Foundation Controller

Title:       Foundation Controller

Department:     Foundation Finance and Administration

Reports To:       Director Foundation Finance and Accounting (“Director”)

General Purpose of Position:

A seasoned Financial Controller is sought to lead the financial operations of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA) Foundation, reporting directly to the Director of Finance and . The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in financial management, strategic planning, and compliance oversight. Key responsibilities include developing and implementing financial policies and procedures, managing risk, overseeing budgeting and forecasting, and ensuring accurate financial reporting.

As the Financial Controller, you will be responsible for the accuracy of the Foundation’s financial reporting. Your duties will include preparing internal and external financial reports, reviewing and reconciling general ledger, bank, and investment accounts, assisting external auditors with tax forms and returns, assisting in the preparation of annual audit reports and schedules, and supervising the Foundation accountant. Additionally, you will prepare unitization reports and manage payroll processing, acting as a liaison to Foundation staff and handling payroll issues.

Museum Benefits: 

This is a salaried, exempt position that offers comprehensive employee benefits such as 12 paid holidays, health benefits and more. VMFA Foundation staff also enjoy museum benefits like free admission to special exhibitions, previews of special exhibitions, employee pricing for select museum programs and classes, and discounts at Amuse Restaurant, Best Café, and VMFA Shop. This position also offer an opportunities for a hybrid work schedule, once initial training period has been successfully completed.

Pay range:  $85,000 – $95,000 commensurate with experience

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Includes the following.  Other duties may be assigned as needed

  • Reconciles various balance sheet accounts for review by Director included but not limited to:
    • cash accounts
    • contribution receivable and gift revenue – between Raiser’s Edge (“RE”) and Financial Edge (“FE”) systems; all exceptions are updated/corrected as needed and/or a notation added with the reconciliation reports.
    • Receivables
    • Investments
    • Property and Equipment
    • Works with Director on other reconciliations as assigned
  • Reviews and posts batches submitted for accounts payable, gift deposits, & general ledger activity.
  • Prepares quarterly Endowment Activity report including underlying schedules that ensure the accuracy of the report for review by the Director.
  • Prepares quarterly financial statements and ensures compliance with GAAP for board presentation.
  • Reviews spendable and non-spendable general ledger reports for accuracy.
  • Review payroll semi-monthly. Prepare and process 401k transactions and profit share deposits.
  • Liaison to staff regarding payroll issues.
  • Responsible for annual financial audit and preparing all related schedules.
  • Responsible for the IRS Form 990, Form 990T, Form 5500, & VA Department of Taxation return by preparing all related schedules.
  • Manages and reconciles over 60 different investment accounts, along with preparing all investment changes as directed by the Investment Committee.
  • Prepares the component unit report as required by the Commonwealth of Virginia.
  • Monthly, Quarterly, and Year End Closing reconciliation and Financial Reporting.
  • Supervises and supports the staff accountant, filling in as needed.
  • Review and sign off on all invoices (including coding), payments, payroll, tax payments and returns.
  • Assist in preparing cash flow forecasts for operating, art purchase, and investment transactions, ensuring appropriate available funds for spending.
  • Assist and coordinate available funds with Museum Budget Manager on use of funds and approving Museum draws.
  • Assists the Director with Foundation Human Resources including onboarding, offboarding, and open enrollment and annual benefit vendor review for discussion and approval by management
  • Assist the Director and CFO with any special projects/requests.

Required Skills/Abilities:

  • Excellent management and supervisory skills.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Excellent organizational and time management skills.
  • Proficient in fund accounting software, Blackbaud’s Financial Edge a plus.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite especially Word and Excel.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

This position supervises Foundation Accountant, summer internships, and act as back up for Director as needed.

Education and/or Experience:

Undergraduate degree with a major in accounting or business administration required (CPA preferred).  Knowledge of RE and/or FE is preferable.

Additional Information:

Additional experience of 5 years in public accounting and/or non-profit accounting. Position requires accuracy, excellent attention to detail, organizational skills, and ability to relate well with other people, flexibility, and willingness to learn and be inquisitive.  Successful candidate should be self-motivated with the ability to work independently with limited supervision

Special Requirement:

  • Selected candidates must pass a criminal history background check

To apply, please submit the following to recruitment@vmfa.museum:

  • Brief cover letter
  • Resume
  • Names and contact information for three professional references

Posting will remain open until November 3rd, 2024. 

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