Controller

Job Description

Job Description : \n\n Job Title : Controller Department : Finance Reports to : VP of Finance & Accounting Status : Full-Time, Exempt Salary Range : $95,000 - $120,000 Summary of Duties and Responsibilities The Controller oversees and directs the daily operations of the accounting function within the Finance Department, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and efficiency in all financial activities. This position is responsible for establishing and maintaining robust internal control procedures for cash handling, ticket sales, contributed revenue, and other organizational income streams. The Controller prepares timely and accurate monthly financial statements, providing leadership with clear insights into the organization’s financial performance. Additionally, the role manages the preparation of all financial schedules, reconciliations, and supporting documentation required for the annual audit, ensuring compliance with nonprofit accounting standards and regulatory requirements. The Controller also provides leadership, coaching, and professional development to the Senior Accounting Manager, Senior Staff Accountant, and Payroll Specialist, fostering a high-performing and collaborative finance team. Essential Duties and ResponsibilitiesOversee and manage all daily accounting operations, ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and compliance with established policies and procedures.Direct and execute all processes related to month-end and year-end close, producing accurate and timely financial statements in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and applicable nonprofit (modified) reporting standards.Lead the preparation of all financial schedules, reconciliations, and supporting documentation for the organization’s annual financial audit, employee benefits audit, and any other required reviews.Distribute, review, and analyze internal budget-to-actual financial reports, working closely with department leaders to monitor performance and address variances.Maintain the integrity of the general ledger, including identifying, investigating, and resolving discrepancies and variances.Ensure all tax and regulatory filings are completed accurately and on schedule, including Form 990, Form 990-T, and all state and local filings.Serve as the Plan Administrator for the organization’s retirement plan, ensuring compliance with ERISA and applicable regulations.Safeguard the organization’s financial assets by implementing and monitoring internal control systems to prevent and detect theft, fraud, and other irregularities.Supervise cash handling, credit card processing, and check acceptance procedures across the organization, ensuring adherence to established controls.Oversee reconciliation of box office and development (fundraising) records with accounting records, ensuring alignment and accuracy.Partner with cross-departmental leaders to develop and refine operating processes and internal controls related to : Ticketing and box office cash management and financial recordsParking structure cash reconciliation and controlsDevelopment gift recording and acknowledgmentPurchasing and procurement processesEmployee benefits administration and monitoringServe as primary liaison for banking, insurance, and other key financial relationships.Provide financial guidance and support to staff members, ensuring they have timely and accurate information to support operational decision-making.Stay current with Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) and American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) standards relevant to nonprofit organizations.Represent the organization professionally in interactions with staff, vendors, donors, auditors, and the community.Lead, mentor, and develop the finance team, including the Senior Accounting Manager, Senior Staff Accountant, and Payroll Specialist, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.Ensure finance team members receive appropriate training, professional development opportunities, and performance feedback to support their growth and the organization’s success.Perform other duties as assigned within the scope and responsibilities of the role. Required Education and ExperienceBachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field from an accredited institution is required.Master of Accounting, MBA, and / or CPA preferred.Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in a Controller, Director of Finance, or senior-level accounting role, with demonstrated expertise in financial reporting, audit preparation, and internal controls.Non-profit financial management experience strongly preferred, particularly within the performing arts or entertainment industry.In-depth knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and nonprofit accounting standards, including compliance with FASB and AICPA guidelines.Experience preparing and managing budgets, overseeing audits, and ensuring compliance with IRS regulations, tax filings (including Forms 990 and 990-T), and retirement plan administration.Proven track record in leadership and team development, including supervising, motivating, and mentoring finance staff at multiple levels. Required Skills & Qualifications To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are general guidelines based on the minimum experience, knowledge, skill, and or ability required. Individual abilities may result in some deviation from these guidelines. To perform effectively in this position, the incumbent must have : Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present financial information clearly to both financial and non-financial stakeholders.Must communicate effectively in English, both orally and in writing; proficiency in other languages is helpful.Ability to work successfully and collaboratively with departments and individuals possessing a wide range of financial knowledge, from limited exposure to advanced expertise.Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to build and maintain positive, productive working relationships across all levels of the organization.Superior analytical skills, including the ability to evaluate data, identify trends, and develop actionable recommendations.Proven ability to develop and maintain effective internal control systems that safeguard organizational assets and ensure compliance with nonprofit financial regulations.Excellent organizational and time management skills, with the ability to establish priorities, work independently, and execute objectives with minimal supervision in a deadline-driven environment.Outstanding reasoning and judgment skills, with the ability to address challenges, resolve conflicts, and navigate sensitive situations in a tactful and professional manner.Strong project management skills, with the ability to oversee multiple initiatives simultaneously and ensure timely completion of deliverables.Foster ongoing collaboration with the Human Resources department to align finance operations with payroll processing, benefits administration, and compliance with applicable employment laws and organizational policies.Commitment to the mission of a performing arts nonprofit organization, with an understanding of how financial stewardship supports artistic and community impact. Other Skills and AbilitiesAbility to deal with a range of styles and behaviors in a tactful, cordial, and professional manner.Adaptability and willingness to learn new technologies, processes, and regulations as they evolve. Exhibit a professional appearance and demeanor.Maintain a dependable, professional, and courteous work environment.Desire and ability to accept all levels of challenges.This position requires the ability to work varied shifts and extended hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, to meet operational needs. Computer SkillsAdvanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Office 365 applications), including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, Outlook (including calendar management), and SharePoint.Demonstrated experience with accounting and financial management software; experience with SQL-based systems is a plus.Demonstrated experience with payroll and human capital management (HCM) systems; direct experience with ADP Workforce Now or similar platforms preferred.Knowledge of enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems such as Microsoft Dynamics GP (Great Plains), or comparable nonprofit-oriented platforms.Proficiency in generating and customizing financial reports to meet the needs of diverse stakeholders, including executive leadership, program managers, auditors, and board members.Ability to evaluate, recommend, and implement technology solutions that improve accounting workflow efficiency, data accuracy, and internal controls. Physical Job Requirements The physical requirements and demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a team member to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.This position will require sitting for extended periods, standing, bending, and walking, as well as using fine motor skills, such as finger dexterity for typing. Occasionally lifting, carrying, moving, pushing, and pulling up to 25 lbs. or more.Ability to occasionally reach, bend, twist, stoop, stack, crouch, kneel, and balance when performing job duties in varying work areas such as confined spaces. Ability to operate a computer, computer keyboard, and mouse, and to handle other standard office equipment.Ability to physically stand, walk, and climb stairs on a consistent basis.A candidate must have the physical and mental capacity to effectively perform all essential functions described. Vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus to effectively use mobile devices and electronic devices such as tablets, iPads, and computer screens.Sufficient visual acuity to review detailed financial reports, spreadsheets, and electronic data.This position could be exposed to loud noises and frequent phone conversations, and requires average to above average visual acuity and hearing.Most of this job will be performed indoors in a climate-controlled environment. Certificates, Licenses, Registrations Must be able to qualify for licenses and permits if required by federal, state, and local regulations during the course of employment. The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be constructed as an exhaustive list of all the responsibilities, duties, and skills required for the position. All job requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees. Pay Transparency To encourage pay transparency, promote pay equity, and proactively address regulations, The Smith Center for the Performing Arts will comply with all applicable state or local laws or regulations that require employers to provide wage or salary range information to job applicants and employees. The base annual salary range for this full-time and exempt position is $95,000 - $120,000 plus benefits, including insurance plans as applicable. Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and scope of responsibilities. The range displayed on this job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target for new hire salaries for the position. Within the range, individual pay is determined by key factors such as work experience, skills, abilities, and job-related education and training. With a career at The Smith Center for the Performing Arts, you really benefit! We offer : Creative and collaborative work cultureCompetitive compensationComprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans Employee Assistance Program- including counseling, wellness programs, and financial support services.Flexible Spending Account (FSA) & Health Savings Account (HSA) options to help you save on eligible medical expenses with pre-tax dollars.Flexible Time Off PolicyPaid Holidays and Personal Holiday Time 401(k) retirement savings plan eligibility on your start date with employer matchEmployer-paid disability insurance coverageSupplemental benefits offered such as accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity coverage, pet insurance, and employee-only discounts.Safe and paid parking on-siteExclusive early access, employee discounts, and complimentary tickets to world-class performances and eventsProfessional development and career growth opportunities Exclusive early access, employee discounts, and complimentary tickets to world-class performances and events.Discounts on Starbucks products and merchandise Limitations and Acknowledgments The Americans with Disabilities Act requires that reasonable accommodations be made for qualified individuals to help perform the required duties and tasks of the position. Reasonable accommodation is available for qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. The Smith Center for the Performing Arts (TSC) is an Equal Opportunity Employer that complies with the laws and regulations set forth under EEOC. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Mission Statement At The Smith Center for the Performing Arts (TSC) diversity, equity, and inclusion are at the core of who we are. Our commitment to these values is unwavering. They are central to our mission and to our impact on the community. We know that having varied perspectives helps generate better ideas to solve the complex problems of a changing—and increasingly diverse—world. We believe that a variety of opinions, approaches, perspectives, and talents are the cornerstones of a strong and flexible organization. TSC strives to champion diversity, equity, and inclusion for all.