Assistant Controller

Association of International Certified Professional Accountants; New York (NY); On-site; USD 170,000 - 185,000; Full time

Job summary

American Museum of Natural History in New York seeks an Assistant Controller to oversee financial accounting, tax compliance, and reporting. You will manage the General Ledger, fixed assets, grants, and endowment accounting, while leading the finance team to ensure accuracy and policy compliance.

The role requires strong analytical and leadership abilities, with experience in US GAAP, audits, and donor-restricted funds.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or related field.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Experience in public accounting and fund/gift accounting.
• Experience with Oracle and Orbit Analytics for reporting.

Responsibilities

• Direct and lead Finance operations and budget planning.
• Maintain GL integrity with reconciliations and journal entries.
• Lead financial reporting and investments, including endowment portfolio.
• Oversee monthly close processes and variances analyses.
• Prepare annual financial statements and footnotes per US GAAP.
• Lead year-end audits and liaise with external auditors.
• Prepare Form 990 tax returns with external reviewers.
• Manage external financial reporting obligations and regulatory filings.
• Mentor Senior Accountant and Investments Manager.
• Support Advancement with pledges, donors, and restricted net assets reconciliation.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem-solving

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting or finance

Tools

Oracle

Orbit Analytics

Job description

American Museum Of Natural History

Assistant Controller

The American Museum of Natural History is one of the world's preeminent scientific and cultural institutions, and has as its mission to discover, interpret, and disseminate information about human cultures, the natural world, and the universe through a wide-ranging program of scientific research, education, and exhibition.

The Controller/Finance department is seeking a full-time Assistant Controller to facilitate and manage the Museum's financial accounting, tax compliance, and reporting activities, ensuring compliance with Museum policy and relevant regulations. The Assistant Controller is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Finance team and for managing the General Ledger, Chart of Accounts, and all related reconciliations, fixed-asset accounting, lease accounting, grant accounting, and endowment accounting.

Job Duties

• Direct and provide leadership for Finance operations and administration, ensuring that the department supports the Museum's mission and maintains its standard of confidentiality. Assist with planning and managing departmental budgets. Assist with developing, updating, and implementing accounting policies, procedures, and controls.
• Maintain the integrity of the general ledger and supporting data through regular review, which includes reviewing and posting financial journal entries, reviewing reconciliations, and coordinating with the Budget & Financial Planning team to open/close general ledger accounts.
• Lead financial reporting and investments, including the Museum's endowment portfolio.
• Lead the preparation, completion, and accuracy of the monthly financial close processes in partnership with others on the Finance team, monitoring close progression and ensuring that tasks are completed in an efficient and sustainable way.
• Prepare monthly financial statements (Statement of Financial Position, Statement of Financial Activities, and Cash Flow Statement) with full variance analyses.
• Execute debt issuance plans and maintain cash forecast models for operational and capital needs.
• Serve as an authorized signatory as designated by Board resolution and review and approve the Museum's financial transactions.
• Prepare the annual financial statements and footnotes in accordance with US GAAP.
• Lead the year-end Financial Statement Audit process and the annual Uniform Guidance Audit. Act as liaison between the independent external auditors.
• Prepare annual Form 990 tax returns on behalf of the Museum and work with external auditors for secondary review.
• Manage obligations for external financial reporting requirements, including federal/state regulatory filings and institutional accrediting bodies.
• Lead, mentor, and train the Senior Accountant and Investments Manager.
• Support the Advancement department, including maintaining detailed records of pledges receivable, cash received, and net assets released from restrictions in accordance with donor and grantor stipulations. Partner to reconcile gift records between fundraising systems and the general ledger. Ensure timely and accurate release of temporarily restricted net assets as donor-imposed conditions or time restrictions are satisfied.
• Review complex contracts and major contributions for proper revenue recognition.
• Provide ad hoc reporting, which includes designing, developing, and writing new reports in Oracle. Support ERP and systems implementations as a subject matter expert on financial reporting configurations.
• Maintain current knowledge of technical accounting standards, regulations and tax laws, including identification and implementation of new relevant accounting pronouncements via CPE (Continuing Professional Education).

Compensation and Benefits

The expected salary range for the Assistant Controller is $170,000/annual - $185,000/annual. Pay will be determined based on several factors. The hiring range for the position at commencement is based on the type of work and the scope of responsibilities. The salary and placement offered is based on a number of individualized factors, including, but not limited to, skills, knowledge, training, education, credentials, areas of specialization, and depth and scope of experience.

• The AMNH offers an extensive benefits package designed to meet the needs of our dedicated and diverse community.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or another related field.
• Proven ability to sustain rigorous restricted fund/gift-lifecycle accounting.
• Public accounting experience.
• Fund accounting experience.
• Oracle experience.
• Orbit Analytics and report writing experience.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Strong communication (written, oral and interpersonal skills) required to effectively identify and communicate potential problems, as well as propose solutions.

The American Museum of Natural History is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. The Museum does not discriminate with respect to employment, or admission or access to Museum facilities, programs or activities on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, marital status, partnership status, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, pregnancy, alienage or citizenship status, current or former participation in the uniformed services, status as a veteran, or national or ethnic origin, or on account of any other basis prohibited by applicable City, State, or Federal law.

If special accommodations are needed in applying for a position, please call the Office of Human Resources.