Controller

CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen); Belmont (MA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A premier private club just outside Boston is seeking a Controller to join its senior leadership team. This high-visibility role involves overseeing accounting operations, financial reporting, and serving as a strategic partner to the General Manager. Candidates should have proven experience in a hands-on environment, exceptional executive presence, and be ready to lead a small finance team while enhancing reporting and financial insights. Familiarity with ERPs like Jonas and payroll systems like Paychex is a plus.

Qualifications

• Proven senior accounting experience in a lean, hands‑on environment.
• Strong ability to operate as a business partner.
• Executive presence and confidence presenting to Boards.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a strategic financial partner to the General Manager.
• Oversee payroll administration for a largely seasonal workforce.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a small finance team.

Skills

Strategic financial partnership

Operations accounting

Team leadership

Analytical mindset

Tools

Power BI

Jonas ERP

Paychex

Job description

CLA Search has been exclusively retained by Belmont Country Club to identify a Controller to join its senior leadership team just outside Boston.

Belmont Country Club is a member‑owned private club with more than a century of history, recognized for strong governance, engaged leadership, and continued investment in its facilities and operations. The Club values professionalism, stewardship, and a high‑quality member experience within a close‑knit, community‑focused environment.

The Controller is a hands‑on finance leader and trusted business partner responsible for the Club’s accounting operations, financial reporting, and decision support. The role combines operational ownership with board‑level engagement, offering both immediate impact and long‑term growth potential within a stable.

This is a high‑visibility leadership role partnering directly with the General Manager and working closely with the Board and Finance Committee. Success in this role requires strong executive presence, discretion, and comfort operating in a governance‑driven, member‑focused setting organization.

What You’ll Do:

• Serve as a strategic financial partner to the General Manager and leadership team
• Own day‑to‑day accounting operations, including member billing, AP/AR, cash controls, and month‑end close
• Oversee payroll administration (Paychex) for a largely seasonal workforce
• Maintain a strong control environment and support annual audits
• Prepare and present financial statements, variance analysis, KPIs, and insights leadership and the Board
• Lead, mentor, and develop a small finance team while remaining hands‑on
• Enhance reporting and analytics, including expanded use of Power BI
• Support planning, forecasting, and financial oversight for upcoming capital projects
• Own and optimize finance systems and workflows, including the Club’s ERP (Jonas)

What You’ll Need:

• Proven Controller or senior accounting experience in a lean, hands‑on environment
• Strong ability to operate as a business partner, not just a transactional accountant
• Executive presence and confidence presenting to Boards and senior stakeholders
• Experience across operational accounting, including billing, cash management, payroll oversight, and multi‑revenue environments
• Demonstrated team leadership and mentorship capabilities
• Analytical mindset with experience improving reporting, KPIs, and financial insights
• Systems fluency with ERPs and payroll platforms (Jonas and Paychex experience a plus)

Preferred Experience:

• Background in private clubs, hospitality, or member‑based organizations
• Experience supporting capital planning and capital projects
• Comfort partnering on select HR‑related operational responsibilities
• Long‑term mindset with interest in expanding leadership scope over time