Department: Finance 

Reports to: Chief Financial Officer 

Revision Date: April 2026 

FLSA Status: Exempt 

Classification: Full-time (30 hours/week, Monday-Thursday); Remote 

Location: Must be based in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin, or the Native Nations that share this geography. 

Pay and Benefits: $75,000 annually (firm) plus generous benefits package including health, dental, and life insurances, retirement savings plan, paid family and medical leave, and four-day work week 

Application Instructions: Apply by end of day May 13, 2026. Provide a resume, three professional references, brief cover letter about your interest in the position, and responses to our screening questions. 

As part of our commitment to pay equity, Arts Midwest does not negotiate salaries, as negotiation is one of the main drivers of pay inequity in organizations.  

About the Position 

We’re looking for a detail-oriented and collaborative Controller to lead Arts Midwest’s accounting operations and ensure the accuracy, integrity, and timeliness of financial reporting. This position plays an active role in managing day-to-day accounting functions, including month- and year-end close, financial reporting for leadership and the board, audit and compliance processes, and cash management. They also partner closely with the CFO and cross-functional teams to strengthen internal controls, support budgeting and forecasting, oversee federal grant compliance, and continuously improve financial systems and processes while providing thoughtful supervision and leadership within the finance function. 

About You 

You are a detail-oriented and thoughtful accounting professional who brings both precision and perspective to your work. You have strong experience in nonprofit accounting, including financial reporting, general ledger management, payroll, and grant compliance, and you’re comfortable navigating GAAP and federal requirements. You’re highly organized, able to manage multiple priorities and deadlines, and have a natural ability to spot discrepancies while also understanding the bigger financial picture. You communicate clearly with a variety of audiences, from internal staff to leadership and auditors, and enjoy building collaborative relationships across teams. You’re proactive, solutions-oriented, and continuously looking for ways to improve processes and systems. With experience supervising others, you provide supportive leadership, clear expectations, and constructive feedback. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a mission-driven environment, values accuracy and integrity, and takes pride in creating reliable, transparent financial operations. 

About Arts Midwest 

Based in Minneapolis, Arts Midwest supports, informs, and celebrates creative organizations and communities throughout the nine-state region of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin, and the Native nations that share these geographies. 

We are one of six United States Regional Arts Organizations, a national collective of six place-based nonprofit arts service organizations committed to strengthening America’s infrastructure by increasing access to creativity for all Americans.  

The Finance Team at Arts Midwest plays a critical role in supporting a complex, grant-funded organization with a strong commitment to financial integrity and transparency. The team manages a diverse funding portfolio that includes federal awards, foundation grants, and contributed revenue, requiring careful stewardship of restricted funds and compliance with federal regulations. The Controller will work closely with a collaborative finance team, including the CFO and Finance Manager, to ensure accurate reporting, smooth audits, and effective financial operations.  

Key Responsibilities 

As part of the Finance Team, you’ll play an important role in things like ensuring accurate and timely financial reporting, maintaining strong internal controls and compliance, and supporting strategic decision-making through clear, reliable financial insights. You’ll also play a role in Arts Midwest’s organizational culture, participating in staff meetings, retreats, and other events.  

In addition, you’ll be responsible for:  

Finance and Accounting 

• Audit & Tax: Support audits and 990 prep while ensuring GAAP, federal, and grant compliance. 
• Close & Reporting: Lead month/year-end close, maintain balance sheet accuracy, manage reconciliations, and produce financial reports. 
• Cash Management: Monitor cash flow and support forecasting and planning. 
• Accounts Receivable: Manage receivables and ensure timely collections. 
• Accounts Payable: Process invoices, support grant payments, and track expenses. 
• Development: Record donations, reconcile with Salesforce, and manage charitable registrations. 
• Payroll: Review and oversee payroll processing, ensure timely benefits payments, and allocate costs across programs and grants. 
• Tax Filings: Ensure timely and accurate 1099 and W-2 filings. 
• Internal Controls: Strengthen and maintain controls; identify risks and improve processes. 
• Federal Compliance: Ensure proper coding, reporting, and audit support for federal funds. 
• Board Reporting: Prepare financial materials for leadership, board, and finance committee. 

Leadership, Strategy & Team Operations 

• Oversee daily finance operations and department administration. Set and track departmental goals aligned with organizational strategy. Lead projects, set priorities, and drive cross-functional collaboration. Monitor progress, evaluate outcomes, and report key insights. 
• Supervise staff with clear expectations, coaching, and performance support. Advise on staffing needs and support hiring and development decisions. 
• Support budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis with leadership. Build strong cross-team relationships and train staff on financial systems. 

• This job requires 7+ years in accounting including financial reporting, accounts payable, accounts receivable,?payroll,?and general?ledger?experience.?? 
• Requires a four-year degree in accounting or finance, supervisory?experience,?and grant reporting/compliance experience.?Familiarity with Sage Intacct and CPA licensure will also be taken into consideration.? 
• In-depth working knowledge of general accounting concepts and practices (GAAP).? 
• Knowledge and in-depth understanding of nonprofit finance practices, including foundation and government contracts,?restricted funds, etc.? 
• Knowledge of and ability to?operate?accounting software. Identify opportunities to improve efficiency through automation, system enhancements, and process redesign within accounting and grant reporting workflows. 
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to present clear information to various audiences. Comfortable reading and understanding detailed documents, including financial and narrative content. 
• Knowledge of and ability to implement project management frameworks and best practices across programs or function area. 
• Knowledge of federal funding mechanisms, compliance requirements, reporting obligations, and allowable use of funds. 
• Knowledge of budgeting and general accounting concepts and practices sufficient to oversee budgets. 
• Teambuilding and leadership skills and ability to communicate expectations clearly, coach others, provide feedback effectively, and resolve conflicts. 

Physical and Mental Requirements 

Physical effort is minimal. Work includes making presentations in front of groups. There is pressure associated with project or activity deadlines. Work will require extended use of a computer keyboard and monitor. Work is performed in a fast-paced environment, where interruptions are frequent.?All requirements are subject to modification to accommodate individuals with disabilities.  

Working Conditions 

Arts Midwest is a remote-first workplace, with most work happening in digital systems.