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Museum Accounting Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Staff Accountant

Boston, MA ยท On-site

$85K - $95K/yr

... accounting activities, prepares and reviews financial reports, and contributes to the integrity of the Museum's financial records. Essential Functions: * Prepare journal entries and account ...

Staff Accountant

Boston, MA ยท On-site

$59K - $78K/yr

... Museum's books. Submit reconciliations for monthly review by Manager. * Assist the Controller and Manager in the annual financial statement audit in accordance with generally accepted accounting ...

$102K - $158K/yr

... Museum is reported with any negative balances. Sends a daily donated cash position report to the CFO, Senior Financial Management Advisor, Controller, Budget Director, and Financial Accounting ...

Controller

Dallas, TX ยท On-site

Finance & Accounting Benefits: Full Museum Benefits Schedule: M-F, 9am-5pm Salary Range: Commensurate with experience Mission : The Dallas Museum of Art is a space of wonder and discovery where art ...

Finance & Accounting Benefits: Full Museum Benefits Schedule: M-F, 9am-5pm Salary Range: Commensurate with experience Mission : The Dallas Museum of Art is a space of wonder and discovery where art ...

Controller

Dallas, TX ยท On-site

Finance & Accounting Benefits: Full Museum Benefits Schedule: M-F, 9am-5pm Salary Range: Commensurate with experience Mission : The Dallas Museum of Art is a space of wonder and discovery where art ...

Director of Finance

Toledo, OH ยท On-site

$150 - $210/hr

The ideal candidate will be both rigorous with financial accounting and growth-oriented in approaching the Museum's business and operating model. The Director of Finance directly leads the Museum ...

Director of Finance

Toledo, OH ยท On-site

$122K - $144K/yr

The ideal candidate will be both rigorous with financial accounting and growth-oriented in approaching the Museum's business and operating model. The Director of Finance directly leads the Museum ...

Showing results 21-40

Museum Accounting information

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How much do museum accounting jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for museum accounting in the United States is $22.08, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.75 and $24.52 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.
More about Museum Accounting jobs
What cities are hiring for Museum Accounting jobs? Cities with the most Museum Accounting job openings:
What states have the most Museum Accounting jobs? States with the most job openings for Museum Accounting jobs include:
Infographic showing various Museum Accounting job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 7% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,928 per year, or $22.1 per hour.

Senior Staff Accountant

Museum of Fine Arts

Boston, MA โ€ข On-site

$85K - $95K/yr

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

Position Overview:

Reporting to the Assistant Controller, this role plays a critical part in ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant financial operations. The Senior Accountant supports daily, monthly and year-end accounting activities, prepares and reviews financial reports, and contributes to the integrity of the Museum’s financial records.

Essential Functions:

  • Prepare journal entries and account reconciliations, review journal entries and account reconciliations, and actively participate in month end close.
  • Manage full-cycle fixed asset accounting, including capitalization, depreciation, disposals, and reconciliations to ensure accurate financial reporting.
  • Review cash transactions (journal entries, AR, cash management system, etc.), and cash reconciliations regularly.
  • Ensure proper utilization of the chart of accounts (COA) structure which supports fund accounting, donor restrictions, endowment activity, and institutional financial reporting requirements. The COA is designed to accurately report donor-restricted and unrestricted funds, as well as other financial statement schedules which are integral to the Museum’s reporting requirements.
  • Support multiple areas of the monthly, quarterly, and year-end accounting cycles, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll accounts, accruals, depreciation, and prepaid expenses.
  • Prepare and review monthly financial reports to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance with GAAP.
  • Provide oversight and direction to the Staff Accountant(s) and serve as a resource to Finance team members and Museum colleagues.
  • Collaborate with Budget and Financial Planning, Treasury Management, Purchasing, Payroll, and operational departments to support budgeting, expenditure controls, and accurate accounting.
  • Support the annual external audit by preparing schedules, providing support and samples, supporting the preparation of the audited financial statements, and ensuring timely documentation of other requests.
  • Cross-train Finance colleagues and maintain documentation to ensure proper backup for key responsibilities.
  • Safeguard Museum assets through periodic inventories and reconciliation procedures.
  • Collaborate with Budget and Financial Planning, Treasury Management, Procurement, Payroll, and operational departments to support budgeting, expenditure controls, and accurate accounting.
  • Assist in developing, documenting, and maintaining accounting policies and internal controls.
  • Prepare regulatory filings and reports for federal, state, and local agencies.
  • Participate in system upgrades, process improvements, and implementation projects.
  • Perform ad hoc analysis, reporting, and special projects assigned.


Requirements and Characteristics:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Accounting
  • Master’s degree in Accounting and CPA designation is preferred, but not required
  • Five to seven years in related industry or 2 years in public accounting
  • Strong understanding of GAAP and experience in non-profit organizations
  • Critical thinker and self-starter with ability to work independently, problem-solve and prioritize tasks
  • Ability to work with various internal and external constituents
  • Communicate clearly and effectively, complete work accurately and meet deadlines
  • Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks and complete within stated deadlines
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Excel, Word, etc. Oracle experience a plus
  • Detail-oriented with a focus on accuracy
  • Discreet in handling sensitive and confidential information
  • Interest in or affinity for working in a cultural or non-profit setting desirable


The Museum reserves the right to change job descriptions. While this job description is intended to include essential duties, it is conceivable that job duties may change before the job description is officially revised.


Salary and Schedule:

Full-Time Salary, 35 hours per week

$85,000 - $95,000, commensurate with experience

This position is affiliated with the United Auto Workers Union


The MFA is an equal opportunity employer. The community and audience we serve is diverse, and we wish to foster that diversity in our workplace. Toward that end, the MFA does not discriminate against individuals in hiring, employment or promotion on the basis of race, religion, color, sex/gender, gender identity and gender expression, age, marital status, national origin, sexual orientation, citizenship, handicap or disability, veteran or military status, political belief, pregnancy, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law.