Controller

Bethel Music; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Unlimited PTO

Unlimited Sick Leave

Holiday Schedule

Parental Leave

Health Insurance

Dental & Vision

Life & AD&D Insurance

401k with match

Teladoc/Health services

Job summary

Bethel Music is seeking a hands-on Controller to oversee daily accounting operations in Nashville. You will maintain the general ledger, payroll, AP/AR, reconciliations, and financial reporting to support executive decision-making.

You will manage royalty and licensing revenue accounting and collaborate with the CFO and department leaders to drive accuracy, compliance, and strategic financial stewardship.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or related field.
• CPA preferred but not required.
• Experience in senior accounting roles within nonprofit/music industries.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP and ASC 606.
• Experience with royalty/licensing revenue accounting.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day accounting operations including GL, AP, AR, payroll, and reconciliations.
• Prepare monthly and annual financial statements and reports.
• Manage month-end and year-end close, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
• Monitor cash flow, budgets, and financial performance; report trends to leadership.
• Oversee accounting for royalty and licensing revenue; coordinate with external partners.
• Assist CFO with financial planning, reporting, and initiatives.
• Lead, mentor, and supervise the Accountant.

Skills

Excel proficiency

AI tools for analysis

Financial analysis

Communication skills

Interdepartmental collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting

CPA preferred

Tools

ERP systems

Microsoft Excel

Job description

The Controller is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day accounting operations of Bethel Music while providing accurate financial reporting, forecasting, and analysis to support organizational decision-making. This is a hands-on role responsible for maintaining the general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, reconciliations, budgeting, and financial reporting. The Controller will also oversee royalty and licensing revenue related to the Bethel Music catalog, including mechanical, performance, synchronization, and streaming revenue. This position works closely with the CFO, accounting team, and department leaders to ensure financial accuracy, compliance, and effective stewardship of organizational resources.

Responsibilities

• Manage the day-to-day accounting operations, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, general ledger, and reconciliations

• Prepare and maintain accurate monthly and annual financial statements and reports

• Oversee the monthly and annual close process and ensure transactions are recorded accurately and timely

• Monitor cash flow, budgets, and financial performance and communicate relevant trends and concerns to leadership

• Prepare forecasts, financial models, and other analysis to support organizational decision-making

• Partner with department leaders to develop annual budgets and forecasts

• Prepare budget-to-actual reports and variance analysis and communicate findings to department leaders

• Oversee accounting for royalty and licensing revenue, including mechanical, performance, synchronization, and streaming revenue

• Coordinate with performing rights organizations, the MLC, CCLI, publishing administrators, and other external partners as needed

• Apply appropriate accounting standards, including ASC 606, to revenue recognition and other accounting activities

• Maintain compliance with GAAP, organizational accounting policies, and applicable regulations

• Support accurate and timely tax filings and maintain appropriate financial records

• Identify opportunities to improve accounting processes, reporting, and financial controls

• Work closely with the CFO on financial planning, reporting, and other organizational initiatives

• Supervise, mentor, and provide direction to the Accountant

• Communicate financial information clearly and effectively to both finance and non-finance team members

• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive financial and employee information

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field required

• CPA preferred, but not required

• Experience in a Senior Accountant, Accounting Manager, Assistant Controller, or Controller role

• Music industry accounting experience required

• Nonprofit accounting experience preferred

• Strong knowledge of accounting principles, financial reporting, and GAAP

• Working knowledge of ASC 606 and revenue recognition

• Experience with royalty, licensing, or entertainment-related revenue

• Proficiency with accounting/ERP systems and Microsoft Excel

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

• Highly organized and detail oriented

• Ability to interpret financial data and communicate insights clearly

• Strong written and spoken communication skills

• Ability to work independently as well as collaborate across departments

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment

• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively with both finance and non-finance team members

• Experience using AI tools to support analysis, automation, reporting, or other accounting processes

• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment

• Commitment to accuracy, integrity, and responsible stewardship

• Unlimited Paid Time Off (PTO) - Take the time you need to rest, recharge, and care for personal matters.

• Unlimited Paid Sick Leave - Provided to support your health and recovery when you’re ill or caring for an immediate family member.

• Generous Paid Holiday Schedule - Additional time off in recognition of major holidays.

• Paid Parental Leave - 8 weeks of fully paid leave to bond with your new child.

• Health Insurance - Choose from three medical plan options. Bethel Music covers 70% of the employee premium and 60% of dependent premiums.

• Dental & Vision Insurance - Comprehensive plans available to help you and your family maintain overall health.

• Life & Accident Insurance - Group Life and AD&D coverage up to $30,000, fully paid by Bethel Music.

• Optional Coverage:

  • Voluntary Term Life Insurance - Additional coverage available for you and your dependents.
  • Voluntary Short-Term Disability (STD) - Income protection if you’re unable to work due to a qualified injury or illness.
  • Teladoc with HealthiestYou - 24/7 virtual healthcare access including general medical, behavioral health, and other specialty services for you and your family.

• 401k Retirement Plan - An optional retirement savings plan with employer matching contributions to support your long-term financial goals.