Finance and Admin Associate

The Burchfield Penney Art Center is a museum dedicated to the art and vision of Charles E. Burchfield and the art and artists of Buffalo and our region. Through our affiliation with SUNY Buffalo State University, we encourage learning and celebrate our richly creative, diverse community. We commit to inspiring, investing in, and celebrating artists' historical and contemporary accomplishments. We will energize the WNY community and SUNY Buffalo State University through meaningful experiences and sustain and enhance our culture and environment through our decisions and actions.

We recognize that every visitor, artist, volunteer, and staff member has unique lived experiences. We commit to celebrating and reflecting our community's diversity through the arts. Together, we are empowered to think, learn, and grow.

We are dedicated to building a diverse staff that reflects our mission and community.

Our collection is home to more than 12,000 works of art by more than 680 artists spanning the late 19th century through the present. It includes the world's most extensive collection of artworks and ephemera by acclaimed watercolorist Charles E. Burchfield (1893-1967). Founded in 1966, Burchfield Penney has a remarkable history and is a crucial member of the Buffalo cultural community.

Our building is a stunning 80K square-foot museum with programs and art exhibitions that change throughout the year. The Art Center spaces include a 159-seat auditorium, a 35-seat Boardroom, Reception Area with room for 125 seated and 250 standing. The space is available for rent depending upon programming and exhibitions. The Manager of Rentals and Events has a variety of roles within the Center and is responsible for a range of activities. As a public-facing part of our team, the Manager, needs to be positive, friendly, and a strong representative of our organization.

Position Summary:

The Finance & Admin Associate (FAA) is responsible for supporting the accounting functions of the Burchfield Penney Art Center (Center) including data input to the Accounts Payable system and General Ledger system. They will also be responsible for supporting the Chief of Staff in meeting organization and general admin. Additionally, they will be assigned special projects to support and or oversee.

The FAA works independently with supervision from the Director of Finance and the Chief of Staff and will work with all departments on finance and budget related inquiries and in support of the Chief of Staff.

Essential Functions:

Accounting and Reporting - 60% (Variable)

• Supports the processing of daily and weekly accounting functions including reconciliations of cash receipts from PayPal, Shopify, and other systems, assists in reconciliation of daily cash balances, and processes daily and monthly journal entries into the accounting system.
• Supports the monthly closing of the general ledger, including reconciliation of subsystems, and preparation of monthly reporting including manual creation of reports.
• Supports the monthly and quarterly reporting and filing of New York State Sales Taxes.
• Reviews accounting transaction documentation for completeness and accuracy; identifies and works to resolve accounting issues and variances.
• Champions process improvement in the department to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the department.
• Provides significant accounting and operational support throughout the department and to other departmental teams and ensures appropriate levels of control.
• Supports the organization as the lead on the Shopify Point of Sale system.
• Understands and adheres to the Center’s policies and controls. Identifies risk-related issues needing escalation to management.

Administrative and Logistical Support for the Chief of Staff - 30% (Variable)

• Provide general administrative and logistical support, including meeting coordination, scheduling, and follow up.
• Maintain work calendars and scheduling systems to support organizational priorities.
• Support project management coordination by tracking timelines, deliverables, and follow up items.
• Assist with onboarding processes for new staff.
• Order and maintain office supplies.

Additional Work as Assigned/Marginal Duties - 10% (Variable)

• Completes and, at times, directs related projects and highly specialized assignments supporting the department and the Centers initiatives.
• Completes additional projects as directed by the Director of Finance or Chief of Staff.
• Performs administrative tasks relevant to department activities, including copying, filing, correspondence, etc.
• Promotes an environment that supports diversity and reflects the Centers Brand.
• Maintains professional contacts and an understanding of developments in the field.
• Other as requested to fulfill the mission of the Burchfield Penney Art Center.

Required Education, Skills, and Experience:

• Associates degree in accounting or related field with significant accounting coursework and a minimum of 5 years of accounting and/or financial experience.
• Excellent computer skills with knowledge of accounting systems and pertinent spreadsheet, word processing, and database software.
• Understanding of GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting) Principles.
• Has some exposure to Shopify point of sale or a similar system and is willing to learn.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Basic knowledge of process improvement methodology and business process management techniques.
• Experience with creating presentations.

Compensation:

The Burchfield Penney Art Center is committed to fair, competitive, and industry-informed pay for our employees.

The pay range for this position is $21.00-28.00 per hour (based on experience). Full benefits are not included for part time positions.

To apply: Please email your cover letter, resume, and three professional references in one PDF document, saved as "Last name.First name.” and “Finance and Admin Associate” in the subject line to [email protected]. No calls, please.

The position is open until filled. Applications received by March 6th, 2026 will receive first consideration.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $21.00 - $28.00 per hour

Expected hours: 15 – 25 per week

Work Location: In person