Controller (John Michael Kohler Arts Center)

Feiew; Sheboygan (WI); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

John Michael Kohler Arts Center in Sheboygan, WI seeks a Controller to lead financial reporting, budget preparation, payroll, and grant accounting. The role reports to the CFO and drives GAAP compliance, internal controls, and strategic financial analysis to support bold, creative programming.

You will supervise staff, manage audit coordination, and oversee annual budgeting and tax filings, while partnering with program and development teams to ensure accurate, timely financial information.

Qualifications

• Solid knowledge of GAAP and nonprofit accounting requirements.
• Experience with grant reporting and audits.
• Ability to supervise and develop staff.

Responsibilities

• Maintains the integrity of the general ledger and prepares timely financial entries.
• Performs analyses to determine trends, estimates, and changes; writes narrative reports.
• Prepares balance sheets, income statements, and other reports to summarize current financial position.
• Ensures compliance with GAAP and internal procedures.
• Manages accounting systems and internal controls to ensure accuracy and efficiency.
• Oversees payroll processing and related benefit payments.
• Coordinates annual financial audit and preparation of tax filings.
• Leads budgeting process and consolidates departmental budgets.

Skills

General ledger

Payroll processing

GAAP knowledge

Financial analysis

Leadership / supervision

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance

Tools

Accounting software

Payroll systems

Microsoft Excel

Job description

The Controller plays an essential role in sustaining the financial integrity of the John Michael Kohler Arts Center — a nationally recognized, artist-centered institution based in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, the Controller brings technical precision, proactive systems thinking, and a collaborative spirit to the full range of accounting functions: from general ledger management and payroll to audit preparation, budgeting, and grant reporting. This is a role for someone who finds purpose in infrastructure — who understands that disciplined financial stewardship is what allows bold, meaningful creative work to happen.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

An individual in this position must be able to successfully perform the essential duties and responsibilities listed below. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

• Maintains the integrity of the general ledger and prepares timely financial entries that accurately reflect the organization’s business activity.
• Performs statistical analyses to determine trends, estimates, and significant changes, and writes narrative reports explaining findings.
• Analyzes financial information detailing assets, liabilities, and capital, and prepares balance sheets, profit and loss statements, and other reports to summarize and interpret current and projected company financial position.
• Monitors compliance with generally accepted accounting principles and company procedures.
• Reviews, investigates, and corrects errors and inconsistencies in financial entries, transactions, documents, and reports.
• Evaluates, implements, and maintains accounting systems and internal control procedures to ensure accuracy, compliance, and operational efficiency.
• Devises and implements systems for general accounting including bank and balance sheet reconciliations as needed to support internal control procedures.
• Prepares annual financial analysis for Property and Employee benefits insurance renewal.
• Monitors cash flow and provides management recommendations to the Chief Financial Officer.
• Assists Chief Financial Officer with administration of the bank credit card system. Monitors bank positive pay systems and assist in ACH payments.
• Monitors ongoing compliance with the Public Charities Support Test.
• Processes bi-weekly payroll, and related benefit payments. Create related disbursements for general ledger.
• Coordinate and support all matters related to the annual financial audit and preparation of the annual tax filings.
• Manages the annual budgeting process. Accumulate, review, and consolidate departmental budgets for management review.
• Provide financial reporting support for grant requests as needed and as required.
• Other ad hoc financial analysis and reporting as requested.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Supervisory & Management skills, with experience developing and supporting direct reports
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present financial information clearly to non-financial audiences
• Collaborative, solutions-oriented approach; brings resourcefulness and initiative to complex or ambiguous situations
• Proficiency in accounting software, payroll systems, and Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel
• Familiarity with nonprofit fund accounting and grant reporting requirements, and compliance with GAAP
• Comfort operating across departments and building relationships with program, development, and administrative staff