Controller

Company Description

The Cosmosphere International SciEd Center & Space Museum, located in Hutchinson, KS, is a Smithsonian-affiliated museum renowned for its world-class space artifact collection. With the largest collection of Russian space artifacts outside of Moscow and the second-largest collection of U.S. space artifacts after the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum, the Cosmosphere uniquely tells the story of the Space Race. It offers immersive educational experiences aligned with Next Generation Science Standards, inspiring curiosity and discovery. The Cosmosphere also features a state-of-the-art Digital Dome Theater, a revamped Justice Planetarium, interactive live science demonstrations at Dr. Goddard’s Lab, and CosmoKids—a hands-on exploration area for children.

Role Description

Position Purpose:

• Exempt position, responsible for the efficient execution of business functions relating to the front desk.
• Reports directly to the President and CEO and must maintain an acceptable working relationship with
• other personnel. The Controller will manage the finances and accounting operations, supervise the pay
• and retirement systems and be responsible for administration. Participate in the formulation and
• implementation of museum policy and strategy as an active member of the Executive Management Team.
• The Controller will play a vital role in the overall management, performance and vision of the
• Cosmosphere. As a department head, this position will help ensure that budgetary goals are met, and that
• the Cosmosphere continues to expand its brand recognition and revenue generation.

Cosmosphere Conformance Statements:

In the performance of their respective tasks and duties all employees are expected to conform to the following:

• Perform quality work within deadlines with or without direct supervision.
• Interact professionally with other employees, customers and suppliers.
• Work effectively as a team contributor on all assignments.
• Work independently while understanding the necessity for communicating and coordinating work efforts
• with other employees and organizations.
• Good communication skills, direct in dealing with others, ability to express views clearly and concisely
• ability to listen and comprehend details.
• Essential Duties and Responsibilities
• Manage the finance, insurance, payroll and retirement systems and procedures
• Assist the CEO and the management team in the preparation of budgets and financial projections
• Prepare monthly financial statements for the Governing Board and quarterly statements for the
• Foundation Board
• Maintain appropriate level of cash
• Develops appropriate financial reports (including KPIs/Metrics) for board review
• Conducts extensive financial analysis of the operation and of the various departments
• Ensures internal controls for cash handling and cash drawer close-out are established
• Determines ROI and margin of Cosmosphere product line/revenue streams
• Work with Department managers to review monthly budgets with front line managers
• Prepare the end of year accounts for annual audit, including matters relating to internal audit and risk management.
• Maintain permanent records of all contracts
• Prepare the annual budget for review and approval by staff and the Governing Board of Directors
• Prepare the bi-weekly payroll and ensure the necessary personnel records are collated and filed.
• Administer the museum’s retirement program.
• Ensure up to date and complete facility and artifact insurance coverage
• Keep up to date with relevant changes in non-profit financial reporting
• Maintain inventories for audit and insurance purposes
• Manage the finance assistants and ensure all tasked are handled in a timely manner
• Use most updated software and technology
• Other projects and responsibilities may be added at the company’s discretion

Qualifications

• Education: BA (required), MA (a plus)
• Proven management and leadership capabilities
• Experience working with senior level executives in a corporate environment
• High energy, positive, “can-do” attitude, flexibility, teamwork, and attention to detail; high degree of initiative.
• Strong verbal communications skills and demonstrated ability to write clearly and persuasively.
• Thorough understanding of all components of a diversified funding base.
• Good computer skills and knowledge of database programs.
• Demonstrated excellence in organizational, managerial, and communication skills

Work Requirements

• Schedule: Monday – Friday (40 hours per week)
• Physical mobility: sitting, standing, walking, lifting/carrying objects up to 30 lbs., manual dexterity to operate keyboard.
• Mental effort: working on computer during time spent on the job, reading, writing, analyzing, visualizing.
• Sensory requirement: ability to communicate and respond both in person and over the telephone to the general public, ability to communicate and respond to staff.
• Able to work under stress
• Excellent attendance required
• Background check as it relates to job duties
• This job description is only a summary of typical functions of the job, not a complete or comprehensive list of all possible job responsibilities, tasks, and duties. It is not an employee contract. The Cosmosphere reserves the right to modify job duties or job descriptions at any time. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed. As an employee, you must adhere to all safety rules and regulations, personnel policies and procedures.