ABOUT THINKERY  

Thinkery is where Austin’s children and their families come to enjoy play-based, inquiry-rich, hands-on learning experiences. We believe that innovative, play-based, STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) learning experiences are a powerful way for children to develop problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and curiosity about the world around them. Thinkery is deeply committed to creating equitable access to all programs at the museum and offered in the community and cultivating an inclusive environment for staff, visitors, and supporters. Our exhibits and programs encourage children—alongside their caregivers—to solve creative challenges, explore a variety of materials, and to develop new ways to complete unfamiliar projects. Through these activities, children gain the tools and confidence to develop and grow into enthusiastic, creative, lifelong STEAM learners and thinkers.  

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Controller will plan and direct the accounting operations of the company and provide leadership for business systems capabilities.     

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS 

• Completes Supervisory Responsibilities including but not limited to: 
• Manages the operations of the Accounting Department, which include accounts payable, accounts receivable, bank reconciliations, and payroll.  
• Manages the Business Systems team, which includes data analytics and IT  
• Oversee all accounts, ledgers, and reporting systems ensuring compliance with appropriate GAAP standards and regulatory requirements.  
• Maintain internal control and safeguards for receipt of revenue, costs, and program budgets and actual expenditures.  
• Consistently analyze financial data and present financial reports in an accurate and timely manner; clearly communicate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements; monitor progress and changes and keep senior leadership abreast of Thinkery’s financial status.  
• Assist Thinkery Leadership in the annual budgeting and planning process; administer and review all financial plans and compare actual results with a view to identify, explain, and correct variances as appropriate.  
• Support the COO in engaging the board’s audit and finance committees around issues and trends in financial operating models and delivery.  
• Oversee all financial, project/program and grants accounting; ensure that expenditures are consistently aligned with grant and program budgets throughout the grant/fund period; collate financial reporting materials for government, corporate, and foundation grants. 
• Help to lead market benchmarking and analyzing market rates to determine competitive salary ranges and ensure that compensation plans align with market trends while reflecting the organization's compensation philosophy and budgetary constraints. 
• Conduct budgeting and forecasting for salaries and benefits, monitor payroll costs, and ensure compliance with tax regulations. 
• Maintains a documented system of accounting policies and procedures; implements a system of controls over accounting transactions to minimize risk.  
• Oversees the production of periodic financial reports; ensures that the reported results comply with generally accepted accounting principles or international financial reporting standards.  
• Works with external auditors and provides needed information and assistance for the annual audit.  
• Ensures compliance with local, state, and federal government requirements.  
• Performs other related duties as necessary or assigned. 

SUPPORT THINKERY’S MISSION AND VALUES   

• Steward a culture of cross-department communication, collaboration, and support work of all teams.   
• Represent Thinkery’s key values of playfulness, belonging, innovation, and collaboration. 
• Commitment to support Thinkery’s dedication to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility initiatives.   

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES 

• Excellent management and supervisory skills.  
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.  
• Excellent organizational and time management skills. 
• Proficient in accounting and tax preparation software.  
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite or similar software. 

EXPERIENCE & EDUCATION   

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Business Administration required.  
• Five years or more of related experience required, preferably including experience with a non-profit or museum organization.  
• Certified Public Accountant or Certified Management Accountant designation preferred. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS  

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.   

This position is about 20% active. The work is largely performed while seated. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to:  

• Observe, engage, and react to the needs of guests, staff, volunteers, Board Members, and community partners  
• Move throughout the museum  
• Manipulate and move office supplies and deliveries weighing up to 25 pounds 
• Communicate and exchange accurate information in a variety of formats including in-person, electronically, and over the phone   
• Detect and respond to safety hazards  
• Use a computer effectively and accurately  

BENEFITS  

Thinkery offers competitive and affordable benefits for our full-time staff including options for 100% employer sponsored medical coverage. Our benefits package includes:  

• Medical insurance options including HSA, PPO Gold, and PPO Platinum plans 
• Affordable dental and vision 
• 100% employer sponsored EAP, STD, LTD, AD&D, and Life Insurance 
• 2 weeks of paid vacation, 12 days of paid sick leave, and 13 paid holidays each year  
• Pet friendly offices  
• Family paid leave available  

This job description should not be construed to imply these requirements are the only duties, responsibilities, and qualifications for this job. Incumbents may be required to follow any additional related instructions, acquire related job skills, and perform other related work as required. This job description may be updated as needed. 

The Thinkery is an Equal Opportunity Employer. This company does not and will not discriminate in employment and personnel practices on the basis of race, sex, age, handicap, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law. Hiring, transferring and promotion practices are performed without regard to the above listed items. All candidates offered a position will be required to submit to a background and reference checks.