Controller, Finance & Banking, Financial Manager

ABOUT HOCR

The Head Of The Charles Regatta (HOCR) is the largest rowing event in the world and Boston’s second‑largest sporting event. Each October, more than 12,000 athletes and 375,000 spectators gather along the Charles River for a three‑day celebration of sport, community, and excellence. In addition to race weekend, HOCR operates a growing portfolio of year‑round programs and initiatives.

We are seeking an experienced, highly capable Controller to lead the organization’s day‑to‑day financial management. This is a senior, hands‑on role ideal for a seasoned nonprofit or event‑focused finance professional who thrives in a lean organization, operates with a high degree of autonomy, and brings both rigor and pragmatism to financial operations.

The Controller is the senior financial leader responsible for the day‑to‑day financial management, controls, and sustainability of the Head Of The Charles Regatta, a complex nonprofit sporting event organization with a highly seasonal operating cycle.

This role is well‑suited for an experienced Controller from a nonprofit, National Governing Body (NGB), sports organization, or event‑driven environment who brings deep accounting expertise, strong operational judgment, and the ability to operate independently in a lean organization. The Controller serves as the organization’s primary steward of financial accuracy, discipline, and risk management, while also acting as a strategic thought partner to senior leadership.

The Controller oversees budgeting, forecasting, accounting, cash management, audit and compliance, payroll and benefits, and financial controls across both race weekend and year‑round programs. This role requires a hands‑on leader who is comfortable owning the details while maintaining a clear view of the broader financial picture, anticipating issues, and proactively advising leadership.

The Controller works closely with the Executive Director and Board leadership, and serves as a standing member of the Finance Committee. While this is not a traditional CFO role, it is a senior position with significant autonomy, visibility, and influence, requiring minimal day‑to‑day oversight and a high degree of professionalism, judgment, integrity and self‑direction.

• Own the organization’s day‑to‑day financial operations, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and transparency.
• Oversee all accounting functions, including general ledger, journal entries, reconciliations, and monthly close.
• Manage accounts payable and receivable processes, overseeing the part‑time bookkeeper and interfacing with the commercial team.
• Maintain and continuously improve financial systems, controls, and documentation.
• Ensure compliance with nonprofit accounting standards and best practices.

• Lead the annual budgeting process, including multi‑scenario budgeting and venue‑level profitability analysis.
• Work with the Finance and Investment committee and, as appropriate, external managers, to maintain and grow the HOCR Endowment fund.
• Maintain rolling forecasts throughout the year, with particular focus on the Regatta planning cycle.
• Provide regular financial reporting to the Executive Director, Finance and Investment Committees, and Board of Directors.
• Develop clear, decision‑oriented financial models and dashboards to support leadership planning.
• Support year‑round initiatives and special events with project‑based budgets and financial analysis.
• Lead the modernization of financial systems, tools, and analytical capabilities to improve efficiency, visibility, and decision‑making.

• Serve as the primary lead for the annual external audit, ensuring a smooth, timely process.
• Oversee preparation and filing of all required tax and regulatory filings, including Form 990 and Massachusetts Form PC.
• Maintain audit‑ready documentation and financial models to support an efficient year‑end close.
• Coordinate with external auditors, tax advisors, and regulators as needed.

• Oversee payroll processing, benefits administration, and retirement plans (401K and 403(b),…