Science Museum of Minnesota
Sr. Director of Finance & Accounting
Science Museum of Minnesota, Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States, 55130
The Science Museum of Minnesota’s mission is to inspire learning, inform policy, and improve lives through science. As a leading cultural and educational institution, we engage our community through interactive exhibits, educational programming, and scientific research that spark curiosity and discovery. We are deeply committed to diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion as essential to fulfilling our mission and strengthening our workplace culture.
POSITION OVERVIEW
The
Senior Director of Finance & Accounting
is a strategic and hands-on leader overseeing the Museum’s financial operations. Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, this role manages financial reporting, audits, cash flow, budgeting, forecasting, internal controls, and operational financial assessments. The Senior Director also partners with leadership and the Board on key financial initiatives and has four direct reports. We seek a collaborative, visible, and relationship-driven leader who thrives in a dynamic environment.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
Leadership & Team Development
Lead, inspire, and support the finance team, clarifying roles and providing training to maximize individual and organizational success. Strengthen communication and collaboration across departments; promote a positive and integrated accounting services approach. Partner with senior leadership and present regularly to the Audit and Finance Committee. Financial Planning & Analysis
Lead the budgeting process, financial reporting, analysis, and oversight of departmental and project budgets. Monitor results, cash flow, and investments to safeguard assets and align with organizational goals. Collaborate with CFO to maintain the Long-Range Financial Plan and lead value-added financial analysis projects. Accounting Operations
Oversee day-to-day accounting functions including accounts payable, receivable, payroll, grants, and fixed assets. Ensure accurate and timely monthly, quarterly, and year-end closes, including preparation of financial statements. Review journal entries, reconciliations, and analytics for complex account balances. Reporting, Audit & Compliance
Oversee GAAP financial reporting and ensure compliance with policies, grant requirements, and external regulations. Lead preparation and completion of audits (financial, A-133, 401(k), 990, and filings) in partnership with external auditors. Develop and evaluate accounting policies, providing stewardship of grants and contributions. Internal Controls & Risk Management
Maintain and monitor internal controls to safeguard assets and support accurate financial statements. Ensure systems, policies, and procedures enable effective program implementation and “no surprises” audits. Provide financial oversight for project budgets and approval processes. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education/Experience:
Bachelor’s degree in accounting; CPA required. Minimum of 10+ years of progressive accounting/financial management experience, including 2+ years in leadership at the Director/Controller level. Mission Alignment:
Passion for the mission of the Science Museum and commitment to advancing its values. Accounting & Finance Expertise:
Strong financial acumen with demonstrated expertise in accounting, fund management, GAAP compliance, and financial reporting. Ensures accurate, transparent reporting and effective stewardship of resources. Strategic Leadership:
Proven ability to align financial strategy with organizational goals, coach and mentor staff, hold teams accountable, and reward and recognize performance. Change Leadership:
Demonstrated success leading through change by assessing team capacity, communicating needs and outcomes, and effectively applying change models and tools. Communication & Collaboration:
Excellent communicator who fosters two-way dialogue, translates mission and strategic objectives into daily work, and is visible and approachable across the organization. Analytical & Technical Skills:
Proven ability to provide financial insights, conduct complex analysis, and leverage business intelligence tools to improve quality and efficiency. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Nonprofit Expertise:
Knowledge of nonprofit accounting, fund accounting, and grant stewardship. Advanced Education:
MBA or other advanced degree. Technology Skills:
Technology savvy, with experience leveraging accounting systems and emerging financial tools to improve efficiency and effectiveness. Operational Excellence:
Ability to prioritize multiple projects with tight deadlines while maintaining attention to detail and quality. COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
The compensation for this position is expected to be in the range of $140,000 to $160,000, reflective of the candidate’s experience, qualifications, and leadership capabilities. Comprehensive benefits package including: Hybrid schedule: work onsite at the museum three days per week Medical and Dental 403(b) Retirement Plan or Roth contributions Flex Accounts Short-Term Disability Long-Term Disability Life and AD&D Insurance Paid Time Off (PTO) Sick Time Paid Holidays Museum Discounts 26 Pay Periods Per Year
ABOUT SCIENCE MUSUEM OF MINNESOTA
Located in downtown St. Paul, MN, the Science Museum of Minnesota employs 250+ staff and engages a wide range of volunteers and interns. Our workplace values are: Curiosity, Collaboration, Inclusion, Integrity, and Excellence.
We are committed to building a diverse, equitable, and culturally competent team that reflects and serves our community. We strongly encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including Black, Indigenous, and people of color; immigrants and refugees; LGBTQIA+ individuals; people with disabilities; religious minorities; and the elderly.
