Controller

Seattle Yacht Club; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 125,000 - 145,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

Vacation benefits

PSST

Paid holidays

401(k)

Life insurance and LTD

Employee meals

Ship Store discount

Job summary

Seattle Yacht Club is seeking an experienced Controller to lead the Club’s accounting and finance functions, partnering with the General Manager, department leaders, the Finance Committee, and the Board of Trustees. This senior role oversees monthly close, budgeting, treasury, audits, and staff development across marina, food & beverage, events, retail, and member activities.

The ideal candidate has seven+ years of progressive accounting leadership, strong technical skills, CPA preferred, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• Seven or more years of progressive accounting and finance experience, including Controller-level leadership.
• CPA preferred; equivalent depth of relevant accounting leadership experience will be considered.
• Experience in a private club, hospitality, marina or moorage operation, nonprofit, multi-property, or member-service environment is valuable.
• Experience working directly with a Finance Committee or Board is also preferred.

Responsibilities

• Own the monthly and year-end close process and ensure timely, accurate, and complete financial reporting.
• Serve as final reviewer of financial statements, reconciliations, journal entries, accruals, and other significant accounting activity.
• Prepare financial reporting, variance analysis, management reports, and clear narrative commentary for leadership, the Finance Committee, and the Board of Trustees.
• Lead annual budgeting, forecasting, cash-flow and liquidity planning, and support long-range financial planning.
• Provide leadership, technical guidance, accountability, and development support to the accounting team.
• Maintain and strengthen internal controls, accounting procedures, general ledger integrity, and financial workflows.
• Oversee treasury, investment reporting and reconciliation, fixed assets, and capital-project accounting.
• Serve as the primary accounting liaison with external auditors, outside accounting firms, investment managers, and other financial partners.
• Evaluate systems, reporting tools, and process improvements that increase accuracy, efficiency, and visibility into the Club’s financial performance.
• Partner with the General Manager and department leaders on financial analysis, operational decisions, and special projects.

Education

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

Seven or more years of progressive accounting and finance experience

Job description

Full-Time | On Site | Salaried Exempt
$125,000–$145,000 annually + potential annual performance bonus

Seattle Yacht Club is seeking an experienced Controller to serve as the Club’s senior accounting leader and a trusted financial partner to the General Manager, department leaders, Finance Committee, and Board of Trustees. The Controller will lead financial reporting, accounting operations, internal controls, treasury, budgeting, audit preparation, and the accounting team while helping leadership translate financial information into sound operational decisions.

This is a hands‑on leadership opportunity within a uniquely diverse organization that includes food and beverage, marina and moorage operations, events, retail, investments, capital projects, and member‑driven Club activities.

What You’ll Do

• Own the monthly and year‑end close process and ensure timely, accurate, and complete financial reporting.
• Serve as final reviewer of financial statements, reconciliations, journal entries, accruals, and other significant accounting activity.
• Prepare financial reporting, variance analysis, management reports, and clear narrative commentary for leadership, the Finance Committee, and the Board of Trustees.
• Lead annual budgeting, forecasting, cash‑flow and liquidity planning, and support long‑range financial planning.
• Provide leadership, technical guidance, accountability, and development support to the accounting team.
• Maintain and strengthen internal controls, accounting procedures, general ledger integrity, and financial workflows.
• Oversee treasury, investment reporting and reconciliation, fixed assets, and capital‑project accounting.
• Serve as the primary accounting liaison with external auditors, outside accounting firms, investment managers, and other financial partners.
• Evaluate systems, reporting tools, and process improvements that increase accuracy, efficiency, and visibility into the Club’s financial performance.
• Partner with the General Manager and department leaders on financial analysis, operational decisions, and special projects.

What Success Looks Like

• Monthly financial reporting is accurate, timely, and useful to leadership and governance.
• Close, reconciliation, control, budget, and audit processes are well organized and consistently executed.
• Department leaders receive clear financial information and practical analysis that supports decision‑making.
• The accounting team has clear expectations, appropriate technical support, and strong accountability.
• Financial systems and processes continue to improve as the Club’s operational needs evolve.

What You Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• Seven or more years of progressive accounting and finance experience, including significant Controller‑level or comparable leadership responsibilities.
• Strong technical accounting knowledge and demonstrated experience with financial statements, month‑end close, reconciliations, internal controls, budgeting, and audit support.
• Experience with ERP and financial reporting systems and an interest in improving financial processes and reporting tools.
• Ability to interpret financial information and communicate clearly with both financial and non‑financial audiences.
• Strong judgment, organization, communication, leadership, and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and operate independently while remaining collaborative and service‑oriented.

CPA preferred; equivalent depth of relevant accounting leadership experience will be considered.

Experience in a private club, hospitality, marina or moorage operation, nonprofit, multi‑property, or other member‑service environment is particularly valuable.

Experience working directly with a Finance Committee or Board is also preferred.

Schedule & Work Location

This is a full‑time on site position based in Seattle, Washington. Regular on‑site presence at Seattle Yacht Club’s Mainstation is required, with flexibility based on business needs, meetings, accounting deadlines, and operational priorities.

The position generally follows a Monday‑Friday business schedule, with additional flexibility required during budget season, year‑end close, audit periods, Finance Committee and Board meetings, and other time‑sensitive finance activities.

Compensation & Benefits

The anticipated salary range for this position is $125,000–$145,000 annually. The actual starting salary will be determined based on relevant experience, qualifications, internal equity, and the requirements of the position.

Additional Compensation: This position is eligible to participate in Seattle Yacht Club’s annual performance‑based bonus program, with a potential bonus opportunity calculated as a percentage of annual salary. The position may also be considered for salary adjustments through the Club’s annual performance appraisal process. Bonuses and salary increases are not guaranteed and are subject to applicable program terms, individual and/or organizational performance, Club approval, and current Club policies and practices, which may be amended from time to time.

Eligible full‑time employees have access to a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Vacation benefits in accordance with the Club’s Employee Handbook
• Paid Sick and Safe Time (PSST) in accordance with applicable law
• Paid holidays in accordance with the Club’s Employee Handbook
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Employer‑provided life insurance and long‑term disability coverage
• Employee meals
• Ship Store employee discount

Benefit eligibility, coverage, and administration are subject to applicable plan documents, Club policies, the Employee Handbook, and applicable law.

About Seattle Yacht Club

Seattle Yacht Club is a historic, member‑focused organization serving its membership through dining, events, boating and marina operations, sailing programs, and a wide range of Club activities. The Controller plays an important role in supporting responsible financial stewardship and effective decision‑making across the organization.

Equal Opportunity Employment

Seattle Yacht Club is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made without discrimination based on any status protected by applicable federal, Washington State, or Seattle law. Reasonable accommodations are available for qualified applicants and employees with disabilities.