Director of Accounting

Exempt & Full-time 
Location: 929 E. Wisconsin Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53202
Reports to: Chief Executive Officer

Our Mission
Inspire all children to wonder and explore their world through play and innovative, hands-on learning experiences.

About Betty Brinn Children’s Museum
At Betty Brinn Children’s Museum, inspire wonder through play. The ultimate destination where your child can play, learn and grow. At Betty Brinn Children’s Museum, every visit sparks curiosity and learning. Explore interactive exhibits designed to fuel your child’s imagination while helping them develop everlasting skills.

Become a Valued Member of the Betty Brinn Children’s Museum (BBCM) Team!
We are seeking enthusiastic, positive, and driven team players who are passionate about early childhood education to help us achieve our mission of providing ALL children with high-quality, hands-on, and playful learning experiences. At BBCM, we believe that teamwork thrives through supportive and collaborative discussions. We are committed to investing in our team members' professional growth and celebrating curious minds.

Our Team Values: 

• Make Memories: Deliver unforgettable experiences to families. Create a spark and find the magic, helping each guest write their unique story 
• Raise Your Hand: Jump in, check-in, be all in. Bring your best and work together. Show the team and your guests that they can depend on you. 
• Be an Explorer: Be curious and open. Keep your gears moving. Bring childlike energy to navigating challenges and discover new possibilities. 
• Everyone Counts: Be kind to all. Initiate a positive impact in our community. See the potential in every child and make everyone feel like they are a line leader. 
• Be More Than a Museum: Be a launchpad for life-long learning. Help families create connections and experience opportunities that lead to brighter futures and a stronger Milwaukee. 
• Feel the Fun: Radiate joy and delight in our purpose. Embrace the exciting unpredictability of every day.  

At the Museum, we are dedicated to providing equal employment opportunities for all employees and job applicants. We prohibit any form of discrimination or harassment based on race, color, religion, age, gender, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. 

Position Summary:
The Director of Accounting is the Museum’s sole finance professional, responsible for managing all accounting functions, from daily operations to strategic financial planning. This is a hands-on role that blends accounting execution with leadership, requiring deep technical skill, the ability to communicate financial insights, and a commitment to supporting the museum’s mission through financial stewardship.

The ideal candidate is proactive, detail-oriented, and thrives in a small team environment, working across departments and with the Board of Directors to ensure financial transparency, compliance, and long-term sustainability.

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Serve as the key financial advisor to the CEO and executive leadership team. 
• Present financial reports, forecasts, and risk assessments to the Board of Directors and Finance Committee. 
• Act as the staff liaison to the Finance Committees of the Board of Directors and the Foundation.
• Lead the annual budgeting process, aligning resources with organizational goals and priorities. 
• Partner across departments to support data-informed decision-making through accurate financial analysis. 
• Monitor and forecast financial performance to support strategic planning and ensure effective cash flow management.

Accounting Operations

• Oversee and perform all core accounting functions, including general ledger management, accounts payable and receivable, payroll, and fixed asset accounting.
• Manage monthly, quarterly, and year-end close processes to ensure timely and accurate financial reporting.
• Collaborate with the Director of People and Culture to ensure compliant and accurate payroll processing.
• Work closely with the Development team to track grant income and expenditures, ensuring compliance with grant terms.
• Lead the development, implementation, and monitoring of program and departmental budgets in partnership with department heads, ensuring alignment with grant and funder requirements.
• Serve as the primary liaison with external auditors, preparing schedules and leading all phases of the audit process.
• Oversee timely and accurate filing of tax documents, including IRS Form 990, sales/use tax, and business registrations.
• Maintain and reconcile the fixed asset register, ensuring proper coding and monthly depreciation.
• Develop and maintain detailed cash flow projection models to support budgeting, grant planning, and financial decision-making.
• Design and improve financial systems, internal controls, and reporting tools; create dashboards to monitor and communicate organizational performance.
• Prepare clear, accurate financial reports and presentations for the Board of Directors and relevant committees.

Reporting & Compliance

• Prepare GAAP-compliant financial statements and ensure compliance with all relevant federal, state, and local regulations. 
• Monitor financial risk and ensure adherence to internal financial policies and procedures. 
• Complete and submit grant, funder, and program-specific financial reports accurately and on time. 
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field (Master’s degree or CPA highly preferred). 
• 5–7 years of progressive experience in nonprofit financial management, including 3+ years in a leadership role.

Skills and Abilities

• Proven nonprofit financial experience, including fund accounting, grant compliance, and preparation of IRS Form 990.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP, nonprofit accounting standards, and applicable federal, state, and local compliance requirements.
• Proficiency with financial systems, CRM platforms, and data infrastructure (e.g., QuickBooks, Salesforce, Bill.com, Paylocity and donor databases), and a joy for using systems that make things run smoothly.

• Strategic thinking and the ability to align financial management with organizational goals. 
• Proven leadership with a track record of fostering accountability and cross-functional collaboration.
• Highly analytical and detail-oriented; adept at interpreting financial data and generating actionable insights.
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills, including the ability to convey complex financial information clearly to non-financial stakeholders.
• High level of discretion, integrity, and professionalism when handling confidential or sensitive information.
• Solutions-oriented with a proactive approach to identifying risks and implementing improvements.
• Positive, can-do attitude with a strong commitment to advancing the Museum's mission. 
• Motivated self-starter with strong time management and prioritization skills.

Benefits & Salary: 

BBCM offers a generous benefits package, including but not limited to the following:

• Medical Insurance (BBCM pays 80% of cost)
• Dental Insurance (BBCM pays 80% of cost)
• Vision, Critical Illness, Accidental Insurance, Supplementary Life, and Accidental Death  Dismemberment eligibility
• HSA with employer contributions
• HRA employer-paid plan
• Employer-paid plans for Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance &
• Long-Term Disability
• 401k with the Museum contributing 5% at year-end (not matching every pay period)
• 18 days PTO
• Dedicated Sick Time 
• Nine Paid Holidays 

Application Process & Important Information:

• Only candidates who complete the entire application will be considered for this role. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
• Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to respond to individual inquiries regarding the status of applications. If selected for an interview, you will be contacted directly.

Any employment offer is contingent upon successfully passing a criminal background check and verification of professional references demonstrating excellence.