The Science Museum of Minnesota is an Equal Opportunity Employer dedicated to an inclusive and welcoming workplace.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
POSITION OVERVIEW
The
Senior Director of Finance & Accounting
is a strategic and hands-on leader overseeing the Museum’s financial operations. Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, this role manages financial reporting, audits, cash flow, budgeting, forecasting, internal controls, and operational financial assessments. The Senior Director also partners with leadership and the Board on key financial initiatives and has four direct reports. We seek a collaborative, visible, and relationship-driven leader who thrives in a dynamic environment.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
Leadership & Team Development
Lead, inspire, and support the finance team, clarifying roles and providing training to maximize individual and organizational success. Strengthen communication and collaboration across departments; promote a positive and integrated accounting services approach. Partner with senior leadership and present regularly to the Audit and Finance Committee. Financial Planning & Analysis
Lead the budgeting process, financial reporting, analysis, and oversight of departmental and project budgets. Monitor results, cash flow, and investments to safeguard assets and align with organizational goals. Collaborate with CFO to maintain the Long-Range Financial Plan and lead value-added financial analysis projects. Accounting Operations
Oversee day-to-day accounting functions including accounts payable, receivable, payroll, grants, and fixed assets. Ensure accurate and timely monthly, quarterly, and year-end closes, including preparation of financial statements. Review journal entries, reconciliations, and analytics for complex account balances. Reporting, Audit & Compliance
Oversee GAAP financial reporting and ensure compliance with policies, grant requirements, and external regulations. Lead preparation and completion of audits (financial, A-133, 401(k), 990, and filings) in partnership with external auditors. Develop and evaluate accounting policies, providing stewardship of grants and contributions. Internal Controls & Risk Management
Maintain and monitor internal controls to safeguard assets and support accurate financial statements. Ensure systems, policies, and procedures enable effective program implementation and “no surprises” audits. Provide financial oversight for project budgets and approval processes. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education/Experience:
Bachelor’s degree in accounting; CPA required. Minimum of 10+ years of progressive accounting/financial management experience, including 2+ years in leadership at the Director/Controller level. Mission Alignment:
Passion for the mission of the Science Museum and commitment to advancing its values. Accounting & Finance Expertise:
Strong financial acumen with demonstrated expertise in accounting, fund management, GAAP compliance, and financial reporting. Ensures accurate, transparent reporting and effective stewardship of resources. Strategic Leadership:
Proven ability to align financial strategy with organizational goals, coach and mentor staff, hold teams accountable, and reward and recognize performance. Change Leadership:
Demonstrated success leading through change by assessing team capacity, communicating needs and outcomes, and effectively applying change models and tools. Communication & Collaboration:
Excellent communicator who fosters two-way dialogue, translates mission and strategic objectives into daily work, and is visible and approachable across the organization. Analytical & Technical Skills:
Proven ability to provide financial insights, conduct complex analysis, and leverage business intelligence tools to improve quality and efficiency. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Nonprofit Expertise:
Knowledge of nonprofit accounting, fund accounting, and grant stewardship. Advanced Education:
MBA or other advanced degree. Technology Skills:
Technology savvy, with experience leveraging accounting systems and emerging financial tools to improve efficiency and effectiveness. Operational Excellence:
Ability to prioritize multiple projects with tight deadlines while maintaining attention to detail and quality. COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
The compensation for this position is expected to be in the range of $140,000 to $160,000, reflective of the candidate’s experience, qualifications, and leadership capabilities. Comprehensive benefits package including: Hybrid schedule: work onsite at the museum three days per week Medical and Dental 403(b) Retirement Plan or Roth contributions Flex Accounts Short-Term Disability Long-Term Disability Life and AD&D Insurance Paid Time Off (PTO) Sick Time Paid Holidays Museum Discounts 26 Pay Periods Per Year
ABOUT SCIENCE MUSUEM OF MINNESOTA
Located in downtown St. Paul, MN, the Science Museum of Minnesota employs 250+ staff and engages a wide range of volunteers and interns. Our workplace values are: Curiosity, Collaboration, Inclusion, Integrity, and Excellence.
We are committed to building a diverse, equitable, and culturally competent team that reflects and serves our community. We strongly encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including Black, Indigenous, and people of color; immigrants and refugees; LGBTQIA+ individuals; people with disabilities; religious minorities; and the elderly.
The Science Museum of Minnesota is an Equal Opportunity Employer dedicated to an inclusive and welcoming workplace.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.