Controller

Park Avenue Armory Job Description

Title: Controller Department: Finance

Status: Full Time, Exempt

Compensation range:$140,000 – $150,000annually

Overview

Part American palace, part industrial shed, Park Avenue Armory is dedicated to supporting unconventional works in the visual and performing arts that need non-traditional spaces for their full realization, enabling artists to create, students to explore and audiences to experience epic and adventurous presentations that cannot be mounted elsewhere in New York City. Park Avenue Armory provides opportunities for employees to enrich and develop their love of the arts while contributing their specific skills, expertise, and talents. www.armoryonpark.org

Position Summary

Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), the Controller will be responsible for the oversight of all finance, accounting, and reporting activities. The Controller will lead all day-to-day finance operations of a $25Moperating budget, $80M endowment, and ongoing capital renovations of the building. Areas of responsibility include accounting, budgeting, investments, banking relations, cash management, annual audit, federal and state tax filings, monthly financial statements, capital projects reconciliation, and maintenance of the accounting system. The Controller will work closely with senior leadership and their staffs to educate them regarding finance and accounting procedures and to explore how finance functions can support departmental operations.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. General Accounting & Reporting
   • Oversee the general accounting of the institution, including journal entries, cash disbursements, accounts payable, cash receipts, accounts receivable, reconciliations, and adjusting journal entries.
   • Maintain knowledge of ledger account balances and procedures for the periodic review and adjustment of accounts.
   • Consistently analyze financial data and prepare financial reports in an accurate and timely manner; clearly communicate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements; monitor progress and changes.
   • Lead monthly and annual close processes by maintaining the accounting calendar and ensuring accurate, timely financial closes are completed.
   • Maintain the financial accounting system, NetSuite; monitor and implement internal control procedures and use technology to ensure best practices are in place.
   • Oversee daily cash management activities and the monthly bank reconciliation process.
   • Manage relationships with external entities including banks, investment advisors, and auditors.
   • Support the continued development, implementation, and maintenance of systems and processes to ensure the integrity of internal policies and efficient execution.
   • Record and reconcile box office revenues using Tessitura.
   • Work with the Development department to monitor and reconcile contributions, pledges, and Special Event revenues.
   • Monitor the use of restricted net assets and release them on a timely basis, and report uses of restricted grants to individuals, foundations, and various government funders.
   • Oversee bi-weekly payroll processing.
2. Audit, Tax Compliance
   • Manage the annual audit, provide department leadership and supporting the preparation of account schedules, and ensure timely preparation of audited financial statements.
   • Prepare IRS Forms 990 and 5500, Forms 1099 and 1042, and NYS Sales Tax filings.
   • Maintain current knowledge of regulatory requirements affecting 501(c)(3) organizations.
3. Budget
   • Assist in the annual budgeting and planning process; work closely with the CFO and department heads to administer and review all financial plans and compare to actual results with a view to identify, explain, and correct variances as appropriate.
   • Prepare short and long-term cash flow analysis and monitor cash flow.
4. Leadership
   • Motivate, lead, set objectives, and manage the performance of the Accounting Manager and Junior Accountant.
   • Support the CFO in engaging the Board’s Audit, Investment, and Finance Committees.
   • Provide leadership in strengthening communications with staff at all levels throughout the organization.

SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function to a high professional standard. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. A successful candidate will meet many of these requirements and have the desire and capacity to learn the rest on the job.

• Demonstrated experience coordinating audit activities and managing reporting, budget development and analysis, accounts payable and receivable, general ledger, payroll, and accounting for investments.
• Solid technical accounting skills are essential, non-profit accounting experience in a cultural institution is preferred.
• Keen analytic, organization, and problem-solving skills which allow for strategic data interpretation.
• Technology savvy with advanced knowledge of accounting and reporting software. Knowledge of Tessitura and/or NetSuite a plus.
• Strong proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite, including Outlook, Word, Excel ,and PowerPoint.
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative, proactively manage multiple priorities and projects with tight and changing deadlines, and work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
• Ability and desire to translate complex financial concepts to individuals at all levels.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• B.A. in Accounting or Finance; CPA and/or MBA preferred or equivalent business experience in the non-profit sector.
• 10+ years of progressively responsible experience that includes budgeting, financial forecasting, planning, organizing, and managing multiple financial activities, preferably for a cultural institution or non-profit.

COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION

Research shows that women and people from traditionally excluded groups often apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. We recognize that it is highly unlikely that someone meets 100% of the qualifications for a role. If much of this job posting describes you, then please apply for this role.

Park Avenue Armory provides equal opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, mental or physical disability, pregnancy, alienage or citizenship status, marital status or domestic partner status, genetic information, genetic predisposition or carrier status, gender identity, HIV status, military status and any other category protected by law in all employment decisions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, compensation, training and apprenticeship, promotion, upgrading, demotion, downgrading, transfer, lay-off and termination, and all other terms and conditions of employment.