Controller

Woodruff Arts Center employees play an integral role in creating and supporting great art and education initiatives at the nation’s third largest arts center. Comprised of three Art Partners—Alliance Theatre, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and High Museum of Art—there’s a role for everyone at The Woodruff.

Reports to:

FLSA:

Employment Status:

ABOUT THE HIGH

The High Museum of Art brings art, ideas, and people together to amplify the importance of artistic expression, envision a better future, and positively change Atlanta.

Our work is rooted in five guiding ambitions: Growth, Inclusivity, Collaboration, Connectivity, and Optimism. These values shape our programs, partnerships, and the way we work together. Candidates who are energized by these aspirations will find a meaningful and supportive home at the High.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Controller reports directly to the Chief Financial Officer and is responsible for the leadership and management of the Museum's accounting function. The Controller oversees the daily operations of the accounting department, ensuring the integrity of financial reporting, general ledger management, budgeting, nonprofit accounting, grant accounting, internal controls, audit coordination, compliance, inventory, fixed assets, and financial analysis.

This position serves as a key financial leader within the organization and works collaboratively across departments to support sound financial management, operational excellence, and strategic decision-making.

SALARY: $105,087.58

SCHEULE: Weekdays, occasional evenings as needed

WHAT YOU WILL DO:

Accounting Operations, Internal Controls & Staff Leadership (35%)

• Manage the daily operations of the accounting department and accounting staff.
• Provide leadership, coaching, training, performance management, and professional development for accounting staff.
• Foster a collaborative, communicative, and productive team environment.
• Develop, implement, and maintain accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls.
• Continuously assess and strengthen the Museum's internal control environment and financial processes.
• Ensure compliance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and organizational policies.
• Create and implement financial controls as directed by senior leadership.
• Maintain productive working relationships with vendors, external partners, and Woodruff Arts Center personnel.
• Ensure all vendor documentation and tax reporting information are properly maintained.
• Coordinate the biannual physical inventory with the Retail Operations Manager.
• Assist the CFO with strategic initiatives, financial planning, and special projects.
• Participate in Museum and Woodruff Arts Center meetings as required.
• Collaborate with departments throughout the Museum to support sound financial management practices.

Financial Reporting, General Ledger, Budgeting & Nonprofit Accounting (50%)

• Lead the monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes, ensuring accurate financial reporting, proper accounting treatment, and compliance with GAAP and nonprofit accounting standards.
• Maintain oversight of the Museum's general ledger, including journal entries, accruals, prepaid expenses, account reconciliations, and supporting schedules.
• Prepare, review, and analyze monthly financial statements, variance analyses, and other management reports; identify trends, risks, and opportunities and communicate findings to senior leadership.
• Prepare and distribute monthly financial reports to department managers and provide guidance on financial performance, budget management, and accounting-related matters.
• Assist the CFO with the preparation, consolidation, forecasting, monitoring, and reporting of the annual operating and capital budgets, including oversight of expenditures against approved budgets.
• Generate financial reports and ad hoc analyses for internal users, senior leadership, Board committees, and other stakeholders as needed.
• Work closely with the Development Department to ensure proper accounting and recognition of contributions, pledges, donor-restricted gifts, fundraising revenue, and contributed revenue reconciliations.
• Partner with the Director of Grants to ensure accurate accounting, reporting, and compliance for grant-funded and collaborative programs.
• Ensure restricted revenues are released timely and in accordance with donor intent and applicable accounting standards.
• Coordinate with the Special Events Manager, Development team, and Exhibitions staff to ensure proper accounting and reporting of fundraising events, exhibitions, and related activities.
• Prepare and review key balance sheet reconciliations, including accounts receivable, endowment activity, contributed revenue, and other significant accounts, ensuring timely resolution of outstanding items.
• Support the preparation of financial information and analyses for senior leadership, Finance Committee, Audit Committee, and Board reporting.

Audit, Compliance & External Reporting (15%)

• Coordinate the annual audit with outside auditors and WAC staff.

• Prepare audit workpapers, schedules, trial balances, draft financial statements, footnotes, and supporting documentation.
• Serve as the liaison with external auditors and Woodruff Arts Center finance personnel during the audit process.
• Ensure timely completion of all audit requests and deliverables.
• Support preparation of annual tax and regulatory filings, including information required for Form 990 reporting.
• Ensure compliance with nonprofit accounting standards, donor restrictions, grant requirements, and applicable financial regulations.
• Assist with preparation of financial presentations and materials for Finance Committee, Audit Committee, and Board meetings.

WHAT WILL WE EXPECT OF YOU:  

• Strong accounting, financial reporting, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated experience managing accounting operations and staff.
• Strong understanding of nonprofit accounting principles and financial reporting.
• Knowledge of grants accounting, donor-restricted funds, endowments, and revenue recognition.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to effectively communicate financial information to a variety of audiences.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a dynamic environment.
• Ability to monitor and control operating and capital expenditures.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and financial reporting systems.
• Experience with Workday or similar ERP systems preferred.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field required.
• CPA certification preferred.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of progressively responsible accounting experience required.
• Prior nonprofit accounting experience strongly preferred.

Language Skills

• Ability to read, analyze and interpret general business periodicals and other related publications, catalogues and correspondence.
• Ability to write reports, business correspondence and procedures.
• Ability to effectively present information to museum staff and Board of Directors.

Mathematical Skills

• Strong knowledge of GAAP and nonprofit accounting principles.
• Ability to prepare, analyze, and interpret financial statements, budgets, forecasts, and operational reports.
• Ability to perform calculations involving percentages, ratios, reconciliations, accruals, and variances.
• Ability to identify discrepancies, recommend solutions, and ensure financial accuracy.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and financial reporting tools.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:  

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Some standing, walking, bending, frequent use of hands, stooping and light lifting (at least 10 pounds) is needed.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM US:

• Health Insurance
• Life and AD&D Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Short-Term Disability
• Long-Term Disability
• Flexible Spending Account
• Employee Assistance Program
• 403(b) Plan with Employer Match
• Financial Wellness Program
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program Eligibility
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Holidays (Including Your Birthday)
• Discounts and Complimentary Offers to the High Museum of Art, Alliance Theatre, and Atlanta Symphony Orchestra