Controller, Accounting, Financial Reporting

The Controller leads The Music Hall’s accounting operations and small finance team, combining hands-on execution with financial oversight. This role provides financial statements, cash forecasts and analysis across performances, film, festivals, patron services and fundraising. The Controller partners with department leaders and supports the Board Finance Committee, strengthening nonprofit stewardship, controls and accountability while supporting our artistic mission and historic facilities.

• Lead the general ledger, accounts payable and receivable, payroll accounting, monthly accrual close and reconciliations. Maintain audit-ready records and financial statements under US GAAP and nonprofit accounting standards.
• Manage donor restrictions, contribution and grant recognition, pledges, functional expense allocations, and membership and sponsorship accounting. Reconcile Development records to the general ledger.
• Account for advance ticket sales, fees, refunds, gift certificates and related liabilities. Reconcile ticketing, point-of-sale, merchant processor, bank and payroll activity.
• Maintain fixed-asset, depreciation, lease, investment and capital-project records. Track capital campaign gifts, restrictions, expenditures and releases separately from operations.
• Lead annual budgeting with leadership and department heads. Prepare seasonally phased budgets, monthly budget-to-actual reports and full-year forecasts with documented departmental assumptions.
• Update a weekly rolling cash forecast, distinguishing operating liquidity from restricted and campaign funds and advance ticket obligations. Flag shortfalls and financing needs early.
• Maintain event forecasts, settlements and departmental contribution reporting. Analyze revenue, expenses, concessions, inventory, labor and fees; identify risks, underwriting needs and corrective actions.
• Maintain accounting policies, approval limits, segregation of duties and independent review. Strengthen controls for cash handling, refunds, complimentary tickets, inventory, vendor changes and system access.
• Lead the annual audit and coordinate external accountants. Manage filing deadlines, including Form 990, applicable tax filings, NH charitable reporting and grant compliance. Evaluate unrelated business income and federal award requirements with advisers as needed.
• Supervise, coach and cross-train the finance team; oversee payroll accuracy, benefits accounting and retirement-plan remittances with HR and external providers.
• Improve reporting workflows while preserving approvals, audit trails and data safeguards. Communicate financial issues clearly to colleagues and Board members.

Complete monthly close and reporting within 15 business days of month-end. Maintain timely forecasts and reconciliations, flag material variances and risks, meet audit and filing deadlines, and follow through on corrective actions.

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field, or equivalent relevant experience; CPA preferred.
• At least seven years of progressive accounting experience, including ownership of close, reporting, audits, budgets and cash forecasting, plus experience supervising a small team.
• Nonprofit accounting knowledge, including donor restrictions, contribution recognition, functional allocations and Form 990. Performing arts, cultural institution, venue or event experience strongly preferred.
• Strong Excel or Google Sheets skills and proficiency with Quick Books Online or a comparable system.
• Sound judgment, attention to detail, clear communication and the ability to balance hands-on work with team leadership.

Based onsite in Portsmouth, NH, with limited hybrid flexibility and…