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Museum Accounting Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

Job Summary Oversees the museum operations, provides for the collection and preservation ... Knowledge of accounting and budgeting. Knowledge of rules and regulations regarding non-profit ...

Museum Accounting information

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$13

$22

$30

How much do museum accounting jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for museum accounting in Wisconsin is $22.29, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.94 and $24.76 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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?

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 Wisconsin? For Museum Accounting jobs in Wisconsin, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Museum Accounting jobs in Wisconsin look for? The top searched job categories for Museum Accounting jobs in Wisconsin are:
Infographic showing various Museum Accounting job openings in Wisconsin as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,357 per year, or $22.3 per hour.

$95K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 26 days ago


Brown County (Wisconsin) rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 15 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

647th of 841 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Job Summary Oversees the museum operations, provides for the collection and preservation/conservation of relevant and significant objects of art, history, and science from or used in Northeast Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan; interprets collections and educates residents through exhibits, programming, research, and publications. Assumes overall responsibility for the museum's community relations. Essential Duties Manages the museum operation, development, coordination, and promotion of museum programs; monitors time, people, equipment, and other resources for the department to ensure efficient organization and completion of work.

Collaborates with the Neville Public Museum Foundation Board and its Executive Director to coordinate, promote, and market museum programs, exhibitions, educational opportunities, community partnerships, and other plans to align with the goals and objectives of the department. Plans, develops, presents, and implements the annual budget; monitors expenditures and controls expenses for the department; enforces cost control measures, eliminates redundant systems, and establishes and implements departmental cost measurements to ensure compliance with budget limitations. Develops and implements annual work plan which outlines goals and objectives of the department based upon the needs of Brown County; coordinates the work performed by the department and ensures projects are completed in a timely manner.

Interviews, selects, supervises, plans, coordinates, and assigns the work of staff and (specified contracted employees) develops their potential, monitors, and evaluates their performance and work output to maintain efficiency and quality of work; participates in and makes decisions concerning grievances and discipline; participates in contract negotiations. Plans long-range goals, objectives, organizational structure, and overall direction for the department; monitors, reviews and communicates the implementation phases of the department's strategic plans to ensure that long-range goals and objectives are met. Develops, communicates, implements, and monitors policies, procedures, and standards for the department; conducts staff meetings to review progress, accomplishments, budgets, strategies, and plans for the department; ensures quality standards and compliance with regulations are maintained.

Serves as the primary liaison between the County, the Museum, local museum organizations, and the Museum Foundation. Represents the Museum at public events and functions, acts as its spokesperson to the media, and approves all news releases. Participates in local, state, and regional committees and engages with local cultural organizations on the Museum's behalf.

Consistently projects a positive and professional image of the Museum. Researches, develops, and implements alternative sources of revenue including grant proposals, special events, endowment, and ensures compliance with grant requirements. Plans, develops and implements marketing and advertising strategies to promote the Museum and its programs.

Prepares oral and written reports on Museum activities, budget and personnel to County Executive, boards, and committees in an accurate and complete manner; works with joint county/corporation committee to formulate long-range goals and provide for implementation. Plans exhibit scheduling with curators; makes final decisions as to yearly exhibit schedule. Makes final decisions regarding programming, collections management policies and educational programs; gives lectures to local organizations, businesses, and schools pertaining to the museum, the exhibits, programs, and related subject matters; answers public inquiries; maintains up-to-date knowledge and awareness of topics of interest in museum administration and programming; maintains current information regarding museums and ensures museum is practicing within compliance and accepted form.

Maintains and upgrades professional knowledge, skills, and development by attending seminars, workshops and training programs and reading trade and professional journals and publications. MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT USED: General office equipment Computer Minimum Qualifications Required Education and Experience: Bachelors Degree from an accredited university or college in Business or Public Administration, Museum Studies or related field. Five (5) to seven (7) years of executive level experience in market analysis and fund development designed to meet the organization's strategic plan or carry out the organization's mission; or any equivalent combination of education, training and experience which provides the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities.

Licenses and Certifications: Valid Wisconsin Driver's License. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Knowledge of museum operations including collections, exhibits, education, and programming. Knowledge of basic management principles and techniques.

Knowledge of accounting and budgeting. Knowledge of rules and regulations regarding non-profit organizations and museums. Knowledge of public relations.

Knowledge of planning and marketing. Knowledge of governmental structures. Knowledge of and ability to utilize a computer and the required software.

Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Ability to make verbal and written presentations. Ability to effectively manage people.

Ability to write grants. Ability to research and compile information. Ability to market and promote the museum.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff and the public. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Lifting 50 pounds maximum with frequent lifting and/or carrying of objects weighing up to 40 pounds. Intermittent standing, walking, and sitting; occasional driving.

Using hand(s)/feet for repetitive single grasping, fine manipulation, pushing and pulling, and operating controls. Occasional bending, twisting, squatting, climbing, reaching, and grappling. Communicating orally in a clear manner.

Distinguishing sounds at various frequencies and volumes. Distinguishing people or objects at varied distances under a variety of light conditions. Brown County is an E-Verify employer.

Click the links below for more information. https://www.browncountywi.gov/i/f/files/Human-Resources/E-Verify%20Participation%20Poster(1).pdf https://www.browncountywi.gov/i/f/files/Human-Resources/IER%20Right%20to%20Work%20Poster.pdf


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