occasionally standing, walking, reaching, bending, and grasping
• Occasionally lift/push/pull up to 5-10lbs
• This is not a complete representation of all physical requirements

Benefits

• This role is exempt/salaried and full-time status
• Budgeted compensation is within pay grade M ($93,600 min - $114,649 mid - $135,720 max), depending on experience
• $50 per month cell phone stipend
• Healthcare package: medical, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, 401K match, and flexible spending accounts
• Paid time off: 6 paid holidays, 2 floating holidays, vacation, sick, and bereavement leave
• Transportation benefits: TriMet / C-Tran / parking pass discount or bike to work enrollment
• Museum admission & lectures, programs, and gift shop discounts
• R.E.A.P (Reciprocal Employee Attraction Pass), providing free general admission to local destinations

Application Process for Controller

In order to be considered eligible, submissions require a resume, cover letter, four references, and all application questions answered. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Application materials will be screened and interview candidates will be selected and notified by email. All applicants will be notified once the position is filled.

Closing date: We will begin reviewing applications immediately, so please apply as soon as possible. The closing date is subject to change at any time.

Company Description

Equal Opportunity & Accessibility

The Museum is deeply committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, both in our hiring practices and in our Museum employee experiences. We strive to foster a mindful and respectful environment in which everyone can be their authentic selves at work and experience a culture free of harassment, racism, and discrimination.

The Museum is an equal opportunity employer, committed to a policy of non-discrimination in employment on any basis including age, sex, color, race, creed, national origin, religion, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, political belief, disability or any other legally protected status. We are committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. This commitment ensures that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations to participate in the application, interview, and hiring process. Alternative formats of this application are available upon request. If reasonable accommodation or an alternative form of this application is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, perform essential job functions, and/or receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact Human Resources at hr@pam.org or 503.276.4358.

About the Portland Art Museum and PAM CUT // Center for an Untold Tomorrow

The seventh oldest museum in the United States, the Portland Art Museum is internationally recognized for its permanent collection and ambitious special exhibitions drawn from the Museum’s holdings and the world’s finest public and private collections. The Museum’s collection of more than 50,000 objects, displayed in 112,000 square feet of galleries, reflects the history of art from ancient times to today. The collection is distinguished for its holdings of arts of the native peoples of North America, English silver, and the graphic arts. An active collecting institution dedicated to preserving great art for the enrichment of future generations, the Museum devotes 90 percent of its galleries to its permanent collection.

The Museum’s campus of landmark buildings, a cornerstone of Portland’s cultural district, includes the Jubitz Center for Modern and Contemporary Art, the Gilkey Center for Graphic Arts, the Schnitzer Center for Northwest Art, PAM CUT, and the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde Center for Native American Art. With a membership of more than 22,000 households and serving more than 350,000 visitors annually, the Museum is a premier venue for education in the visual arts. For information on exhibitions and programs, call 503-226-2811 or visit portlandartmuseum.org.

PAM CUT // Center for an Untold Tomorrow was established in 1971 as the Northwest Film Center. It is an extension of the Museum and a year-round organization where artists and audiences explore our region and the world through cinematic storytelling in all its forms—including film, television, new media, audio storytelling, gaming, and immersive arts. PAM CUT’s mission is to change for whom, by whom, and how cinematic stories are told. Through our “cinema unbound” approach to exhibition, education, artist services, and special programs, we embrace audiences and artists working at the intersection of art and cinema who are not content to be contained.

Shared knowledge around art and film enriches our communities and helps all thrive and engage in a global society. Equity, diversity, and access to art, film, and education are critical to the ongoing work of the Portland Art Museum and PAM CUT. Learn more about the Museum’s commitment to equity at portlandartmuseum.org/equity.

The Portland Art Museum and PAM CUT welcome all visitors and affirm their commitment to making their programs and collections accessible to everyone. The Museum and PAM CUT offer a variety of programs and services to ensure a quality experience and a safe, inclusive environment for every member of our diverse community. Learn more at portlandartmuseum.org/access.