What are the responsibilities and job description for the Controller position at The Museum of Life and Science?

Location

Museum of Life and Science

About the Organization

The Museum of Life and Science, one of North Carolina's top family destinations, has been a beloved Durham institution for 75 years. The Museum features 84 acres of exhibits, experiences, and outdoor exploration, including one of the East Coast's largest butterfly conservatories and a two-story science center. As an accredited zoo, the Museum is home to lemurs, black bears, endangered red wolves, and more than 140 species of live animals, butterflies, and insects. Readers of Durham Magazine, Indy Week, and Carolina Parent have repeatedly named us the top Museum in the Triangle. Charity Navigator rated the Museum, a 501(c3) nonprofit organization, 100 out of 100 the highest possible score.

Our mission is to create a place of lifelong learning where people of all ages embrace science as a way of knowing about themselves, their community, and their world. The Museum serves our increasingly diverse community with interactive and accessible experiences that build and develop lifelong connections with science, nature, and critical thinking. The Museum partners with NASA, NOAA, the National Science Foundation, Duke University, NC State University, and the University of North Carolina on many research projects and programs.

In addition to an incredible team of co-workers, the Museum provides competitive compensation commensurate with experience, as well as a full array of employee benefits for eligible positions, including a generous 403b retirement plan with employer contributions, health, dental, and vision insurance, flex-spending plans, life insurance, long-term disability insurance, paid vacation and sick leave, nine paid annual holidays, employee appreciation events, and a family membership to the Museum.

Full-Time / Part-Time

Full-Time

Exempt / Non-Exempt

Exempt

Description

Durham's most beloved destination is seeking a Controller to join its Finance Team. If you'd like to work with colleagues passionate about science education on a stunning 84-acre campus, apply today!

Position Objective : Supports the Museum's Mission by providing accurate and timely financial information, ensuring compliance with state and federal reporting requirements, and providing the accounting support necessary to run an efficient organization, execute fundraising strategies and pursue special projects.

Responsibilities

At the Museum of Life and Science, the Controller is expected to execute timely financial reporting and analysis to both internal and external stakeholders in a thoughtful, truly diligent, and collaborative manner.

Financial Reporting :

Using NetSuite ERP, manage and support direct reports in the preparation of monthly financial and operating reports including revenue posting and recognition, billing / accounts receivable, accounts payable, grants management, fixed assets, and related accounting duties.
Complete monthly financial statements across MLS, including departmental level reporting, supporting schedules and any associated budgetary and balance sheet reconciliations.

Budget :

Collaborate with the CFO on the development of the annual budgets, working closely with departments to understand their challenges and opportunities.

Assist in analysis of monthly budgeted to actual (gap) outcomes. Work with departments to prepare ongoing monthly financial forecast and variance analysis.

Recommend and lead collaborations to support the achievement of annual operating goals.

Audit / Procedures / Controls :

Manage the annual audit and coordinate other audits that may be required by grantors or insurers.

Prepare quarterly reports to monitor 403(b) compliance and serve as the lead in the annual audit.

Provide operational oversight of the Museum's accounting and internal control processes.

Know and model adherence to Museum policies and procedures.

Collaboration

Collaborate across all operating teams especially as it pertains to grants management, grants reporting, opportunity development and recommend accounting best practices as needed.

Work closely with the HR team specifically where audit, spending policies and procedures, systems, and employee communications are positively impacted by sharing financial and data analytics.

Communicate directly with team members across MLS using strong written and verbal skills.

Team Development

In partnership with the CFO, manage the team members to support their achievement of individual and departmental goals.

Using the Museum's values as a guide, foster a positive staff culture and work environment, motivating the team through positive reinforcement.

Work style :

Effectively communicate operational successes, opportunities, and concerns to management.

Prioritize and manage multiple tasks, delegating when appropriate.

Identify and evaluate issues that arise and use critical thinking to troubleshoot.

Work independently with limited coaching and oversight.

Commitment to MLS mission :

Always demonstrate adherence to Museum safety procedures.

Engage with MLS visitors in a positive and helpful way to support an enjoyable guest experience.

Prioritize the Museum's values of inclusion and kindness in interactions with staff and guests.

Additional duties as assigned.

Staff Oversight

Treasury and Accounting Staff

Actual Pay Rate : $80,000-$105,000 / annually

Position Requirements

Minimum 7 years of accounting experience, including at least 4 years supervisory experience.

BA / BS in Accounting or related field, or equivalent experience and expertise.

NC CPA license; experience with audits.

Excellent analytical skills with a passion for using data to troubleshoot and answer questions.

Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).

Proficient in NetSuite ERP, Grant Manager, or similar platforms.

Strong planning and organizational skills needed to balance and prioritize duties.

Ability to perform tasks with a high degree of accuracy and independence.

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with emphasis on teamwork and customer service.

Demonstrated strong financial analysis and Excel based modeling skills.

Demonstrated ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks, delegating when appropriate.

Experience working independently with limited coaching and oversight.

Desired :

Minimum of 5 years of non-profit accounting experience.

Experience with grants and fund accounting strongly preferred.

Ability to analyze, present and explain complex financial information

Knowledge of ADP payroll and reimbursement platforms.

Proficiency with electronic ticketing and revenue management systems including Altru, Counterpoint, TicketLeap, UltraCamp and Shopify.

Shift

not applicable-

Pay Range

EOE Statement

The Museum of Life and Science is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment regardless of race, color, religion, creed, age, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, military or veteran status, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law. In addition, we will provide reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities to participate in the job application or interview process, perform crucial job functions, and receive other benefits and privileges of employment. As an equal opportunity employer, we value the differences and benefits that a diverse culture brings. Join us!

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