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Controller

Position Summary

The Controller is responsible for leading all aspects of financial management for Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site, Inc. (ESPHS), including financial reporting and budget, and forecast preparation, as well as developing and maintaining internal control policies and procedures. The Controller oversees coordination of a wide array of financial activities. Due to the nature of this position, all duties are carried out in a confidential manner.

Duties and Responsibilities

Business Management 35%

  • Develop and establish business processes and accounting policies to maintain and strengthen financial internal controls
  • Oversee of all accounting operations including invoicing, accounts receivable, accounts payable
  • Ensure quality control over financial transactions and financial reporting • Oversee bi-weekly payroll
  • Oversee and manage the accounting teams' duties
  • On a monthly, quarterly, and year-end basis, and as directed, perform analysis of various financial performance trends and variances to present to Leadership and the Board of Directors
  • On an annual basis, assist in the preparation of the organizational audit, 401-k audit, and the 990-tax return
  • Process annual 1099; 1094-C & 1095-C forms
  • Create and distribute monthly financial statements to departmental directors and vice presidents.
  • Track year-to-date variance report explanations
  • Complete month-end close processes, including investments/fixed asset schedules, bank, and GL account reconciliations
  • Update and redesign financial dashboard reports for the BOD as needed by the CEO
  • Coordinate the budget process
  • Research accounting issues for compliance with accepted accounting principles
  • Oversee administration of 401K, benefits, leaves of absence and ACA compliance
  • Perform other duties as assigned
  • Please note that ESPHS may change specific job duties with or without prior notice based on the needs of the organization.
     

Financial Management and Accountability 35%

  • Administer annual budgeting process and all financial planning with the goal of achieving a mix of earned and contributed revenue to ensure sustainability. • Conduct financial analysis, including evaluating the cost-of-service delivery, new business opportunities, partnerships, and investments, and identifying implications for strategy and operations.
  • Oversee AP, managing monthly invoicing and collections process, to ensure timely payments and reconciliation.
  • Oversee financial transactions, including accounts receivable, accounts payable, cash/credit card reconciliations, other balance sheet account reconciliations, grant accounting, and management of restricted contributions.
  • Oversee the month-end close process to provide timely financial reports, ensuring financial data is presented and elevated to management.
  • Management of contracting with and oversight of accounting and audit consultants
  • Assist with external single audit and federal grant audits from funding agencies. Review annual 990 filings prepared by external CPA.
  • Manage relationships with outside financial advisors responsible for managing ESPHS’s reserve.
  • Responsible for maintaining supporting schedules, source documents, and general ledger integrity.
  • Responsible for keeping the organization compliant with changes in accounting and regulations and implementing internal policies and procedures.
  • Maintain documented processes.
  • Serve as a system administrator and subject matter expert of QuickBooks, NetSuite financial system and all finance-related applications.
     

Strategic Vision and Leadership 30%

  • Lead ESPHS’s effort to build out and strengthen our internal organizational capacity focusing on our structure and delivery system for maximum impact.
  • Advise the CEO and Board on financial planning, budgeting, cash flow, investment, and policy matters.
  • Working with the Director of Operations, provide staff support and guidance to the Board and act as staff liaison to the Finance Committee
  • Participate in strategic and annual planning processes.
     

Qualifications

Experience

  • Minimum of a BA, ideally with accounting or financial management degree.
  • MBA, CPA, or CMA preferred
  • Strong operational experience: ideally has worked for 5+ years in a socially responsible organization with progressive experience leading to at least five years’ experience in financial/operational/administrative and human resource management, ideally an organization that has seen significant growth or scale Or: at least five years of experience and a record of accomplishment in senior management.
  • Knowledge of organizational development, personnel management, budget and resource development, basic accounting practices, board management, and strategic planning.
  • Demonstrated success in developing and monitoring systems to manage both operational and programmatic work that involves a high level of collaboration.
  • Analytical ability to gather and summarize data for reports, formulate dashboards, find solutions to various administrative problems, and prioritize workload.
  • Fiscal responsibility including maintaining budgets and managing budget projections
  • Strong analytical, technology, communication, and organizational skills
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
  • Ability to work weekends, evening hours, or holidays as needed and assigned
  • Enthusiasm for, if not expertise in historic sites, nonprofits
  • Advanced Excel skills required, as well as experience with financial applications such as QuickBooks, NetSuite, Sage Intact, or Financial Edge.
  • Grant management experience a plus.
     

Essential Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

  • Excellent people skills, with an ability to partner with a dynamic leadership team.
  • Personal qualities of integrity, credibility, and commitment
  • Flexible and able to multi-task; can work within an ambiguous, fast-moving environment while also driving toward clarity and solutions.
  • Demonstrated resourcefulness in setting priorities, guiding investment in people and systems, and meeting deadlines.
  • Passion for our work and a commitment to working in the nonprofit sector with its attendant challenges and satisfactions.
     

Working Conditions

Typical schedule is Mon-Fri, 9am-5:30 pm, with some early mornings, evenings, and weekends as necessary.

Option to work from home two days per week when appropriate to the needs of the job.

The salary range for this position is estimated at $125,000 to $140,000.

 

TO APPLY: Click here to apply on our career portal.


About ESPHS:

Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site is a museum interpreting the legacy of American criminal justice reform from the site of the world’s first penitentiary. The facility pioneered the large-scale use of solitary confinement in the early 19th century and housed approximately 85,000 people during its 142 years of operation. The building itself was an architectural wonder: it had running water and central heat before the White House, and its revolutionary wagon-wheel design has been copied by more than 300 prisons around the globe. Although the prison now stands in ruin, its story remains relevant today.

Today, Eastern State Penitentiary attracts hundreds of thousands of guests from around the world each year to explore the site’s fascinating past and contemplate some of the most critical issues facing our nation. Its innovative public history program draws connections to contemporary justice reform through an approach that values multiple perspectives, amplifies marginalized voices, and respects a broad range of visitors’ interests and learning styles.

Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Corporation that operates the penitentiary, a National Historic Landmark, as an historic site and museum.

Commitment to Diversity:
We strongly believe in the power of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We recognize that a diverse workforce brings together unique perspectives, experiences, and talents, leading to increased creativity, innovation, and better decision-making. As such, we actively seek out and value job applicants from all backgrounds, races, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientation, ages, or disability. Our commitment to DEI extends throughout our hiring process, ensuring equal opportunities and fair treatment for all candidates. We firmly believe that by fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace, we can create a stronger, more vibrant, and more successful organization.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement: 
Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, creed, color, religion, alienage or national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, disability or handicap, sex, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, arrest record or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws. Our management team is dedicated to this policy with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities and general treatment during employment.

ESPHS strongly believes in second chances and, as such, is committed to providing appropriate employment opportunities to those who have been incarcerated. As a condition of employment, all individuals who accept an employment offer must complete a criminal background check. Eastern State will review any criminal record and make appropriate employment decisions in accordance with applicable law and its policies.

2017 American Aliance of Museums Excellence in Exhibitions Overall Winner