ControllerAbout the roleThe Controller is a senior financial leader responsible for stewarding the Brooklyn Museum's accounting operations, financial reporting, and compliance framework in service of the institution's mission and long-term sustainability. Reporting to the Director of Finance, the Controller provides hands-on leadership across core accounting functions while strengthening systems, controls, and processes appropriate to a complex, nonprofit cultural organization. This role partners closely with senior leadership, department heads, and external stakeholders (including our auditors and funding partners) to ensure transparency, accuracy, and sound financial governance.
Responsibilities- Lead all accounting operations, including general ledger, accounts payable and receivable, cash management, fixed assets, month-end and year-end close, and payroll
- Ensure timely, accurate preparation of internal and external financial statements in accordance with GAAP and nonprofit accounting standards
- Oversee accounting for grants, contributions, restricted funds, endowment activity, and capital projects in compliance with donor, regulatory, and reporting requirements
- Direct the annual audit process and serve as primary liaison with external auditors, tax preparers, and financial advisors
- Maintain responsibility for required regulatory filings, including Form 990 and other federal, state, and local reports
- Design, implement, and continuously improve accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls to manage risk and strengthen financial integrity
- Partner with the Senior Director of Finance on budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management, and long-term financial planning by providing reliable financial analysis and insight
- Support financial reporting and analysis for senior leadership, Finance Committee, and Board of Trustees as needed
- Lead, coach, and develop accounting staff, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous process improvement
- Collaborate across departments to improve financial practices, systems adoption, and financial literacy throughout the organization
Qualifications- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field
- CPA or equivalent professional credential strongly preferred
- Extensive experience in senior accounting or controller roles, preferably within nonprofit, museum, or other mission-driven organizations
- Expert knowledge of GAAP, nonprofit accounting standards, audit processes, and regulatory compliance requirements
- Demonstrated experience managing audits, tax filings, grants accounting, and complex, restricted funding environments
- Proven ability to evaluate and strengthen internal controls, accounting systems, and financial processes
- Strong leadership and people management skills, with experience developing and mentoring accounting teams
- Excellent analytical and communication skills, with the ability to translate complex financial information for non-financial stakeholders
- Professional judgment, discretion, and the ability to operate effectively within a union-aware, collaborative organizational culture
Department: Finance
Reports to: Senior Director of Finance
Salary: $171,458
Union status: Non-Union
FLSA status: Exempt
Position type: Full-time
Schedule: 35 hours per week, Monday-Friday, 9 am-5 pm
Benefit OfferingsThe Museum provides competitive compensation along with generous benefits and perks for all eligible employees. Individual benefit offerings may vary based on position type and union status.
- Medical, dental, vision and life insurance
- 401(k) Savings Plan and Pension Plan
- Generous paid time off, including annual vacation leave, sick leave, and 13 Museum holidays
- Short-term and long-term disability coverage
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) & Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) for eligible pre-tax health care, dependent care, and commuter expenses
- Employee Assistant Program
- Free admission to various NYC museums and cultural institutions
- Early access to Museum exhibitions
- Invitations to staff-only programs, tours, and on-site engagement events
- Opportunities to participate in community initiatives and Museum programs
- 40% discount for staff in Museum shops
- 20% discount at Museum café
- All positions are based in Brooklyn, New York, with some eligible for a hybrid work schedule (three days on-site / two days remote)
Apply TodayWe recognize that it's unlikely that any candidate will meet 100% of the desired qualifications for a role. If much of this job description resonates with you, we strongly encourage you to apply today. We're committed to welcoming candidates with a wide range of experiences and perspectives - especially those who see themselves contributing to our mission to bring people together through art and experiences that inspire celebration, compassion, courage, and the will to act.
