MacPhail Center for Music
Provides structured community music education
Accounting Specialist
About the job
- Commitment to equity and inclusion practices.
- Three or more years of accounting or finance experience.
- Experience with general ledger software and third-party software for credit cards and invoice processing.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Outlook, and Word.
- A high level of efficiency and attention to detail.
- A positive attitude and strong professionalism.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities.
- Manage incoming invoices, including approvals and weekly payment processing.
- Generate and monitor the aging report.
- Monitor ongoing contract expenses and make appropriate payments.
- Manage credit card processes with card holders and post entries to appropriate accounts.
- Process expense reports and manage employee reimbursements.
- Administer the company credit card system, including monthly reconciliations and employee training.
- Manage cash receipts, make bank deposits, and record and reconcile deposits.
- Monitor and prepare community partnership contracts, recognize associated revenue, manage invoices, and prepare monthly reports.
- Generate and process instrument and space rental contracts.
- Reconcile incoming contract payments to ensure they are accounted for and properly posted.
- Monitor accounts receivable aging and follow up on past-due amounts.
- Assist with year-end audit preparation, filing 1099 forms, and other reporting requirements.
- Process in-kind donations.
- Open mail and route it to appropriate parties.
- Maintain the records retention and documentation process.
- Respond to questions regarding expenses.
- Nonprofit experience.
- Sage Intacct experience.
- An associate or bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or a related major, or comparable work experience.
About the company
MacPhail Center for Music provides music education across 35 instruments at 132 locations in the Twin Cities and statewide, serving about 16,000 students each year. It runs structured lessons and programs taught by a faculty, using integrated learning technology to support learners with varying backgrounds and abilities. The organization positions itself by offering broad access to high-quality music learning through a large regional network, a diverse instrument catalog, and a focus on outcomes rather than just instruction. Its goal is to transform lives and communities through exceptional music learning by helping students achieve successful outcomes through accessible programs and skilled teaching.
Company Size
51-200
Company Stage
Grant
Total Funding
$70K
Headquarters
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Founded
2002
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Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- Michael Waldman joined June 23, 2026, strengthening fundraising before the next giving cycle.
- The April 2026 annual report says a new strategic plan will expand access and growth.
- Contemporary Music Program concerts and classes in 2026 create fresh enrollment and donor appeal.
What critics are saying
- FY2025 revenue was $14.6 million against $16.2 million expenses, a $1.6 million deficit.
- Chris Tomshine became CFO on August 7, 2026, signaling financial strain after the deficit.
- Heavy donor dependence risks cuts if 2026 giving softens; scholarships and 132 locations amplify pressure.
What makes MacPhail Center for Music unique
- MacPhail is the largest U.S. community music school, serving 16,000 students across 132 sites.
- Its 2025 Contemporary Music Program unifies jazz, pop, rock, electronic, and world music.
- It offers no-cost Learning with Music resources, widening reach beyond paid lessons.
