Controller with Opera Theatre of St. Louis

St. Louis, Missouri /

Accounting/Finance – Opera Theatre of St. Louis /

Full time

/ Hybrid

Collaborative Strategies is conducting this search on behalf of Opera Theatre of Saint Louis (OTSL), which is a nationally recognized non-profit organization known for innovative productions featuring outstanding young artists. This is a world-renowned company that offers a festival opera season each spring which attracts ticket buyers from throughout the St. Louis metropolitan area, as well as visitors from nearly 50 states and multiple countries. As of 2022, Opera Theatre of Saint Louis has presented the highest percentage of new work in the repertory of any American company. Their work is not just focused on the spring festival season, they also operate year-round education and community programs serving nearly 17,000 local children and adults. The company’s annual budget size is approximately $12 million; contributed revenue represents more than 50% of budget.

Opera Theatre of Saint Louis has an immediate need for an individual to lead the day-to-day finance operations of the organization and the accounting team. As the head of finance and accounting, you will manage an annual budget of approximately $12 million (contributed revenue represents more than 50% of the budget) and a sizeable endowment. You will ensure the company is financially sound and running smoothly by managing all accounting activities and systems as well as developing effective policies and procedures. Your accuracy and timeliness will be important when producing financial statements and reporting. You will play a vital role in protecting the financial assets of the company by implementing and monitoring internal controls. Your ability to build strong relationships with banks will allow the Opera Theatre of maintain and enhance their banking requirements. This is the perfect job for you if you want to make a difference at a world-class, internationally recognized organization who is committed to developing their employees and known for their innovation and community engagement.

In this role, you will:

LEAD ACCOUNTING AND FINANCE – Oversee all accounting systems and related workflows to ensure they meet the organization's needs, including managing all accounts, ledgers, reconciliations, and reporting systems. Ensure internal controls and safeguards are in place to protect the company’s financial assets and to ensure compliance with appropriate GAAP standards and regulatory requirements. Prepare and ensure timely monthly, quarterly, and year end close.

OVERSEE BANKING, PAYROLL AND AUDIT ACTIVITIES – Be the primary contact for audit, banking, investments, insurance, payroll, benefits, legal, and accounting vendors. Oversee regular and accurate processing of payroll and benefits, and the implementation, administration and any modifications of employee benefit programs and corporate insurance policies. Manage all audit activity to ensure timely completion of annual audits and the resolution of any audit internal control findings.

PROVIDE ACCURATE AND TIMELY FINANCIAL REPORTS - Monitor and provide regular reports to leadership on the financial status of the organization. Oversee the preparation and clear communication of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements. Proactively provide financial results to directors and managers and respond in a timely manner to special reporting requests. Participate in preparing and conducting financial presentations to the Board, Executive Committee, and Finance Committee. Oversee the preparation of all external financial reporting including, but not limited to, grant reporting (such as Regional Arts Commission, Metropolitan Arts Council and Arts & Entertainment), Opera America surveys, audited financial statements, and Form 990 and other tax returns.

PREPARE AND MANAGE THE BUDGET - Collaborate with leadership on organizational and strategic budget planning and preparation. Manage organizational cash flow forecasting, working in partnership with company leadership. Responsibly manage the Administration and Finance budget, in collaboration with the Director of Administration & Finance.

MANAGE A HIGH PERFORMING TEAM - Recruit, onboard/train, supervise, and evaluate the performance of assigned staff. Establish objectives and define results required for direct reports in support of the strategic business goals. Coach, inspire, and enable staff to effectively perform and work with other departments.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in accounting or related field.
Certified Public Accountant preferred.
Minimum of seven years of accounting experience.
Minimum of four years ofexperience managing staff, including attracting, training, establishing performance expectations, and retaining top talent.
Experience with non-profit accounting, board reporting, and audits preferred.
Knowledge of U.S. Generally Acceptable Accounting Principles.
Demonstrated proficiency in computer skills, specifically in accounting software, third-party payroll systems and Microsoft Office. Experience with Abila MIP, Paychex, and/or development software like Tessitura a plus.

Other Skills & Abilities

Strong leadership.
An ability to think strategically while exhibiting a strong attention to detail.
An eye for problem solving and process improvement.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Supervisory skills necessary to manage and develop a highly motivated team.
Ability to manage multiple projects with overlapping deadlines.
A team player.

Compensation, Hours, and Location

Compensation: $100,000-$115,000 annual salary plus benefits.
This is a full-time, exempt position.
Opera Theatre has a flexible work policy which allows for individual remote and asynchronous work arrangements.
Position requires some evening and weekend hours during key times of year.
The office is located in Webster Groves, Missouri.

READY TO APPLY?

If you are interested, qualified, and ready to take the next step, apply on-line at getcollaborative.com/careers. All inquiries and resume submissions will be treated as strictly confidential. Please do not contact Opera Theatre of Saint Louis directly.

Opera Theatre of Saint Louis values equity, diversity, and mutual respect. They strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, women, people with disabilities, and others who have been historically excluded to apply. Their goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative of our community. They are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Opera Theatre of Saint Louis will not discriminate against employees or applicants on the basis of race, color, religion or belief; national, social, or ethnic origin; age; sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression; physical, mental, or sensory disability; family or parental status; genetic information or characteristics; protected veteran status; or any other protected class under federal, state, or local law. Opera Theatre of St. Louis will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.

If you need assistance or an accommodation in completing an application, interviewing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please contact (314) 523-9501 or npeck@csi-mail.com.

Collaborative Strategies, Inc. is a St. Louis-based consulting firm with a dedicated search practice and has been connecting talent with opportunity since 1994. We take pride in matching talented leaders seeking mission-critical endeavors with entrepreneurial organizations. Visit us to view all of our current opportunities and be sure to follow us on LinkedIn.

| Equal Opportunity Employer |

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