Controller

The Music Hall, Portsmouth, NH; Portsmouth (NH); On-site; USD 86,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and dental coverage

Paid time off

Parking

401(k)

Job summary

The Music Hall, in Portsmouth, NH, seeks a seasoned Controller to lead its accounting operations and small finance team, delivering financial statements, cash forecasts and analytics across performances, film, festivals and fundraising.

This role partners with department leaders and supports the Board Finance Committee to strengthen nonprofit stewardship and controls while supporting our artistic mission and historic facilities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or related field; CPA preferred.
• At least seven years of progressive accounting experience with close, reporting, audits, budgets and forecasting.
• Nonprofit accounting knowledge including donor restrictions and Form 990.
• Strong Excel or Google Sheets skills and proficiency with QuickBooks Online or a comparable system.
• Ability to balance hands-on work with leadership and clear communication.

Responsibilities

• Lead the general ledger, accounts payable/receivable, payroll accounting and close.
• Maintain audit-ready records and financial statements under US GAAP and nonprofit standards.
• Manage donor restrictions, grants, pledges and sponsorship accounting; reconcile Development records.
• Account for advance ticket sales, ticketing fees, refunds and related liabilities.
• Maintain fixed-asset, depreciation, leases, investments and capital-project records.
• Lead annual budgeting with leadership and department heads and prepare forecasts.
• Update weekly rolling cash forecast and distinguish operating vs restricted funds; flag shortfalls.
• Maintain event forecasts and variance analysis across revenue/expenses.
• Improve accounting policies, controls and cross-training; oversee cash handling and system access.
• Lead annual audit and coordinate external accountants; ensure Form 990 and NH filings.
• Supervise payroll, benefits accounting and retirement-plan remittances with HR and providers.
• Communicate financial issues clearly to colleagues and the Board.

Skills

Financial leadership

GAAP knowledge

Budgeting

Cash forecasting

Nonprofit accounting

Team supervision

Excel/Sheets

QuickBooks Online

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting or related field

CPA preferred

Tools

QuickBooks Online

Job description

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.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• 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.

PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS

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.

QUALIFICATIONS

• 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 QuickBooks Online or a comparable system.
• Sound judgment, attention to detail, clear communication and the ability to balance hands-on work with team leadership.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & COMPENSATION

Based onsite in Portsmouth, NH, with limited hybrid flexibility and occasional evening or weekend meetings. Annual base salary starts at $95,000; the starting offer reflects experience, qualifications and internal pay equity. Benefits include health and dental coverage, paid time off, parking and a 401(k), subject to plan terms.

ABOUT THE MUSIC HALL

Founded in 1878, The Music Hall welcomes over 130,000 patrons annually. Through our Historic Theater and Lounge, we enrich, entertain and inspire audiences, nurture community and drive regional economic vitality. Our values are passion, trust, inclusivity, accountability and courageous leadership.

The Music Hall is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds, including those underrepresented in our industry. For application or interview accommodations, contact [e-mail].