Controller

Position Profile

MFA Boston 

Controller/Chief Accounting Officer 

Boston, MA (Hybrid)

About MFA Boston

As one of the world’s renowned art museums, the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (MFA) boasts a collection that spans nearly all cultures and time periods. The original MFA opened its doors to the public in July of 1876 with 5,600 works of art.

Today, the MFA is recognized for the quality and scope of its collection, exhibited in more than 140 galleries, which includes Art of the Americas; Art of Europe; Contemporary Art; Art of Asia; Art of Africa and Oceania; Art of the Ancient World; Prints and Drawings; Photography; Fashion, Textiles, and Jewelry; and Musical Instruments. Today, in addition to this collection that now encompasses nearly 500,000 works of art, the MFA is a lively social destination that offers concerts, films, and lectures while also serving as an important community and learning resource for schools, families, and visitors near and far. In recent years, the MFA has welcomed more than 1.2 million visitors each year, and in FY 2019 the museum saw more than 1.3 million visitors, a level of attendance not seen at the MFA since 1999.

The MFA’s mission is to collect and preserve its collections thoughtfully and share the works of art in the Museum with Boston and beyond while creating and providing engaging and memorable experiences. While the Museum is deeply rooted in the Boston community, it is an international institution with programming and research partnerships throughout the world. This is all possible through the efforts and dedication of the MFA’s talented staff, volunteers, donors, members, and community partners. The MFA culture is built on collaboration, generosity, trust, and service.

The MFA’s most recent strategic plan, MFA2020, has served as a catalyst for undertaking a broad range of projects through a strong spirit of collaboration. Initiatives are designed to deepen the MFA’s connection to its current audience while expanding and engaging with new and diverse communities to make it a more inclusive museum where everyone feels they belong. Many projects mark new opportunities for the Museum while others are expansions of successful programs. All are designed to actively cultivate conversation, engagement, connection, and understanding through art, both externally for visitors as well as internally for staff.

For more information on MFA Boston, please visit the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston website www.mfa.org   

The Opportunity

MFA Boston is currently searching for a dynamic and purpose-driven accounting professional to help us grow strategically and operationally. Reporting to the CFO and serving as Chief Accounting Officer, the Controller is an integral member of the Financial leadership team.  In collaboration with the CFO, the Controller will be responsible for the development of the MFA ‘s financial management strategy and contribute to the development of the organization’s strategic goals.

 In addition to the strategic components, the Controller will be charged with developing and implementing more sophisticated accounting systems and policies & procedures both in the financial and general operational realms. This is an exceptional opportunity for a leader with accounting experience, and a proven track record of creative problem-solving and management to join in a mission-driven organization. While the emphasis of this role is finance, it includes responsibilities for managing a diverse staff and requires an individual who is strategic, tactical, and inspirational.

The Controller is responsible for developing, leading, and coordinating the day-to-day financial operations within the Museum, including the fiscal close processes and the annual financial auditing process. Responsibilities also include the training and managing of staff, as well as acting as a financial resource for persons and/or departments performing related functions over all internal and external financial activities of the Museum.  

Key Responsibilities: 

• Oversee all accounting operational and financial reporting functions including preparation of books and journals of original entry; account analysis including reconciliation of accounts.  Prepare all internal and external financial reports and analysis in a timely and accurate manner; maintain and oversee the data processing system; monitor control policies and procedures for financial and related operating functions, while also providing recommendations for improvements.
• Consult and provide support necessary to the Chief Financial Officer and other Museum senior management in the development and monitoring of overall Museum financial and accounting policy. Attend meetings, create, and make financial presentations before any and all Museum Board and committees. Participate in Leadership Team and Department Heads discussions, Board, Budget & Finance, and Audit Committees as appropriate.
• Plan and direct the completion of the annual external audit working with external auditors and division heads.
• Direct the preparation of all required reports to federal state, city and other regulatory bodies and groups for taxes, licenses, and other purposes. Coordinate and oversee all audits by regulatory agencies.
• Provide direct supervision over the general accounting/financial reporting and accounts payable functions including all personnel related actions such as hiring, training, coaching, mentoring and performance evaluation and management.
• Consult the Director of Budget and Financial Planning in the preparation, presentation and monitoring of the operating and capital budgets and the formulation of long-term financial forecasts and strategic planning and with the Director of Treasury in the accounting for, monitoring and safeguarding of the investments of the Endowment fund assets.
• Establish and monitor key performance indicators for core operational functions and ensure performance meets established targets, or opportunities for improvement are identified and implemented. Ensure that critical financial functions and operations are carried out successfully, with a high level of customer service.
• Build and inspire a strong and effective team, with a focus on staff development and engagement, and establish strong and effective relationships with a variety of internal and external stakeholders.
• Maximize financial systems functionality to implement efficiencies and enhancements that would benefit the institution; create an environment of continuous improvement, leveraging technology and process improvements to develop best practices in financial operations.

SECONDARY ELEMENTS:

• Provide consultation and technical assistance to the Museum’s operational departments, and related finance areas (including Budget and Financial Planning, Treasury Management; Procurement and Payroll) where necessary, including, but not limited to, modification of General Ledger system, functionality to implement new /expanded methods for payment, and other technology initiatives.
• May represent the Financial department in making presentations to State and Federal control groups, boards, committees, and others within the Museum and on the outside.

Candidate Profile

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or related discipline - CPA is required.
• 7 to 10 years’ experience working in a mid to large size non-profit organization with a complex financial portfolio.
• Experience with financial accounting related to endowments, gift and pledge transactions and retail operations is required.
• Strong financial reporting
• Demonstrated leadership qualities with experience in hiring, training, coaching, and evaluating staff and addressing performance issues as necessary.
• Strong computer literacy. Experience with Oracle Cloud financial system desirable
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment while maintaining high degree of accuracy.
• Strong relationship management skills
• Must be committed to the Museum’s efforts in support of inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility (IDEA)
• An affinity for and interest in working in a cultural institution desirable
• Must be discreet in handling highly confidential and sensitive information.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience. The compensation for this position begins at $180,000; based on experience and ability to have broad impact early, the salary range could be up to $200,000. Note that the final salary will reflect internal equity and the selected candidate’s individual experiences and qualifications.

Contact

Koya Partners, the executive search firm that specializes in mission-driven search, has been exclusively retained for this engagement. Anthony Brown and Naree W.S. Viner of DSG/Koya Partners have been exclusively retained for this search. To express interest in this role please submit your materials [email protected]  All inquiries and discussions will be considered strictly confidential.

Koya Partners is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals living with disabilities. If you are a qualified individual living with a disability and need assistance expressing interest online, please email [email protected]. If you are selected for an interview, you will receive additional information regarding how to request an accommodation for the interview process.

Koya Partners is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages applications from people of color, persons with disabilities, women, and LGBTQ+ applicants.

About Koya Partners

Koya Partners, a part of Diversified Search Group, is a leading executive search and strategic advising firm dedicated to connecting exceptionally talented people with mission-driven clients. Our founding philosophy—The Right Person in the Right Place Can Change the World—guides our work as we partner with nonprofits & NGOs, institutions of higher education, responsible businesses, and social enterprises in local communities and around the world.  At Koya, we don’t just accept difference—we celebrate it, support it, and thrive on it for the benefit of our team, our clients, and the communities we serve. For more info visit koyapartners.com.