Controller

Full-time

Description

THE MUSEUM

Founded in 1929, Mystic Seaport Museum is the nation’s pre-eminent maritime museum, and its mission is to inspire an enduring connection to the American maritime experience. The Museum is unwavering in its commitment to present America’s maritime history, culture, and artifacts, which underlie their unique national character and inform how the economic foundation of this great country was created. The vision for the Museum is to redefine the interchange of maritime heritage and contemporary culture.

Mystic Seaport Museum's assets include a 30-acre campus along the Mystic River, a state-of-the-art Collections and Research Center, four National Historic Landmark vessels, including the Charles W. Morgan, built in 1841, the last surviving wooden whaling ship from the great days of sail; the H.B. duPont Preservation Shipyard; the world’s largest collection of watercraft and maritime photographs; an authentically re-created 19th century coastal village; and the Nation’s most extensive (non-Naval) maritime library. Mystic Seaport Museum also offers visitors educational programs for all ages, ranging from summer day camp and sailing lessons to unique higher education programs, including the Williams-Mystic Maritime Studies Program in a long-standing partnership with Williams College. The Museum has multiple distinct and diverse lines of business, including retail gift shops, restaurants, catering and other food venues, intellectual property development and marketing, a sail training vessel, as well as numerous membership programs.

THE WORKPLACE

Working at Mystic Seaport Museum offers a unique opportunity to be part of the nation’s leading maritime museum, dedicated to preserving and celebrating America’s rich seafaring heritage. Employees enjoy a collaborative and inclusive environment that values diversity and fosters professional growth. The museum provides comprehensive benefits, including healthcare, dental, and vision plans; retirement planning with employer contributions; generous paid time off; and professional development opportunities.

Situated in the picturesque town of Mystic, Connecticut, the museum’s scenic waterfront location enhances the work experience, offering a low-stress atmosphere where staff members often highlight the beautiful surroundings and supportive colleagues. Whether you’re passionate about history, education, or maritime culture, Mystic Seaport Museum is a place where your work contributes to meaningful storytelling and community engagement.?

The Controller is a senior museum position responsible for oversight over the day-to-day accounting operations, the monthly close process, financial statement preparation, internal controls, and audits. The Controller will supervise an Accounting Team of four.

Essential Functions:

Timely and accurate financial reporting in compliance with GAAP

Establish, improve, and maintain a comprehensive set of internal controls, policies, and procedures

Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements including statements of financial position, statements of activities, and statements of cash flows

Responsible for preparation for the annual audit, the 990, and other filings. Liaison with external auditors throughout the year

Review and analyze operating performance, including conducting monthly budget versus actual reporting and variance analyses

Maintain fixed asset schedules, lease schedules, net assets schedules, and financial files and records

Assist in preparation of annual operating and capital budgets

Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local financial regulations

Supervise, mentor, and develop accounting staff, fostering a collaborative and high-performance team culture

Other duties as assigned

Requirements

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, CPA preferred

Seven+ years of accounting management experience in a complex organization with a budget of $20mm or more

Not-for-profit and complex restricted fund/grant accounting experience preferred

Sage Intacct and Tessitura experience preferred, but not required

Meticulous attention to detail, ability to prioritize, and high ethical standards

Excellent critical thinking skills, strong work ethic and the ability to learn quickly are musts

Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work with others in a positive team environment

Salary Description

120,000 - 135,000 annually