Controller Opera Theatre St. Louis Posted ago · Rolling Saint Louis, MO

Opera Theatre of Saint Louis is hiring for the position of Controller to lead the day‑to‑day finance operations of the organization.

In this role, you will be responsible for all accounting activities and systems; developing, implementing, and maintaining accounting policies and procedures to ensure accurate and timely financial statements and financial reporting; implementing and monitoring internal controls to protect the financial assets of the company; maintaining bank requirements; and managing the Finance staff.

Maintain all accounting systems and related workflows to 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.

Act as 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.

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. In collaboration with the Director of Administration & Finance, support financial presentations to the Board, Executive Committee, and Finance Committee.

Oversee the preparation of all external financial reporting including 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.

Collaborate with the Director of Administration & Finance and General Director on organizational and strategic budget planning and preparation. Manage organizational cash flow forecasting, working in partnership with the Director of Administration & Finance, General Director, and other company leadership. Responsibly manage the Administration and Finance budget, in collaboration with the Director of Administration & Finance.

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.

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or related field.
• Certified Public Accountant required.
• Minimum of seven years of accounting experience.
• Minimum of four years of experience 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.

• Strong leadership.
• Ability to think strategically while exhibiting a strong attention to detail.
• 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.
• Team player.

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.