Job Title: Financial Accountant
Reports to: Controller/Director of Finance
FLSA Status: Exempt
Classification: Full Time
Compensation: $60,000.00 per year
The compensation listed reflects the anticipated salary for this position and may vary depending on factors such as skills, experience, education, and internal equity.
About the Museum
The Children's Museum of Pittsburgh provides innovative and inclusive museum experiences that inspire kindness, joy, creativity and curiosity for all learners. We forge connections with artists, community partners and neighbors to work on behalf of children, youth and families. We have a vision to transform education. We believe people of all ages can benefit from different types of learning experiences.
Benefits
- Medical, Dental, Vision, Flexible Spending Account.
- Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick, Holidays, and Floating Holidays).
- 403(b) Savings Retirement Plan.
- Life Insurance, Short Term and Long Term Disability.
- Free Museum membership.
- Parking at a discounted rate.
Position Summary
The Financial Accountant is responsible for managing grant accounting, financial reporting, fund accounting, and compliance activities for the organization. This position ensures the accurate tracking of grant revenues and expenditures, maintains compliance with donor restrictions and grant agreements, and supports budgeting, financial reporting, monthly reconciliations, and year-end closing processes. The role works collaboratively with program managers, development staff, and finance leadership to ensure the effective stewardship of grant-funded and donor-restricted resources.
Essential Job Duties
- Build accurate budgets for complex funding proposals, including multi-year exhibition or capital campaigns.
- Review award agreements to identify restrictive clauses, cost-sharing requirements and unique financial stipulations.
- Calculate indirect cost rates and overhead allocations according to institutional guidelines.
- Monitor grant expenditures and revenue recognition in accordance with grant agreements and applicable accounting standards.
- Track restricted and unrestricted funds and ensure proper allocation of expenses.
- Coordinate with program staff to monitor spending and budget performance.
- Prepare grant reimbursement requests, invoices, and funding drawdowns.
- Complete financial reports required by granting agencies and donors.
- Ensure strict adherence to Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), IRS regulations governing nonprofit organizations, Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200), and all applicable federal, state, and local compliance requirements.
- Maintain grant files, supporting documentation, and compliance records.
Additional Responsibilities
- Knowledge of all aspects of the accounting cycle and month-end close, including monthly reconciliations and monitoring of Business Development activities.
- Assists in preparation of the annual fiscal year budget and other financial forecasts.
- Translate complex financial metrics into easily digestible summaries for the Board of Trustees and Director.
- Produce financial reports and narrative analysis required by private foundations and government panels.
- Run variance analyses to help department heads forecast programmatic costs and avoid overages.
- Assist with annual financial statement audits, grant audits, and compliance reviews.
- Support the development and maintenance of internal controls and accounting policies.
- Ensure compliance with GAAP, Uniform Guidance requirements (when applicable), and nonprofit accounting standards.
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time based on business needs and in support of the mission of Children's Museum of Pittsburgh.
Job Qualifications
Education
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Museum Administration or a related field.
Experience
- Minimum 3 years in non-profit finance, fund accounting or public grant administration.
- Compliance Knowledge: Solid understanding of restricted vs. unrestricted net assets and non-profit tax regulations.
- System Knowledge: Hands‑on experience with non‑profit ERP or accounting software (MIP a plus).
- Funder Experience: Proven history managing awards from agencies like the IMLS, NSF or state arts councils.
Skills
- Technical Skills: Strong Computer Skills. Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including pivot tables, data modeling and logical formulas.
- Must have strong analytical, communication, and problem‑solving skills.
- A thorough understanding of nonprofit accounting principles, grant compliance requirements, and fund accounting practices.
- Ability to communicate financial information effectively to both financial and non‑financial stakeholders.
- Demonstrate exceptional attention to detail, commitment to accuracy high precision in tracking granular expense across dozens of distinct, restricted funds.
- Ability to meet deadlines and work effectively in a team environment.
Physical Requirements & Equipment Usage
- Predominantly sedentary type position; however, may move about as necessary completion of other tasks. May occasionally lift up to 15 lbs. when handling boxes for record retention.
- The person in this position frequently communicates with staff, guests, and partners. Must be able to exchange accurate information.
- Constantly operates a computer and other productivity equipment.
Work Environment, Hours of Work, and Travel Requirements
- Duties will be performed in a museum environment, which includes interaction with the public and exposure to children and families.
- In office Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Hybrid work available based on business needs.
Clearances
- FBI fingerprint results, PA Child Abuse History Certification (Act 33) and PA State Criminal Record Check (Act 34) are required.
The Children's Museum of Pittsburgh provides equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, gender, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, marital status, religion, age, disability, gender identity, results of genetic testing, veteran or military status, or any other characteristic or trait protected by local, state, or federal law.