Controller

The Controller oversees all financial, accounting, facilities management and reporting activities of the organization and ensures compliance with nonprofit accounting standards. This role partners closely with the Executive Director, Artistic Directors, and Board Finance Committee to safeguard assets, develop budgets, provide timely analysis, and support the mission of the organization through strong fiscal leadership.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Management & Reporting

• Manage the full accounting cycle, including general ledger, A/P, A/R, payroll, cash management, and bank reconciliations.

• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in accordance with GAAP and nonprofit accounting practices.

• Provide financial analysis to leadership and board committees, including forecasting, trends, and narrative variance explanations.

• Maintain the organization's chart of accounts and ensure proper allocation of expenses to programs, productions, education, and development.

Budgeting & Planning

• Lead the annual budgeting process in collaboration with department heads (Artistic, Production, Education, Marketing, Development).

• Manage multi-show/season budgets and track production-specific costs (artists' fees, royalties, venue rental, crew labor, costumes/sets).

• Develop cash flow forecasts and ensure liquidity to meet operating needs throughout the season.

Internal Controls & Compliance

• Establish and maintain internal controls, policies, and procedures to protect assets and ensure accurate financial reporting.

• Oversee annual audits and coordinate with external auditors, tax preparers, and regulatory agencies.

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, including nonprofit reporting, 990 filings, payroll tax filings, and licensing.

Grants, Sponsorships & Contributions

• Partner with the Development team to track restricted/unrestricted funds, grant expenditures, in-kind contributions, and pledges.

• Prepare grant financial reports and ensure spending aligns with donor requirements.

• Maintain donor revenue reconciliation between accounting and fundraising systems.

Systems & Process Improvement

• Oversee accounting software, payroll systems, and payment platforms.

• Implement improvements to streamline workflows, increase efficiency, and strengthen financial transparency.

• Support digital transitions such as ticketing integration with finance systems.

Leadership & Collaboration

• Supervise accounting or finance support staff, independent contractors, volunteers, and seasonal personnel.

• Serve as financial adviser to senior leadership, boards, and committees.

• Communicate complex financial information clearly to non-financial stakeholders (directors. artists, producers, board members).

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field

• Strong accounting and financial management skills

• Familiarity with nonprofit financial record keeping and reporting regulations

• Demonstrated success in presenting GAAP-basis financial statements to Board Finance Committee

** Work Perks **

Paid Time Off

• 0 – 2 years of service = 5 days (40 hours) annually

• 3-5 years of service: 10 days (80 hours) annually

• 5 or more years of service: 15 days (120 hours) annually

• New full-time employees become eligible to use accrued PTO after completing 60 days of continuous employment with LSPA.

Education

• Tuition compensation for students within classes that are not considered individual or private. This will be considered income and is taxable.