ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Museum Accounting Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Lakeside Book Company

Plant Controller

Kendallville, IN · On-site

$110K - $130K/yr

Lead all plant accounting and financial reporting activities with accuracy, timeliness and ... Unique spots like the Windmill Museum and Historic Downtown * A welcoming small-town atmosphere ...

GF Hotels & Resorts USA

Front Desk Agent

South Bend, IN

$14 - $17.75/hr

... Museum, and area shopping and dining. We have a great opportunity to join our team as a Front Desk ... complete Accounting System. Currently, GF partners with Hilton, Marriott,Hyatt, IHG, Choice ...

All JobsMuseum Accounting JobsMuseum Accounting Jobs in Indiana

Museum Accounting information

What is museum accounting?

Museum accounting is a specialized branch of accounting focused on managing and reporting the financial activities of museums. This includes budgeting, tracking donations and grant funds, managing endowments, and ensuring compliance with nonprofit financial regulations. Museum accountants also oversee the valuation and management of collections as assets, handle payroll, and prepare financial statements for audits and stakeholders. Their work ensures that museums remain financially sustainable and transparent in their operations.

What is the difference between Museum Accounting vs Museum Finance Coordinator?

AspectMuseum AccountingMuseum Finance Coordinator
Primary RoleManaging financial records, budgets, and accounting processes specific to museumsOverseeing financial planning, reporting, and coordination of budget activities within museums
Required CredentialsAccounting degree or CPA, familiarity with nonprofit accountingFinance or accounting background, often with project management skills
Work EnvironmentAccounting departments within museums, often in office settingsFinance teams in museum administration, involving collaboration across departments
Industry UsageCommonly used in museum financial managementUsed for financial planning and coordination in museums

While both roles involve financial responsibilities within museums, Museum Accounting focuses on managing financial records and compliance, whereas Museum Finance Coordinator emphasizes financial planning and coordination. Understanding these distinctions helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus within the museum industry.

What are some unique challenges faced by accountants working in a museum setting?

Accountants in museums often navigate complex funding structures, including grants, donations, and government subsidies, each with specific reporting requirements. They must also track and value diverse assets, such as art collections, which can present unique accounting and insurance considerations. Collaboration with curators, development staff, and external auditors is common, making strong communication skills essential. Additionally, museum accountants may be involved in budgeting for exhibitions and educational programs, requiring an understanding of both financial management and the museum's mission.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Museum Accountant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Museum Accountant, you need a solid background in accounting principles, financial reporting, and budgeting, typically supported by a degree in accounting or finance and relevant experience. Familiarity with accounting software (such as QuickBooks or Sage), fund accounting systems, and possibly a CPA certification are commonly required. Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and clear communication are essential for managing diverse funding sources and working with museum staff. These skills ensure accurate financial management, compliance with regulations, and effective support for the museum's mission and operations.
What are popular job titles related to Museum Accounting jobs in Indiana? For Museum Accounting jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Museum Accounting jobs in Indiana look for? The top searched job categories for Museum Accounting jobs in Indiana are:
Museum Accounting jobs near you
Infographic showing various Museum Accounting job openings in Indiana as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution.
Accounts Payable Staff Accountant

Accounts Payable Staff Accountant

The Children's Museum

Indianapolis, IN • On-site

$52K - $69K/yr

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago

Job description

OVERVIEW:
The Accounts Payable (AP) Staff Accountant is a member of the finance team of The Children's Museum of Indianapolis and is responsible for managing the organization's full-cycle accounts payable activities while supporting general accounting operations. The accountant performs daily transaction processing, purchase order and invoice review, weekly payment administration, month-end and year-end close support, audit preparation, and financial records management in a fast-paced, high-volume, multifaceted nonprofit environment. The incumbent applies sound accounting judgment, maintains accurate general ledger and vendor data, and helps strengthen internal controls, data governance, and process efficiency across the accounts payable function.
The Children's Museum is building and sustaining an inclusive culture that encourages, supports, and celebrates differences. We believe that collaboration and open dialogue among people with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives best support our vision and mission.
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
  1. Owns the end-to-end AP process, including invoice receipt, purchase order (PO) matching, coding review, data entry, payment preparation, and distribution in accordance with established policies and procedures. Reconciles receipts against open purchase orders, closes purchase orders upon full receipt, and ensures open encumbrances are accurate and current.
  2. Maintains accurate and up-to-date AP records, including vendor master data in the accounting system, and supports sound general ledger (GL) data governance practices. Maintains accurate supporting files for contractual POs and those prepared by centralized purchasing.
  3. Reviews invoices, POs, and requisitions for accuracy, completeness, appropriate coding, and authorization before posting. Reconciles AP activity to supporting records and resolves discrepancies promptly. Works closely with internal constituents and external vendors to resolve payment issues or discrepancies in a timely manner.
  4. Reviews invoice allocation reports for accuracy to make adjustments before processing weekly AP payments inclusive of ACH, wire, check, and other forms of payment. Matches supporting documentation and authorization with payment requests and distributes in accordance with museum policy and procedure.
  5. Adheres to organizational data governance processes and practices through effective AP records and database system management. Assists Accounting Manager with ongoing maintenance of standard operating procedures for AP system functions and internal controls.
  6. Prepares AP analyses and reports to support business needs, budget monitoring, open purchase order review, encumbrance tracking, and GL reconciliation as requested by the Accounting Manager. Notifies the Accounting Manager if significant discrepancies are detected and investigates the cause. Assists in the preparation of audit work papers by providing supporting documentation.
  7. Assists with month-end and year-end close activities, including accruals, prepaid expense recognition, adjusting journal entries, reconciliations, and related workpapers for accounts payable transactions. Supports audit requests and regulatory reporting related to payables, including preparation of annual 1099 and 1096 reporting for applicable vendors and annuitants.
  8. Identifies opportunities to streamline department workflows, strengthen internal controls, and improve the efficiency and accuracy of AP processes through the optimization of systems and technology usage.
  9. Provides guidance and training to staff on AP policies and procedures and helps ensure compliance with internal controls.

REQUIREMENTS:
  1. Three (3) years of experience with comparable accounts payable functions; bachelor's degree in accounting, business, or finance preferred.
  2. Experience in a not-for-profit environment utilizing grants preferred.
  3. Demonstrated diligence and thorough knowledge of GL data entry and accounting software.
  4. Effective communication skills both verbal and written to effectively communicate with internal constituents and external vendors.
  5. Critical thinking skills to prioritize work and problem solve AP issues.
  6. Demonstrates understanding and proficiency with Microsoft Excel. Working knowledge of other Microsoft Office and Financial Edge NXT accounting software or equivalent accounting software.
  7. Demands appreciation and respect for confidentiality of highly personal information.

ADA REQUIREMENTS:
  1. Required to engage in detailed verbal and email communications with staff and vendors. Must be able to engage in face-to-face, virtual and telephonic communications.
  2. Dexterity for efficient and high-capacity keyboard input as well as high volume of paperwork processing.
  3. Must be able to sit or stand for extended periods of time. Must be able to negotiate museum facility and campus.
  4. Must be able to lift up to 25lbs and tolerate dust in the environment.

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.

Apply