Staff Accountant

Museum Summary

Plimoth Patuxet Museums is a living history museum of the 17th-century that provides engaging and experiential outdoor and indoor learning environments on its main campus, and at Mayflower II on Plymouth’s waterfront, and at the Plimoth Grist Mill. Our permanent exhibits tell the complex and interwoven stories of two distinct cultures - English and Wampanoag.

Operating on a remarkable property overlooking Cape Cod Bay, Plimoth Patuxet brings the story of the United States’ early foundation to life for hundreds of thousands of visitors each year since its founding in 1947. The main exhibits are enhanced with an exciting array of special events, public programs and workshops that offer a rich and diverse exploration of the 17th-century.

Plimoth Patuxet Museums Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and are committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all employees.

Position Summary

The Staff Accountant will be responsible for performing general bookkeeping, and maintaining financial reports. A strong work ethic, attention to detail, and demonstrated knowledge of operational accounting and finance functions are a must.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

  • Prepare and maintain general ledger accounts and related journal entries.
  • Reconcile bank accounts, investment accounts, and other balance sheet accounts on a monthly basis.
  • Assist with month-end and year-end closing processes.
  • Prepare analysis and balance sheet reconciliation of various accounts
  • Process and review accounts payable and accounts receivable transactions as needed.
  • Monitor cash receipts and disbursements to ensure proper recording and documentation.
  • Assist with payroll accounting, including reconciliation of payroll-related accounts.
  • Support annual audits by preparing schedules, documentation, and responding to auditor requests.
  • Review financial transactions for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with internal controls.
  • Provide support for budget preparation and monitoring activities.
  • Maintain organized accounting records and supporting documentation.
  • Analyze financial reports and budget to actual reports for discrepancies and variance analysis
  • Assist department managers and leadership with financial information requests and reporting needs.
  • Sales Tax return preparation and filing with management review
  • Administer insurance payment control
  • Provide back up for A/P clerk
  • Ensure compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), organizational policies, and applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
  • Perform other accounting and finance-related duties as assigned.

This description is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, skills, requirements or working conditions associated with the job. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of key responsibilities of the job as it is at present, management reserves the right to revise the job or to require that other or different tasks be performed as assigned. This job description may be reviewed by management at any time either to ensure that it relates to the job currently being performed, or to incorporate changes. Management reserves the right to change a job description; and if/when doing so will discuss with the employee so that any changes are understood by the employee.

Required Skills

  • Strong analytical and organizational problem-solving  skills
  • Proficiency with accounting software and Microsoft Excel
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills, and polished interpersonal skills.
  • Knowledge of GAAP and standard accounting practices
  • Proficiency with accounting software and Microsoft Excel
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive financial information.
  • Strong attention to detail and ability to meet deadlines.

Education and Experience

  • Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance or related discipline preferred
  • 2+ years related experience and/or Non Profit accounting experience.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands outlined here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to perform successfully the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Duties may include:

  • Work sitting or standing, sometimes for extended periods of time.
  • Frequent use of a keyboard and mouse requires fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
  • Capable of lifting and moving objects up to 25 pounds.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

  • Work is generally sedentary in nature, but may require standing and/or walking for up to 20% of the time.
  • The working environment is generally favorable. Lighting and temperature are adequate, and there are no hazardous or unpleasant conditions caused by noise, dust, etc.
  • Work is generally performed within an office environment, with standard office equipment.

Additional Requirements

The Museum is open 7 days a week Mid-March through the end of November. You must be available to work some holidays, including Thanksgiving Day. Typical hours during the Museum’s Open Season (March-November) are 9:00am - 5:00pm, five days a week through the end of November, and 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Monday – Friday from December through March.

Position Type and Salary

  • Part-time, year-round
  • $30.00 - $33.00/hour

Core Commitments

Whether part-time or full-time, year-round or seasonal, all staff and volunteers at Plimoth Patuxet advance the Museum’s educational mission and strategic goals. They uphold the Museum’s core values and principles in their work and in all of their interactions with the public and with coworkers. This commitment helps to ensure that Plimoth Patuxet’s reputation for excellence is maintained and that, as stewards of the Museum, we are helping to create a relevant and sustainable future for Plimoth Patuxet Museums. The core principles that guide us in our work are:

  • Safety and Comfort
  • Compassionate Customer Experience
  • Professional Excellence
  • Personal Accountability
  • Advance a Culture of Philanthropy
  • Teamwork

Interested candidates are encouraged to apply by submitting a PDF file of your resume, and cover letter to apply@plimoth.org, or by submitting them by US mail to the following address:

Plimoth Patuxet Museums
Attn: Human Resources
137 Warren Avenue
Plymouth, MA 02360