Senior Nonprofit Financial Controller

National Museum of Wildlife Art; Decorah (IA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Vesterheim in Decorah, IA seeks a Financial Controller to lead its accounting operations on site. This senior role oversees a small team, ensures accurate financial records, regulatory compliance, and timely reporting.

You will manage day-to-day accounting, grant and fund accounting, budgeting, and audits, while partnering with the President/CEO and Finance and Audit Committee to safeguard the organization’s finances.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or closely related field.
• Seven or more years of progressive accounting experience.
• Skilled knowledge of GAAP.
• Ability to keep privileged information confidential.
• Outstanding written and oral communication skills.
• Highly collaborative with staff, board, and outside partners.

Responsibilities

• Lead and role model a focus on customer service and constructive problem solving.
• Direct and oversee work activities of Vesterheim’s accounting staff and partnering vendors.
• Optimize accounting processes and procedures with clarity, efficiency, and ease of use.
• Manage day-to-day accounting operations, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, cash management, and general ledger.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements for Vesterheim’s staff and the Board of Trustees.
• Closely monitor Vesterheim’s cash flow in partnership with Vesterheim’s President / CEO and Vesterheim’s Finance and Audit Chair.
• Maintain strong relationships with banks and investment consultants that hold and manage Vesterheim funds.
• Ensure timely and accurate month-end and year-end closes.
• Coordinate Vesterheim’s annual audit and IRS Form 990 preparation.
• Partner with Vesterheim staff and the Finance and Audit Committee to research needed internal controls and accounting procedures.
• Maintain effectively established internal controls and accounting procedures.
• Develop and improve standard operating procedures to ensure clear and written documentation of accounting processes and practices.
• Ensure Vesterheim’s compliance with nonprofit accounting standards and regulations.
• Support Vesterheim’s Finance and Audit Committee by providing reporting information for the Board of Trustees.
• On request, attend Vesterheim’s Finance and Audit Committee meetings and the quarterly meetings of Vesterheim’s Board of Trustees.

Skills

GAAP knowledge

Leadership

Financial reporting

Payroll processing

Interpersonal skills

Compliance

Education

Bachelor’s degree in accounting/finance

CPA

Tools

Sage Intacct

Microsoft Excel

Shopify

Blackbaud

Job description

Vesterheim in Decorah, IA seeks a Financial Controller to lead its accounting operations on site. This senior role oversees a small team, ensures accurate financial records, regulatory compliance, and timely reporting.

You will manage day-to-day accounting, grant and fund accounting, budgeting, and audits, while partnering with the President/CEO and Finance and Audit Committee to safeguard the organization’s finances.