Controller
Austin, TX
Hybrid
Position Overview
Join an organization at a pivotal moment as it celebrates 115 seasons of shaping the cultural life of a vibrant music community. As it invests in artistic vision, infrastructure, and people, this is an opportunity to play a key role in shaping its next chapter. Help modernize financial systems and processes that support exceptional performances while contributing to the continued growth and long-term success of a beloved cultural institution.
As Controller, you will oversee the organization’s day-to-day financial operations, ensuring accuracy, integrity, and compliance across all accounting activities. You will serve as a hands-on leader, managing and performing key financial functions while overseeing the general ledger and preparation and distribution of financial reports. Reporting to the CEO and partnering closely with the Fractional CFO, you will provide financial leadership and stewardship as the organization strengthens its systems and governance. In this role, you will supervise the finance team, support its growth and development, and help build the financial infrastructure needed to support the organization’s continued growth.
Responsibilities
- Oversee monthly and year-end close processes, including general ledger maintenance and account reconciliations
- Manage accounts payable, accounts receivable, cash management, collections, and daily cash receipts
- Ensure accurate recording of payments, pledges, grants, fund restrictions, and donor designations
- Prepare timely financial reports for the CEO and Board committees; support budgeting, variance analysis, and cash flow forecasting
- Lead the annual audit and serve as the primary liaison with external auditors
- Oversee Form 990 preparation and all required regulatory and payroll tax filings
- Maintain effective internal controls and ensure compliance with nonprofit accounting and reporting requirements
- Reconcile and report on operating reserves and investment accounts
- Manage day-to-day operations of the MIP fund accounting system and lead future system evaluations, migrations, and enhancements
- Evaluate and implement finance technology improvements, including AP automation and payroll system enhancements
- Develop and document finance processes, controls, and procedures to support organizational growth
- Partner with the Fractional CFO and participate in Audit, Finance, and Investment Committee meetings
- By the end of the first year, stabilize the monthly close process, establish a reliable financial reporting cadence, successfully lead the annual audit, and develop a comprehensive finance operations playbook covering close, AP, payroll, and internal controls
Qualifications
- 8+ years of progressive accounting experience, including at least 4 years in a Controller or senior accounting role
- Experience with nonprofit fund accounting and a strong understanding of nonprofit GAAP
- Proven experience managing annual audits, Form 990 preparation, and grant compliance
- Proficiency with MIP Fund Accounting or a comparable nonprofit fund accounting system
- Experience leading accounting system evaluations, implementations, or migrations
- CPA or equivalent professional credentials preferred
- Demonstrated curiosity and comfort using AI tools, with an interest in integrating them into finance workflows
- Experience in arts, culture, or other mission-driven organizations preferred
- Familiarity with AFM collective bargaining agreements and/or union payroll preferred
Compensation
- Salary: $95,000–$125,000, commensurate with experience
- Meaningful role in a high-profile Austin cultural institution
- Direct access to and collaboration with senior leadership
- Opportunity to build a finance function — not just manage an existing one
- Health insurance (medical, dental, vision)
- 401(k) with employer match
- Paid time off and paid holidays
- Complimentary and discounted tickets to performances
Career Blazers Nonprofit Search maintains a broad focus so that your search can be thorough, and inclusive of all relevant options. We carefully consider your desired outcome, skills, and experience. The professionals at Career Blazers Nonprofit Search maintain your confidentiality and will not send your resume to a client without your approval.
Career Blazers is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.