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Senior Accountant/Assistant Controller

POSITION OBJECTIVE:

The Phillips Collection is seeking a Senior Accountant/Assistant Controller to join its small and talented Finance team. This newly created role offers an exciting opportunity to shape and strengthen the museum’s financial operations.

The Senior Accountant/Assistant Controller is a key leader within the Finance team, responsible for ensuring the integrity of the museum’s financial records and supporting strategic financial operations. Initially, the role will focus on traditional accounting functions—such as journal entries, reconciliations, and record keeping—while driving improvements in financial systems and reducing manual processes.

Over time, the Senior Accountant/Assistant Controller will assume responsibilities that include financial reporting, audits, budgeting, compliance, endowment management, and strategic planning. The role requires independence, strong technical skills, and collaboration across departments to ensure accurate and timely financial information across the organization.

This is an excellent growth opportunity for a detail-oriented accounting professional eager to expand their knowledge and responsibilities and play a critical role in the museum’s financial future.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Core Accounting Functions and Operations

Ensure the accuracy and integrity of accounts payable and cash deposit processing, with day-to-day AP entry and bank deposit activities performed by the Accounting Assistant.
Prepare or review monthly reconciliations and journal entries including payroll and related journal entries, earned revenue, donations/memberships, miscellaneous revenue, fixed assets and depreciation, prepaids, investments, and operating cash.

Compliance and Reporting

Support annual audit and IRS 990 filings; ensure the organization’s financial practices comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and nonprofit accounting principles (e.g., GAAP).
Maintain existing accounting policies and support the development of new procedures as needed
Maintain and enhance financial accounting systems; identify and assist with opportunities for automation and process improvement.

Strategic and Collaborative Responsibilities

Serve as a key resource in a collaborative Finance team.
Provide support to the Controller in the following areas:

Annual budgeting and ongoing analysis and evaluation of operational budgets and variances.
Custom reports and analyses for leadership as needed.
Interaction with other internal departments to ensure effective fiscal procedures and accurate and timely reporting.
Preparation of materials for the Finance and Investment Committees and the Board of Trustees.

Perform other duties as assigned.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS & QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or a related field; CPA certification or an interest in pursuing CPA licensure viewed favorably.
3-5 years of senior-level accounting experience, preferably in a nonprofit environment.
Strong knowledge of GAAP and nonprofit financial reporting standards.
Advanced proficiency in Excel and experience with financial accounting systems.
Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy across all financial processes.
Adaptable and responsive to changing priorities and workflow demands.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Creative problem-solver with ability to identify and implement process improvements.

Requisition close date: April 30, 2026.

No phone calls, no recruiters, please.

About The Phillips Collection
The Phillips Collection, America’s first museum of modern art, is committed to innovation, creativity, and community engagement. Renowned internationally for the world-class excellence of its permanent collection, exhibitions, education, and community programs, The Phillips Collection has, for more than a century, existed as a jewel in the cultural landscape of DC. The Phillips benefits society by warmly welcoming and bringing people together in its intimate galleries to learn, discover, and to be inspired by the joy, beauty, and power of art. We value collaboration and seek team members who share our passion for art and excellence.

The Phillips Collection is an equal opportunity employer of qualified individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences. All employment decisions and personnel actions are conducted without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic disposition or carrier status, marital status, veteran status, personal appearance, gender identity or expression, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, or any other category protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.

Employment at The Phillips Collection is at-will. At-will means that you may terminate your employment at any time for any reason with or without notice and that The Phillips may terminate your employment at any time for any reason.

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