Strategic Nonprofit Controller

Peabody Essex Museum; Salem (MA); On-site; USD 170,000 - 194,000; Full time

Job summary

Peabody Essex Museum in Salem, MA seeks an experienced Controller to lead financial management and accounting operations, reporting to the CFO and collaborating with the Board of Trustees. The role oversees general ledger, endowment and restricted funds, treasury, audits, and grant-related financial requirements.

The ideal candidate has 10+ years in nonprofit financial leadership, CPA preferred, strong ERP and Excel skills, and a proven track record of building strong finance teams and internal

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive financial leadership experience in complex nonprofit environments.
• CPA certification is highly preferred; comparable credentials may be considered.
• Deep expertise in nonprofit fund accounting, endowment administration, and regulatory compliance.
• Experience leading teams and building strong financial operations.
• Advanced skills with ERP systems, Excel modeling, and financial management tools.

Responsibilities

• Lead financial reporting and accounting operations in accordance with US GAAP and FASB standards.
• Provide accurate, timely financial statements, dashboards, forecasts, and analyses to management.
• Oversee annual audits, IRS Form 990 preparation, regulatory compliance, and grant-related requirements.
• Direct accounting and reporting for PEM's investment portfolio, endowments, restricted funds, and other net assets.
• Lead treasury, cash management, liquidity forecasting, and working capital activities.
• Partner with Development on gift accounting, revenue recognition, and grant compliance.
• Support CFO with long-range financial modeling, capital budgeting, and annual budget development.
• Lead, mentor, and develop the Finance team; foster accountability and continuous improvement.
• Evaluate financial systems, policies, and internal controls to modernize processes.

Skills

Financial leadership

GAAP expertise

Forecasting

Analytical thinking

Staff development

Board communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance

Master's degree preferred

CPA certification

Tools

ERP systems

Excel modeling

Job description

Peabody Essex Museum in Salem, MA seeks an experienced Controller to lead financial management and accounting operations, reporting to the CFO and collaborating with the Board of Trustees. The role oversees general ledger, endowment and restricted funds, treasury, audits, and grant-related financial requirements.

The ideal candidate has 10+ years in nonprofit financial leadership, CPA preferred, strong ERP and Excel skills, and a proven track record of building strong finance teams and internal