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Museum Accounting Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Gift Processing Specialist

Bloomfield, MI · On-site

$16.25 - $21/hr

Comprised of a graduate Academy of Art, contemporary Art Museum, Center for Collections and ... accounting or gift processing. * Demonstrated excellent math/calculation skills, including the ...

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 Michigan? For Museum Accounting jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Museum Accounting job openings in Michigan as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Gift Processing Specialist

Employment | Cranbrook

Bloomfield Hills, MI

$16.25 - $21/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 days ago


Job description

Gift Processing Specialist

Founded by Detroit philanthropists George and Ellen Booth in 1904, Cranbrook Educational Community is one of the world’s leading centers of education, science, and art. Comprised of a graduate Academy of Art, contemporary Art Museum, Center for Collections and Research, House and Gardens, Institute of Science, and more than 1,600 students attending our Pre-K through 12 independent college preparatory Schools, Cranbrook welcomes thousands of visitors and students to its campus each year. Critics have called Cranbrook “the most enchanted and enchanting setting in America” and in 1989 it was designated a National Historic Landmark. The campus is located in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, about 20 miles north of downtown Detroit. For more, please visit our website: www.cranbrook.edu.

The Gift Processing Specialist is responsible for the processing and reconciliation of gifts to the Cranbrook Educational Community (“CEC”) on the development database, Raiser’s Edge NXT. In addition, this position is also responsible for accurately entering and maintaining biographical, address, degree, and other information in Raiser’s Edge; assisting in other database clean-up, including salutations, creating new records; and researching and recording deaths and other important information on CEC’s constituents.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: 

  • Process all gifts to the CEC community. This includes preparing and reconciling all deposits; scanning, marking and electronically filing source documentation of gifts; posting gift information into Raiser’s Edge; depositing funds; and running all reports associated with the information posted.
  • Assist with the generation of tax receipts, including such tasks as merging reports to generate receipts; reviewing information for accuracy; and printing, stuffing, and mailing receipts, as directed.
  • Maintain and keep current all database records with accurate and updated information and identify and assist with database clean-up projects.
  • Assist in reporting functions using Raiser’s Edge, as requested.
  • Provide customer service to donors and the public via telephone and email. Communicate clearly and appropriately with donors to address questions or concerns and to clarify gift instructions. Respond to inquiries accurately and timely.
  • Manage the filing and paperwork associated with Advancement Services responsibilities such as gift processing, data maintenance, and research.
  • Maintain confidentiality of all database records, donor information and materials received or reviewed.
  • Provide support to and assist in training of Advancement personnel on database functionality and clarification of data.
  • Provide office or administrative assistance within Advancement where needed and perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

  • High School diploma or GED required; Bachelor’s degree or Associate’s degree or technical school training in computer or secretarial science preferred.
  • Must demonstrate proficiency and high degree of accuracy in database entry and have experience using queries to extract information from databases.
  • A minimum of 3 years working in Raiser’s Edge in a non-profit organization or at least 3 years of demonstrated experience with data entry in accounting or gift processing.
  • Demonstrated excellent math/calculation skills, including the capability to accurately reconcile gift deposits.
  • A demonstrated high degree of attention to detail.
  • Experience in nonprofit fundraising with basic knowledge of fundraising concepts and databases would be a plus.
  • Must be able to effectively communicate both in writing and orally with a variety of individuals, including volunteers, donors, colleagues, and CEC leadership.
  • A high level of accuracy and attention to detail is needed in this position as well as the ability to organize and prioritize tasks.
  • Demonstrated ability to work with confidential information.

Cranbrook offers competitive compensation and benefits that include medical, dental, life insurance, long-term and short-term disability, and retirement programs with employer contribution. We also offer generous paid time off, 11 paid holidays and 3 floating holidays, employee discounts, and a unique environment in an educational setting that values collaboration.

For consideration, please submit a resume and cover letter.