About Our Organization

Founded in 1968, Studio Museum in Harlem is a cultural leader that champions and preserves the prolific legacy of artists of African descent while simultaneously promoting critical thinking about art, culture, and community. Born out of an urgent need amid the political, social, and cultural ferment of the late 1960s, the Studio Museum was founded to create a new paradigm in which institutionally ignored artists of color would be seen, discussed, rewarded, and made known to the public. Today, the Studio Museum continues to serve as the nexus for Black artists locally, nationally, and internationally, and for work inspired and influenced by Black culture.

Job Summary

Reporting to the Senior Director of Finance, the Controller provides strategic financial leadership and oversight for finance and accounting functions at the Museum. The Controller is responsible for the day-to-day accounting for the Museum’s financial transactions, as well as ensuring compliance with financial policies and procedures consistent with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). This person will partner with the Senior Director of Finance in continuously improving the Finance department’s systems and processes.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Finance Administration & Compliance

• Ensure accurate and timely reporting. 
• Oversee all accounts, ledgers, and reporting systems, ensuring compliance with appropriate GAAP standards and regulatory requirements.
• Manage the monthly and annual close in a timely manner.
• Develop and maintain accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls. 
• Act as primary point person for the annual audit and tax filings.
• Partner with the Senior Staff Accountant and Development to oversee grants accounting and compliance of restricted giving.
• Prepare all schedules, with assistance from the team, that are needed for audits and tax returns.
• Satisfy all finance-related regulatory and internal deadlines.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of financial strategies and initiatives to enhance processes, controls, and systems driving efficiency and effectiveness across the organization. 
• Evaluate emerging trends, technologies, and best practices in finance and accounting to identify opportunities for innovation and differentiation. 
• Maintain strong knowledge of relevant current and future accounting policy pronouncements.

Organizational Budget Management and Reporting

• Support the Senior Director of Finance to ensure the budgeting process is conducted efficiently and that budgets are reasonable and sustainable.
• Prepare financial statements for the Board, Senior Leadership, and internal teams. 
• Conduct periodic reforecasts to determine how the Museum is faring relative to budget.
• Responsible for maintaining cash flow projections.

Leadership

• Support the organization's mission and vision through financial leadership. 
• Act as a mentor for the department and the overall staff, providing guidance and support to enhance the skills and knowledge of the team. 
• Foster a collaborative and high-performing team culture. 

Skills and Qualifications 

• Demonstrated ability to exercise independent judgment, cope with change, and shift gears comfortably without losing track of the larger goal at hand.
• High level of initiative, attention to detail, and sound judgement.
• Proven track record of meeting deadlines, identifying challenges to achieving deadlines, and taking initiative to resolve those challenges.
• Knowledge of accounting principles and compliance requirements.
• Proficient written and verbal communication skills, with experience in Microsoft applications.
• Exemplary organizational skills, with demonstrated ability to lead multiple projects in a fast-paced and changing environment.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field is required.
• A CPA or Master’s degree is strongly preferred.
• 5-8 years progressive accounting experience.
• Prior work experience with non-profits, in a finance capacity, is a requirement.
• Prior experience with investments accounting and reporting is a plus.
• Mastery of financial and accounting software required (Financial Edge, Sage Intacct, Oracle NetSuite, etc.).

Work Environment

• This position is an exempt position and may require working in excess of forty (40) hours during a work week.
• Fast-paced environment with varying levels of guests and employees present.
• Building Accessibility – office locations are wheelchair accessible, with elevators in the building. Other accessibility accommodations can be further discussed.
• Office desks include acrylic partitions, and the Museum adheres to COVID-19 safety guidelines as mandated by New York City and State.

Physical Demands

• This position does not have any physical demands.

Compensation

$110,000 - $120,000 annually

Salary is commensurate with experience within the guidelines of a small not-for-profit. A competitive benefits package is provided, including medical, dental, life and long-term disability insurance, a retirement account, and substantial vacation time.

Application Instructions:  

Please upload your resume, cover letter, and a writing sample to your application. No phone calls or faxes, please. 

Please note that while careful consideration will be given to each submission, the Museum will only be able to contact those applicants whose knowledge, skills, and work experience best fit the requirements of the position.

The Studio Museum in Harlem is an equal opportunity employer and considers all candidates for employment regardless of race, color, sex, age, gender identification, national origin, creed, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or political affiliation. We celebrate our inclusive work environment and encourage folks of all backgrounds and perspectives to apply. At the Studio Museum, we are committed to having an inclusive and transparent environment where every voice is heard and acknowledged. We embrace our differences, and know that our diverse team is a strength that drives our success. 

Research shows that women and individuals from underrepresented backgrounds often apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. We recognize that it is highly unlikely that an applicant meets 100% of the qualifications for a given role. Therefore, if much of this job description describes you, then you are highly encouraged to apply for this role. 

The Studio Museum is requiring proof of Covid-19 vaccination for employment. In order to be eligible, participants must show proof of vaccination and a form of personal ID.