Position Summary
Southampton Playhouse seeks an experienced Controller to serve as the organization's senior finance leader and oversee all day-to-day accounting, financial reporting, compliance, budgeting, and financial operations. This is a hands-on role for a finance professional who enjoys both strategic and operational work. The Controller will be responsible for maintaining accurate financial records, ensuring regulatory compliance, managing cash flow, supporting budget development and forecasting, and providing leadership with timely financial analysis and reporting.
As a growing nonprofit organization with highly seasonal operations, Southampton Playhouse requires a finance leader who understands how to manage the unique operational demands of a nonprofit arts organization in the Hamptons market. The ideal candidate will be comfortable operating both as a strategic business partner and as a working manager who takes ownership of financial operations from start to finish. The Controller will work closely with the Executive Director, Board Treasurer, Finance Committee, external auditors, tax professionals, and other organizational leaders.
Key Responsibilities: As Controller, you will serve as Southampton Playhouse's senior finance leader, responsible for overseeing the organization's accounting, financial reporting, budgeting, compliance, cash flow, and day-to-day financial operations. Working closely with the Executive Director, Board Treasurer, Finance Committee, and external advisors, you will provide strategic financial leadership while ensuring the accuracy, integrity, and effective management of the Playhouse's financial operations.
Financial Management & Accounting
- Own all day-to-day accounting operations and general ledger activity.
- Maintain accurate financial records in QuickBooks Online.
- Manage accounts payable, accounts receivable, bank reconciliations, and cash management.
- Ensure accurate month-end and year-end close processes.
- Prepare monthly financial statements and supporting schedules.
- Monitor organizational cash flow and liquidity.
- Establish and maintain strong internal controls and accounting procedures.
- Ensure financial data integrity and accuracy across all systems.
Budgeting, Forecasting & Analysis
- Lead annual budgeting and forecasting processes.
- Develop financial models and projections that account for the Playhouse's seasonal operating environment.
- Prepare budget-to-actual reporting and variance analyses.
- Provide meaningful financial insights and recommendations to leadership and the Board.
- Partner with leadership to evaluate new initiatives, programming, and operational investments.
- Support long-range financial planning.
Compliance & Reporting
- Manage all sales tax filings and related compliance requirements.
- Oversee annual 1099 reporting and vendor compliance processes.
- Maintain vendor records, W-9 documentation, and payment controls.
- Ensure timely completion of regulatory filings, including charitable registration requirements.
- Coordinate and serve as primary contact for external auditors and tax professionals.
- Support preparation of Form 990 and other nonprofit-related filings.
- Ensure compliance with nonprofit accounting standards and applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
Payroll Support
- Oversee payroll processing through Paychex.
- Review employee timekeeping and reporting through Homebase.
- Ensure payroll accuracy and tax compliance.
Leadership & Operational Partnership
- Serve as a trusted financial advisor to organizational leadership.
- Support Board Treasurer, Finance Committee, and Board reporting needs.
- Respond to ad hoc reporting and financial analysis requests.
- Identify opportunities to improve processes, systems, and operational efficiencies.
- Take ownership of finance operations and serve as an accessible resource for leadership and staff.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required.
- CPA strongly preferred.
- 10-15+ years of progressive accounting and financial management experience.
- Prior nonprofit accounting experience strongly preferred.
- Strong understanding of nonprofit accounting principles, compliance, and reporting requirements.
- Experience managing budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning processes.
- Advanced proficiency with QuickBooks Online and Microsoft Excel.
- Experience with Bill.com, Paychex, Homebase, or similar systems preferred.
- Demonstrated ability to operate both strategically and tactically.
- Exceptional attention to detail, organization, and follow-through.
- Strong communication skills with the ability to translate financial information for non-financial audiences.
Ideal Candidate
The successful candidate will be a proactive, hands-on finance leader who thrives in a growing organization. They will understand the seasonal nature of a Hamptons-based nonprofit and possess the flexibility to navigate periods of significant activity while maintaining strong financial controls and reporting.
This individual will bring both the technical expertise of a seasoned Controller and the business acumen of a strategic financial partner, helping Southampton Playhouse build the financial infrastructure necessary to support its continued growth and long-term success.
Compensation & Benefits
Southampton Playhouse offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience, qualifications, and demonstrated expertise.
In addition, Southampton Playhouse offers a comprehensive benefits package, which may include:
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays
- Hybrid work flexibility, consistent with organizational needs
- Complimentary or discounted access to Playhouse programming and events
Benefits are subject to plan terms, eligibility requirements, and may be modified from time to time at the discretion of the organization.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Southampton Playhouse is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating an inclusive workplace for all employees and applicants. We recruit, hire, train, compensate, and promote employees based on qualifications, merit, and business needs without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, transgender status, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, familial status, military or veteran status, domestic violence victim status, reproductive health decision-making, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, New York State, or local law.
Southampton Playhouse is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and to applicants throughout the hiring process, consistent with applicable law.
Pay: $80,000.00 - $100,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Experience:
- Accounting: 8 years (Required)
- Non-profit accounting: 2 years (Required)
Work Location: Remote
