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Controller

Controller

The Brandywine Conservancy & Museum of Art seeks an experienced Controller to assume full responsibility for the organization’s accounting, financial reporting, audit, and internal control functions. Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, the Controller serves as the senior accounting officer for the organization and ensures the integrity, accuracy, and timeliness of all financial information in accordance with GAAP and nonprofit best practices

With annual operating revenues of over $12 million, this role is hands-on and operationally focused, with direct responsibility for day-to-day accounting functions and ownership of the financial close, compliance, and audit processes. The Controller partners closely with the CFO, who leads forecasting, budgeting, and long-range financial planning.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

CONTROLLERSHIP & FINANCIAL REPORTING

  • Own all accounting operations, including general ledger, payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable, cash management, and fixed assets.
  • Manage the monthly, quarterly, and year-end close process, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and timeliness.
  • Prepare and review financial statements and supporting schedules in accordance with GAAP and nonprofit accounting standards.
  • Provide clear and timely financial reports and analysis to management to support operational and financial decision-making.

ENDOWMENT & RESTRICTED FUNDS (LIMITED SCOPE)

  • Maintain accurate accounting and reporting for endowment and other donor-restricted funds.
  • Record endowment contributions, investment activity summaries, and spending in coordination with the CFO and external investment partners.
  • Ensure proper classification of net assets and related disclosures in the financial statements.
  • Support audit requirements related to endowment and restricted fund activity.

INTERNAL CONTROLS, AUDIT & COMPLIANCE

  • Design, implement, and maintain strong internal controls to safeguard organizational assets and ensure reliable financial reporting.
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for the annual external audit, managing all aspects of audit planning, fieldwork, and completion.
  • Prepare audit schedules, address audit findings, and oversee the implementation of audit recommendations.
  • Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations, including nonprofit filings and reporting requirements.

FINANCIAL OPERATIONS & RISK MANAGEMENT

  • Conduct ongoing analysis of financial results, identifying trends, variances, and potential financial or operational risks.
  • Prepare financial models to aid in assessing key programmatic decisions.
  • Monitor liquidity, cash flow, and working capital in coordination with the CFO.
  • Establish and maintain accounting policies, procedures, and documentation consistent with nonprofit best practices.
  • Identify opportunities to improve financial processes, controls, and reporting efficiency as the organization scales.

COLLABORATION WITH CFO

  • Partner with the CFO by providing accurate historical financial data, operational insight, and analysis to support forecasting and budgeting.
  • Ensure accounting systems and financial reporting fully support the CFO’s strategic and planning responsibilities.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Minimum of ten (10) years of progressive, hands-on accounting experience, including significant controllership responsibility, preferably in a nonprofit organization of similar size and complexity.
  • Demonstrated expertise in nonprofit accounting, audit management, internal controls, regulatory compliance, and restricted fund accounting.
  • Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance required.
  • CPA strongly preferred; MBA a plus.
  • Demonstrated experience with financial management systems; Sage Intacct experience preferred.
  • Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint.

Please send cover letter and resume to [email protected].

We are an equal opportunity employer and consider all qualified applicants equally without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by law. The Brandywine Conservancy & Museum of Art is committed to building a culturally diverse staff.