Deputy Controller

Wisconsin Historical Society

$83K — $89K *
Education, Government & Non-Profit
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 5-7 years of professional accounting experience including GAAP or governmental accounting principles.
  • Proficient in preparing, reviewing, and reconciling financial records for accuracy and compliance.
  • Skilled in interpreting and applying financial policies and accounting standards.
  • Experience with enterprise financial management systems like PeopleSoft or Oracle for complex accounting tasks.
  • Demonstrated ability to analyze financial data and resolve discrepancies effectively.
  • Previous leadership experience in supervising or coordinating the work of others.

Responsibilities

  • Oversee accounting services and ensure adherence to professional accounting principles.
  • Analyze and interpret financial data for informed decision-making.
  • Manage financial information systems and maintain accurate financial journals and ledgers.
  • Supervise Site Accountants in revenue and deposit processing tasks.
  • Participate in monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reconciliations with state accounting systems.
  • Develop policies to uphold standards of financial transparency and efficiency.
  • Act as a financial liaison to various divisions and agencies, enhancing collaborative operations.

Benefits

  • Flexible remote work options depending on the position.
  • Extensive benefits package as per the Wisconsin State Compensation Plan.
  • Opportunities for ongoing professional development and training.
  • Supportive work environment with a focus on transparency and accountability.
  • Engagement with diverse programs and historical sites across Wisconsin.
Full Job Description
Position Summary

The Deputy Controller is responsible for accounting services for WHS, which require the knowledge and application of professional accounting theories and principles. This position will, on behalf of WHS, interpret and analyze financial data; develop and maintain accounting information systems; establish and maintain financial journals, accounts, ledgers and documentation within an automated financial system; allocate revenues and expenses among funds and appropriations; reconcile agency accounts on a periodic basis to the Department of Administration (DOA) and other accounting information systems; develop and apply cost allocation methodologies; and supervise other accountants and financial specialists.

The Deputy Controller is responsible for revenue and deposit processing, policies, and procedures, including supervising Site Accountants in this work. This position supports monthly, quarterly, and annual reconciliations to both the Department of Administration (DOA) statewide accounting systems and internal operating budgets.

This position also participates in developing and improving policies and procedures to ensure the Society's fiscal management adheres to the highest standards of transparency, accountability, efficiency, and professional best practices; serves as a liaison to assigned program divisions, assisting with financial tracking and budgeting; and regularly partners with museums, historic sites, and agency programs across Wisconsin to support consistent financial operations.

This position will be located in Madison, Baraboo, or Eagle, Wisconsin. Location will be determined at the time of the job offer.

Salary Information

The salary will be between $40.00 - $43.00 per hour plus excellent benefits. Pay on appointment for current or former state employees may vary according to the applicable pay provisions found in the Wisconsin State Compensation Plan. This position is in pay schedule 81, range 03. The classification for this position is Financial Program Supervisor. A 12-month probationary period will be required.

Visit this link for a calculator of State of Wisconsin benefits: https://dpm.wi.gov/Pages/Employees/RewardsCalculator.aspx

Job Details

A criminal background check will be conducted prior to an offer of employment to determine if the circumstances of any conviction may be related to the job.

Interested permanent classified state employees should complete this application process to apply.

WHS does not sponsor work visas. Any appointment made will be contingent on the applicant being able to prove valid status to work in the United States.

Certain positions within WHS may allow remote/work from home flexibility for a portion of their work schedule, depending on the needs of the position and the work unit. This topic and any remote work flexibility that may be available will be discussed in more detail in the interview process.

Qualifications

Please make sure to describe the following qualifications within your resume and/or letter of qualifications in order to be considered for this position.

A minimally qualified candidate will have experience in all of the following:

  • Professional accounting experience applying generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) or governmental accounting principles.
  • Preparing, reviewing, and reconciling financial records, reports, or accounting transactions while ensuring accuracy and compliance.
  • Interpreting and applying financial policies, procedures, regulations, or accounting standards.
  • Working with enterprise financial management systems (such as STAR, PeopleSoft, Workday, Oracle, SAP, or similar ERP systems) to perform complex accounting, reconciliation, and financial reporting functions.
  • Analyzing financial information, identifying discrepancies, and resolving accounting issues.
  • Demonstrated leadership experience through supervision, lead worker responsibilities, project leadership, or coordinating the work of others.

In addition to meeting minimum qualifications, a well-qualified candidate will have demonstrated experience in at least three of the following areas:

  • Governmental accounting, fund accounting, or financial management within a state, local, federal, higher education, or other public-sector organization.
  • Leading or implementing accounting process improvements, internal control enhancements, financial system implementations, or cross-functional financial projects.
  • Developing accounting policies, financial procedures, training materials, or internal guidance to improve consistency and compliance.
  • Managing complex reconciliations, month-end or year-end close activities, financial reporting, or audit preparation.
  • Serving as a financial advisor or liaison to organizational leadership, departments, or operational programs by providing financial analysis, recommendations, and technical guidance.
  • Experience overseeing revenue operations, accounts receivable, deposit processing, banking activities, PCI compliance, or other financial control functions.


How To Apply

To apply, click "Apply for Job" to start the application process. Then, you will access your existing account or to create a new account if you don't have an account. Once you are logged in, click "Apply for Job." Follow the steps outlined in the application process and submit your application.

Your letter of qualifications and resume are very important parts of your application and are used during our evaluation process to determine your qualifications as they relate to the job. For instructions on developing your resume and letter of qualifications for your application and what should be included in these materials, click here for resume and letter of qualifications instructions. .

Submitted materials will be evaluated and the most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the hiring process.

Questions may be directed to [email protected] . or (608) 264-6409.

Please see the Frequently Asked Questions for general wisc.jobs user information and technical assistance.

Deadline to Apply

Applications are due at 11:59PM on August 31, 2026.

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