Department Assistant, Finance
Full-time | Exempt
Salary Range: $46,762 – $52,563 annually
Location: The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Kansas City, MO

We are seeking a Department Assistant to support our Finance Division, an essential role for someone who loves organization, numbers, problem-solving, and making systems run smoothly. If you are eager to contribute to the museum’s financial operations, this may be the perfect opportunity for you.

About the Role

The Department Assistant, Finance plays a key role in supporting accounting activities, maintaining financial records, scheduling, preparing correspondence, assisting senior leadership, and ensuring the smooth coordination of departmental functions. This position requires excellent attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and the ability to balance multiple priorities with accuracy and professionalism.

What You’ll Do

• Assist with weekly cash counts and period-end closing tasks, including reconciliations, journal entries, documentation, and preset reporting.
• Prepare internal, banking, and investment correspondence for the Director of Investments, the Director of Accounting Operations, and the CFO.
• Cross-train with Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable to provide support during vacations, peak periods, or high workflow volume.
• Gather, compile, and summarize information to support the preparation of financial reports across departments.
• Provide research, reporting, and administrative support to senior finance leadership to enhance decision-making and operational efficiency.
• Maintain departmental files; manage document archives; support intranet updates; process mail; monitor and replenish office supplies; and perform data entry.
• Perform other duties as needed to support the Finance Division and organizational goals.

What We’re Looking For

• Associate's degree in finance, accounting, business administration, or related field (preferred), or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 2–5 years of stable, relevant experience in administrative, finance, or accounting support roles.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel and Word; comfort with financial software systems.
• Exceptional organizational and time management skills with the ability to handle multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
• High accuracy in data entry, documentation, and financial record-keeping.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment with sensitive information.
• Familiarity with financial procedures, compliance, and reporting standards.
• Strong math and research skills; detail-oriented, deadline-driven, and able to problem-solve effectively.

Core Competencies That Help You Succeed

• Analytical & Quantitative Reasoning
• Research & Problem Solving
• Integrity and professionalism
• Emotional intelligence and relationship-building
• Inclusive, collaborative work style
• Strong communication skills
• Organization and prioritization skills
• Financial acumen and comfort with technical tools

Why Work at The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art?

We are a vibrant, free-admission museum with a world-class collection spanning 5,000 years of global creativity. We are committed to scholarship, accessibility, and diversity—and to creating a sense of belonging for all. Here, you’ll join a team that believes art can inspire, challenge, and transform—and that every visitor should feel welcome to explore and be moved by what they see.

Compensation

Our compensation philosophy values both market competitiveness and internal fairness, ensuring that every employee’s contribution is recognized and rewarded.

Starting Salary Range:$46,762–$52,653 per year equivalent (commensurate with experience and qualifications)

Health & Wellness

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts (Healthcare and Dependent Care FSAs)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Onsite wellness center and fitness classes
• Paid parental or family leave

• Generous paid time off and ten calendar holidays
• 35-hour work week for most positions (M–F)

Professional Growth

• Paid professional development opportunities
• Free access to exhibitions and reciprocal admission to partner museums
• Access to continuous learning opportunities through our Learning Management System.

Financial Security

• Employer retirement contributions
• Life and disability insurance

Culture & Mission

• An inspiring, art-filled work environment where creativity and collaboration thrive
• Opportunities to attend exhibition previews, lectures, and community events
• A chance to make a tangible impact on access to the arts and cultural engagement
• A creative, inclusive culture that values scholarship, collaboration, and balance

Non-Discrimination

The Nelson-Atkins is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages applications from people of color, persons with disabilities, women, and LGBTQ+ applicants.
We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other legally protected category. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs.

If you require an accommodation for the application or interview process, please contact People & Culture at people&culture@nelson-atkins.org.

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art conducts pre-employment background checks as part of our selection process.

Note: Salary information is a general guideline. Final offers consider experience, qualifications, responsibilities, internal equity, and market conditions.