Adjunct Instructor - Financial Statements and Analysis for Arts Enterprises

The Heinz College of Information Systems and Public Policy at Carnegie Mellon University seeks a dynamic and experienced educator committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion to teach a course on Financial Statements and Analysis for Arts Enterprises. This course is designed to give students a thorough understanding of nonprofit financial concepts, with a specific focus on arts organizations. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in nonprofit accounting, financial analysis, and arts management, along with a passion for empowering students from diverse backgrounds and fostering inclusive practices in the arts sector.

Course Overview:
The majority of arts enterprises in the United States operate as nonprofit organizations. This course provides a firm grounding in nonprofit financial analysis, including but not limited to the interpretation of nonprofit financial statements, annual reports, and IRS filings. Through the study and discussion of real-world cases, students will develop practical knowledge of nonprofit accounting and financial reporting. The course covers both conceptual and quantitative aspects of nonprofit accounting, equipping students with the financial skills needed by managers in the nonprofit sector to understand, interpret, evaluate, and communicate information about the resources and operations of nonprofit enterprises. Case studies set in private nonprofit organizations will also give students foundational knowledge in both accounting principles and higher-level financial management.

Course Objectives:
By the end of this course, students should be able to:

• Access and interpret financial, governance, and accountability information for nonprofit organizations.
• Describe and explain typical accounts found in nonprofit financial statements.
• Use relationships between financial statements to explain nonprofit financial activities effectively.
• Articulate information contained in nonprofit financial statements, using proper terminology.
• Understand and interpret key nonprofit financial documents, including Form 990.
• Evaluate an organization's resources and financial health, including constraints imposed by donors and boards, and assess its ability to meet its mission, generate income, manage debt, and meet financial obligations.

• Master's degree or higher in Accounting, Finance, Arts Management, or a related field, with a focus on nonprofit organizations.
• Demonstrated expertise in nonprofit financial management, ideally with experience in the arts sector.
• Experience in teaching, mentoring, or working with students from diverse backgrounds to foster an inclusive learning environment.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to explain complex financial concepts to students with varied experience levels in accounting and finance.
• Commitment to enhancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the classroom and promoting accessible learning for all students.

Responsibilities:

• Teach and engage students in a detailed exploration of nonprofit financial analysis, specifically within arts organizations.
• Develop course materials and lead class discussions on interpreting nonprofit financial statements, annual reports, and IRS filings, emphasizing real-world case studies.
• Guide students in understanding the resources, constraints, and accountability measures unique to nonprofit enterprises, especially in the arts sector.
• Equip students with the skills to interpret, analyze, and evaluate the financial health and governance of nonprofit organizations.
• Foster a collaborative and inclusive classroom environment that values diverse perspectives and backgrounds.
• Create assessments and evaluate students' performances.