The Morgan Library & Museum (“the Morgan”), a museum and independent research library in midtown Manhattan, invites applications for the role of Controller. The Controller oversees the Morgan’s financial operations, accounting, and reporting, leading a team of four full-time staff in providing timely and high-quality support for the Morgan’s many activities during a period of institutional growth.
This role requires extensive experience in endowment- and grant-supported organizations. Experience in a cultural institution, and a passion for museum and/or library work, are essential, as is demonstrated skill in leading a high-functioning team. This is a rare opportunity both to lead a financial team and function as a strategic partner in organizational financial planning. This position reports to the Morgan’s Chief Operating Officer.
Responsibilities
- Oversee the Morgan’s daily financial operations, including accounting functions, cash flow, and bank reconciliations, ensuring the efficient functioning of all such processes.
- Supervise processing of bi-weekly payroll; work with the Director of Human Resources to ensure that payroll records, policies and procedures are complete and accurate.
- With the Chief Operating Officer and the Manager of Financial Planning and Analysis, develop the Morgan’s annual budget.
- Prepare and issue financial reports and statements (monthly closing, semi-annual and year-end) in an accurate and timely manner.
- Manage the accounting for the Morgan’s pooled endowment fund and the investment reconciliation of the endowment portfolio.
- Manage the annual audit, ensuring timely completion of quality financial statements.
- Prepare all information for Form 990 and other required tax filings; work with independent auditors to ensure completion of tax returns well in advance of deadlines.
- Prepare compliance reports for outstanding bonds.
- Work closely with the Development Department to prepare grant proposals, ensure that expenditures are consistent with grant proposals and program budgets, and produce financial reports for funders.
- Promote a positive and supportive work environment for a team that is essential to the smooth and efficient operation of the Morgan. Train, supervise and evaluate staff; cross-train as appropriate. Ensure that documentation of accounting policies and procedures is systematically reviewed and updated.
- Seek opportunities for efficiencies in workflows within and beyond the Finance Department.
- Provide support for other projects and institutional priorities as required.
- Bachelor’s degree is required, Master’s degree preferred, in field(s) of study that support success in this role.
- Minimum of 10 years (more preferred) of accounting and financial management experience, with at least five years in a leadership capacity.
- Previous experience as a Controller in the not-for-profit sector.
- Advanced proficiency in one or more accounting systems (Abila MIP a plus), Excel, and one or more payroll systems. Ideal candidate will be a “power user” of accounting software.
- Experience in developing budgets, forecasting revenue, and producing financial reports.
- Thorough knowledge of New York endowment law and accounting rules. Experience with the accounting for and reporting on an investment portfolio, and with managing fund restrictions.
- Substantial experience in a financial environment based largely on restricted endowment and grant support, including careful expense tracking, income release, and financial reporting.
- Experience supporting an operating environment with daily constituent needs (e.g., admissions desk, retail store).
- Detailed knowledge of and experience preparing IRS Form 990 and supporting documents, including reporting on retail operations.
- Thorough knowledge of payroll processing and federal, state and city laws affecting employee benefits and pay.
- Interest in reviewing and improving workflows and identifying cost-effective uses of technology for financial operations.
- Ability to motivate, supervise, and work cooperatively and effectively with Financial Services staff and colleagues.
- Evidence of strong written and oral communication skills. Skill in conveying complex financial information to staff, board members, and other audiences as needed.
- Ability to work on multiple short-, mid-, and long-term projects simultaneously and to manage overlapping deadlines. Quiet efficiency in managing routine and essential administrative tasks.
- Able to work for extended periods at a computer workstation.
Compensation
$175,000–$200,000 annually, commensurate with experience. Excellent benefits plan.
The Morgan Library & Museum receives many applications and inquiries for employment. Unfortunately, we are not able to respond to all of them. Due to the high volume of applicants, we can contact only those candidates whose skills and background best fit our needs.
EEO Statement
The Morgan is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to complying with all federal, state, and local equal employment opportunity laws. The Morgan provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race or color, religion or creed, alienage or citizenship status, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, sexual and reproductive health decisions or decision making (of covered persons or their dependents), disability, height, weight, marital status, familial status, domestic partnership status, caregiver status, genetic information or predisposing genetic characteristics, military status, domestic violence, sexual violence, or stalking victim status, pre-employment arrest record, or any other characteristic protected by law.
The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees and are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of the employer.