Senior Accountant

About MoMA PS1

PS1 was born out of New York’s alternative space movement in the 1970s, transforming an abandoned nineteenth Century schoolhouse in Long Island City, Western Queens, into a space for artists and their collaborators to generate ideas and present work. 

Located in what was once an industrial enclave, the institution has now become a creative landmark in the fastest growing residential neighborhood in the country. In 1976 PS1 was registered as an independent non-profit in a City-owned building, and in 1982 it became the first Cultural Institutions Group member (CIG) that focused on contemporary art as part of NYC’s Department of Cultural Affairs. Then, in 2000 PS1 also established an affiliation with the Museum of Modern Art and in 2010 it became known as MoMA PS1.

In 2022-23 we have a budget of approximately $11MM and are a team of around 50, led by an independent Board of Directors. Working with an evolving constellation of practitioners, neighbors, and partners, we are committed to the critical work of diversity, access, and inclusion. It is through these lenses that we examine and build our programs, relationships, and organizational culture. We champion how artists are at the intersection of the social, cultural, and political issues of their time. We center equity in how we work and what we do. 

We recognize that a successful candidate will meet many of the requirements listed on this job description, but may not meet 100% of the qualifications. If much of this job description describes you, we encourage you to apply for this role.

SUMMARY

The Senior Accountant at MoMA PS1 is responsible for managing the general ledger, month end close process, preparation of financial statements, and play a key role in the quarterly and annual budgeting process. The Senior accountant will liaison with other departments to help implement policies and procedures.

SUPERVISION

The Senior Accountant reports to the Director of Finance/CFO, and works in coordination with The Museum of Modern Art’s Accounting Department as needed.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Accounting 

1. Prepares and posts journal entries, and other adjusting entries, and performs monthly closing.
2. Reviews and analyzes accounts, and performs other analyses as required.
3. Performs all statutory reporting, including monthly sales tax filing, benefits reporting, and Departments of Cultural Affairs reporting. 
4. Helps prepare internal financial reports.
5. Lead the year-end audit, including preparing schedules and supplying auditors with necessary documents and information.
6. Provide accounting assistance on HR and payroll functions as needed and directed.

Budgeting and Forecasting 

• Monthly – Review budget to actuals, document areas of risk.
• Quarterly – Active participant in Quarterly reforecast and analysis.
• Annual – Active participant in Annual budgeting process. 

Governance

• Board, Finance Committee, and Audit Committee meeting prep.

On Going Projects

• Process flow and documentation. 
• Evaluate and implement meaning changes entire accounting and reporting cycle.
• Actively involved with Financial Force implementation and updates.
• Assist in developing staff training program.

Other Administration (10%)

1. Manages and ensures adherence to calendar of finance, accounting, HR, and other administrative deadlines.
2. Maintains all Finance Department documents and files, including managing database and scheduling Iron Mountain pickup and storage.
3. Administers corporate credit cards, including monthly reconciliations, new card requests, card limits, closed accounts, lost cards, and fraudulent activity.
4. Completes business forms, including credit applications, tax exempt forms, and resale certificates.
5. Other duties and special projects reasonably related to all of the above listed areas and as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

1. Bachelor’s degree in Finance or Accounting with related work experience, CPA candidate preferred.
2. Four to five years of professional experience in progressively responsible roles in accounting and finance, ideally in museums or other cultural/nonprofit organizations.
3. Demonstrated ability to effectively prioritize and manage time, juggle multiple duties and tasks, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
4. Exceptional organizational ability, analytical skills, and attention to detail.
5. Excellent judgment and discretion in handling confidential and sensitive information.
6. Demonstrated ability to solve problems creatively and initiate action. 
7. Ability to communicate effectively to different audiences such as staff, senior leadership and department heads.
8. Demonstrated ability to work independently, be proactive, and take initiative with minimal direction and guidance, balanced with skill in executing plans and tasks with precise and nuanced instructions.
9. Interest in and working knowledge of museums or the art, /cultural organizations in a contemporary art setting.
10. Extensive knowledge and proficiency with accounting software and administrative systems (e.g., Salesforce, Financial Force).
11. Superior skills in Excel, and advanced skills in other Microsoft Office suite, Word, Powerpoint, and Google apps.
12. Familiarity with ACME, Salesforce, Eventbrite, and Square software is preferred.