Controller

Studio in a School (Studio) seeks an experienced, dedicated, and collaborative finance and accounting professional with an interest in art education to join our team as the Controller. The Controller is responsible for overseeing all accounting operations for Studio. The Controller will play a key role in supporting strategic objectives through financial reporting. The Controller will also supervise the Accounts Payable Clerk and oversee accounting functions including Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, the annual audit, and the management of accounting systems. 

The Controller is a full-time, exempt, non-union position reporting to the Director of Finance and Operations. 

About Studio in a School

Studio in a School fosters the creative and intellectual development of young people through quality visual arts programs, directed by professional Artist Instructors, arts and cultural internships, and apprentice-based learning in the arts. The organization also collaborates with and develops the capacity of classroom teachers, school leadership, and others who provide or support arts programming and creative development for young people both in and outside of schools.

Primary Responsibilities Include:

Finance & Accounting

• Lead, oversee, and ensure monthly closes.
• Write journal entries for review by Director of Finance and Operations, and review journal entries from direct reports according to internal checks and balances system.
• Manage the General Ledger; maintain the chart of accounts, review accounts, and troubleshoot and resolve any issues.
• Maintain schedules and make all journal entries for accruals.
• Collaborate with the rest of the Finance team to improve accounting systems and enhance efficiency in accounting operations. Prepare analyses and ongoing balance sheet schedules and other account reconciliations as needed.

Audit Preparation

• Serve as a primary contact with the auditor.
• Create, develop, and maintain schedules, backup, consolidated financial statements, and analyses, facilitating access to documentation and individuals as needed.
• Proof reconciliations and schedules prepared by the Finance team.
• Work with Director of Finance and Operations and outside auditor to prepare and present audited financial statements and Form 990 to the Board Audit Committee and management as needed. Ensure approval and timely filing. Respond to audit findings, creating corrective actions plans if needed.

Accounts Payable (AP)

• Review check and ACH payments and monthly credit card reconciliations.

Accounts Receivable (AR)

• Process and deposit contributed and earned revenue. Record gift entries as received from Development with associated backup documentation and program codes to be reviewed by the Director of Finance and Operations. Maintain contributed income tracker.
  • Record all NYC Public Schools and third party fee-for-service payments, including pledges and pledge payments in the general ledger.

Investment Tracking

• Maintain Investment Tracking Roll-forward schedules.
• Prepare monthly journal entries using investment statements and generate reports for the Board Investment Committee.
• Value and process stock donations to be reviewed by Director of Finance and Operations.

Fixed and Net Assets

• Track fixed assets, including depreciation, art sales and acquisitions, and leasehold improvements.
• Maintain the Net Asset schedule and coordinate with Development and Director of Finance and Operations to ensure accurate restrictions. Prepare monthly journal entries for releases and restrictions.

Bank Reconciliations

• Complete monthly bank reconciliations, which include entering various journal entries to properly reconcile.
• Review monthly credit card reconciliations and journal entries completed by the Associate Director of Payroll and Accounting.

Fiscal Compliance

• Recommend policies and develop and edit procedures to ensure adherence to internal accounting and financial controls.

• Assure GAAP compliance and Federal, State and City regulations, as well as non-profit rules, laws, and mandates.

Desired Skills and Background 

Education and Experience

• Accounting or Finance Degree. CPA or CPA track a plus. 4-5 years of experience in non-profit finance/accounting preferred. Experience in a public accounting firm is also a plus.
• Ability to work in Financial Edge NXT with a high level of accuracy is required.
• Experience with ADP a plus.
• Familiarity with and adherence to standard accounting principles and controls. 

Personal Qualities and Habits of Work 

• Commitment to the mission of Studio in a School. 
• Self-motivation, assertiveness, positive demeanor, and willingness to work in a collaborative team environment. 
• Strong work ethic; highly organized and able to anticipate, plan for, and reach deadlines. 
• Willingness to take the initiative and prioritize and manage multiple assignments in a fast-paced environment. 
• Practiced in handling confidential information and the appropriate use of discretion. 

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills. 

• Strong problem-solving and sound discretionary judgment.

Location

• We are currently working on a hybrid schedule. The Controller will be asked to work in person at least 2 days per week in our office, though this schedule may shift and evolve.

Hours 

• As a member of the administrative staff, the Controller is expected to work from 9 AM to 5 PM each workday. Any schedule shift request must be requested in advance and receive approval from the supervisor. 

Benefits

• Generous paid time off, Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance/Disability Insurance, Pre-tax Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), and Commuter Benefits, 403b Retirement Plan, Aflac supplemental benefits, and Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

Salary

• The annual salary range for this full-time position is $110,000 to $120,000, depending on experience. We welcome an open discussion with interested candidates about the full compensation package.

To Apply

Please click on this link: . Applications will only be accepted with a cover letter. No phone calls, please. Although we appreciate your interest, we will only contact the applicants we are considering for an interview.

If much of this job description describes you, please apply for this role. Research shows that women and people from underrepresented groups often apply to jobs only if they meet all the qualifications. We recognize this and encourage those with relevant skills and experience to apply.

Studio in a School is an equal opportunity employer and seeks to hire staff members who reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. All positions at Studio in a School are filled without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, employment status, HIV/AIDS status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. All are encouraged to apply.