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Benefits
Remote Work Options
Professional Development Budget
Paid Sick Leave
Commuter Benefits
Growth & Insights and Company News
6 month growth
↑ 3%1 year growth
↑ 3%2 year growth
↑ 3%MacPhail Center for Music welcomes Chris Tomshine as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. MacPhail Center for Music has named Chris Tomshine as its new Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, bringing more than 25 years of nonprofit finance leadership and a passion for mission-driven organizations to the nation's largest community music school. Chris joins MacPhail after serving as Chief Financial Officer at Touchstone Mental Health, where he led financial strategy and operations for the Minneapolis-based nonprofit. His career also includes senior finance leadership roles at Planned Parenthood North Central States and more than a decade at Dunwoody College of Technology. Throughout his career, Chris has been drawn to organizations whose missions create lasting impact in people's lives. "I've spent much of my career in mission-driven organizations, and I'm excited to return to education - especially against the backdrop of music", Tomshine said. "Music has always been an energizer, a comforter and the backdrop to so much of my life. The idea of being part of an organization that creates that same sense of attachment and joy for others makes it easy to be excited about joining MacPhail." At MacPhail, Chris will oversee the organization's financial strategy and operations, partnering with leadership and the Board of Trustees to support the school's continued growth and long-term sustainability. Paul Babcock, CEO of MacPhail Center for Music, believes Tomshine's experience and collaborative leadership style make him an excellent addition to the organization. "Chris brings a wealth of nonprofit financial leadership along with a genuine appreciation for the role mission plays in an organization's success. His experience across education, healthcare and human services, combined with his thoughtful, collaborative approach, will help position MacPhail for continued growth and impact. We're thrilled to welcome him to the team." Chris Tomshine earned a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics from Augsburg College and has spent more than two decades leading finance, budgeting, reporting and strategic planning for nonprofit organizations. Chris has always loved listening to music. An avid concert-goer for decades, he now enjoys sharing that passion with his son. Aug 7, 2026
MacPhail welcomes Michael Waldman as vice president of development. MacPhail Center for Music is pleased to welcome Michael Waldman as Vice President of Development. A nonprofit executive, fundraiser, musician, and arts advocate, Michael brings more than 25 years of experience leading mission-driven organizations and building philanthropic support that fuels community impact. In his new role, he will lead MacPhail's advancement efforts, helping strengthen the partnerships and investments that make music education accessible to thousands of students each year. Before joining MacPhail, Michael served as CEO of the Minnesota JCC Foundation and held executive leadership positions with the Minnesota JCC and San Antonio JCC, leading annual, major, capital, and planned giving initiatives throughout his career. But Michael's connection to MacPhail began long before he joined the executive team. As a preschooler, he participated in MacPhail's Musical Trolley program, beginning a lifelong relationship with music that continued through community theater, school band, garage bands, and professional performance and recording projects. Today, he continues to write and record music while championing the role arts organizations play in building stronger communities. "I've always believed that music has a unique ability to bring people together and create community, and that is exactly what I see happening every day at MacPhail," said Waldman. "I'm honored to join this organization and help support the important work happening here." Please join MacPhail Center For Music in welcoming Michael back to the MacPhail community. Jun 23, 2026
New Contemporary Music Program is designed for tomorrow's music makers. MacPhail Center For Music is opening a brand-new door for students through its Contemporary Music Program. While MacPhail has long offered jazz and launched the Electronic Music and Recording Arts (EMRA) program five years ago, contemporary offerings were previously spread across different programs. Now, MacPhail Center For Music is uniting jazz, pop, rock, electronic, world music, and more under one umbrella, giving students the tools and freedom to explore across genres and create music that reflects who they are. Offering diverse, relevant programming is key to broadening access for a wider range of students. "We have students coming from very diverse backgrounds and interests, saying everything from, 'I'm a bedroom producer, my instrument is my laptop' to 'I'm a middle school band student and my director just handed me a trombone,'" says Michael Cain, Vice President of Music Education. "To all of them, we say, 'Come on in. We can work with you and help you develop your craft.'" Several first-of-their-kind ensembles will make their debut at MacPhail this year, including a beginner jazz improvisation ensemble, and Sound Rebels, a genre-fluid group co-taught by a guitarist and beatbox rapper where students create original music. Additional class offerings will be added based on student response. As the largest community music school in the country, MacPhail is uniquely positioned to be a hub for contemporary music study. "There's widespread community desire for something like this, and MacPhail is nimble enough to experiment with programming," Michael explains. "We have the potential to have tremendous impact in the Twin Cities by modeling a new way to think about music education and music engagement." It all comes back to serving students with excellent music education that speaks to their passions. "We want students to see there is a pathway and a place for their musical interests. Maybe you're a beat maker, maybe you're a poet, or maybe you're something we haven't even imagined yet," Michael envisions. "When you want tools, information, support, and education, you can look at MacPhail and go, 'Oh my gosh, there's a place that values my own unique set of interests. I want to be there."
MINNEAPOLIS - August 26, 2025 - MacPhail Center for Music today announced the creation of a Contemporary Music Program, establishing a unified and sustainable home for jazz, pop, rock, electronic, and world music across the organization.
MacPhail Center for Music has appointed Michael Cain as its new Vice President of Music Education.