Organization: Mount Auburn Cemetery comprises 175 acres and is situated in Watertown and Cambridge near Boston, Massachusetts. Founded in 1831, and now visited by over 200,000 people each year, Mount Auburn is a National Historic Landmark, recognized as the first rural cemetery and the inspiration for the American Parks Movement during the 19th century. As an active cemetery, Mount Auburn inspires all who visit, comforts the bereaved, and commemorates the dead in a landscape of exceptional beauty. As an accredited arboretum, Mount Auburn features 5,000 trees and more than 20,000 plants overall.
Role and Responsibilities: The Accounting Manager reports to the Senior Director of Finance (SD) and is responsible for all routine financial transactions; for the monthly financial statements and year-end closing of books; supervises the Staff Accountant and the P.T. Finance Specialist; assists the SD in the preparation of annual operating, capital budgets and annual audits; and carries out special projects for the SD. This position summary is for both organizations, the Cemetery and Friends.
- Handle financial work and reports of the Cemetery, Friends and Retirement Plan
- Review federal and state tax returns for the Cemetery and Friends
- Prepare all necessary filings (such as Sales Tax Returns, Annual Reports, Form 3ABC, Forms 1099 and 990, etc.)
- Reconcile financial activity between accounting systems and other databases (such as Blackbaud Altru, PlotFinder, ADP)
- Manage all aspects of general accounting, accounts payable, accounts receivable, disbursements, billings and receivables, account and bank reconciliations and payroll coordination
- Utilize accounting and spreadsheet software to accurately maintain all general ledger accounts, reconciles bank statements, conduct monthly and year end closing procedures, and prepares the monthly financial statements
- Monitor cash flow to ensure funds are available to meet organization-wide operating needs
- Maintain the records of the organization's fixed assets
- Work with SD to manage Prophix and prepare spreadsheets for budget process, train users and answer questions as budget questions arise. Assist in preparing final spreadsheets for Trustee meetings regarding the budget.
- Work with SD to identify, develop, implement and communicate business and fiscal policies and procedures that ensure accountability, efficiency and effective use of resources and internal controls
- Work with SD to ensure the Cemetery's and Friends' compliance with federal, state and local regulations regarding filings, charitable solicitations and non-profit tax-exempt status
- Work with SD to maintain relationships and appropriate documentation with banks, brokerage firms, investment managers and other financial institutions the Cemetery or Friends does business with
- Work with SD and the other department heads to produce all necessary reports
- Work with SD in preparation of periodic reports to the Trustees
- Work with SD in maintaining all insurance policies. Assist in yearly renewals, and work with insurance companies to procure payment for property damage
- Work with SD in the annual audits of the Cemetery, Friends and Retirement Plan
- Supervise Staff Accountant and the P.T. Finance Specialist, as part of the Accounts Receivable function including oversight of deposits for accuracy and timeliness as well as oversight of vendor billing and payments
- Act as primary staff liaison for employees with financial questions
- Train staff on understanding financial policies and procedures and reports
- Carry out special projects for the SD as requested
Qualifications and Experience include but are not limited to: - Four years of experience required
- Working knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and standards of financial accounting and reporting as established by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB)
- Experience with computer programs related to accounting and financial management, especially in Microsoft Excel. Also, experience with Microsoft Office, including Access, Word and Outlook.
- Desirable - experience with the non-profit sector
- Desirable - an interest in history and/or horticulture
REQUIRED COMPETENCIES: - Demonstrated skill in dealing with internal customers
- Demonstrated excellence in organizational skills and the ability to prioritize and handle multiple tasks efficiently
- Demonstrated ability to be innovative, think strategically and carry out strategic and long-range planning
- Achievement oriented with a strong desire to set challenging objectives for self and others and to find better or more efficient methods to accomplish tasks
- Demonstrated ability to prepare and manage complex budgets required
- Demonstrated ability in communications, both verbally and in writing
- Demonstrated ability to maintain a professional demeanor
- Demonstrated ability to participate creatively and cooperatively as a team member in the decision-making process required
- Intellectual ability to understand and articulate the Cemetery's role in history and its relevance to contemporary life
- Ability to be flexible and creative as work demands change
- Aptitude for detail and accuracy
- Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and sensitive information
- Support the mission and strategic direction of the Cemetery
- Research and analytical skills to determine needs and present data to key decision-makers
Required Qualifications and Experience include but are not limited to: - Experience with the non-profit sector
- An interest in history and/or horticulture
- Sage 300 (our general ledger application)
- Prophix (budgeting software)
Required physical demands include but are not limited to: - The person in this position needs to occasionally move about inside the office to access file cabinets, office machinery, etc.
- The person in this position needs to occasionally move about other areas of the Cemetery including the Chapels, Greenhouse and Operations Center, to meet with staff, arrange meetings, etc.
Mount Auburn Cemetery is an equal-opportunity employer. It does not discriminate in employment opportunities on the basis of race, color, ancestry, religion, gender, national origin, age, pregnancy, citizenship status, physical or mental ability, military status, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by law.