Controller

Job Description

Job Description

CONTROLLER

ABOUT THE POSITION

The Controller leads day-to-day accounting operations for Music for All, Inc. and Music for All Foundation, ensuring accurate financial records, timely reporting, effective internal controls, and compliance with applicable accounting and reporting requirements. Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, the Controller supports the organization’s financial health through reliable analysis, budget oversight, and sound accounting policies and procedures. The Controller supervises and supports accounting staff, manages the financial close and annual external audit, coordinates tax reporting and financial records management, and partners with departments to strengthen financial processes. The successful candidate combines technical accounting expertise, sound judgment, attention to detail, confidentiality, and a collaborative approach to supporting Music for All’s mission.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Technical proficiency in generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), financial reporting, and accounting procedures.

• Working knowledge of tax compliance and governmental reporting requirements applicable to organizational activities.

• Familiarity with accounting for multiple entities, intercompany transactions, and consolidations.

• Proficiency with computerized accounting systems and Microsoft 365 applications.

• Strong Microsoft Excel skills for reconciliations, financial analysis, and reporting.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills

• Strong analytical skills

• Budget experience is required

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting and related experience in Accounting and Finance

• Ability to supervise and support accounting staff, manage competing deadlines, and handle confidential financial information with integrity and discretion.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation.

• At least five years of experience in an accounting management role, ideally combining external audit and in-house financial management experience in nonprofit, corporate, and/or entrepreneurial settings.

• Nonprofit accounting experience, including contributions, donor restrictions, and net asset reporting.

• Experience with reporting and database tools such as Power BI or Microsoft Access.

• Experience with business valuations and financial modeling.

PRIMARY DUTIES

Accounting Operations and Financial Reporting

• Lead accounting operations and supervise and support accounting staff. Establish GAAP-aligned procedures; manage monthly and year-end closes and external financial reporting; originate or approve journal entries and accruals; and support the Chief Financial Officer’s reporting to the Board of Directors and internal management.

• Maintain accounting records for Music for All, Inc. and Music for All Foundation, including intercompany reconciliations and consolidated reporting as applicable.

• Support the Chief Financial Officer in maintaining the structure and effectiveness of accounting and finance systems. Develop documented policies and procedures aligned with organizational financial goals and oversee technical maintenance of computerized accounting systems in coordination with appropriate support providers.

• Oversee general ledger integrity, bank and balance sheet reconciliations, accounts payable, expense reimbursements, and payroll-related accounting in coordination with responsible staff. Ensure appropriate documentation, review, and timely resolution of discrepancies.

• Ensure appropriate accounting for event registration revenue, sponsorships, contributions, grants, deferred revenue, and donor-restricted funds. Reconcile financial records with relevant program and fundraising systems and monitor the release of restrictions in accordance with applicable requirements. 

Audit, Internal Controls, and Compliance

• Manage the annual external financial audit, including schedules, supporting documentation, and accounting analysis. Serve as the primary day-to-day contact for auditors, coordinate requests and responses, and present supportable accounting and GAAP interpretations while preserving auditors’ direct access to the Chief Financial Officer and appropriate Board oversight bodies.

• Support the Chief Financial Officer in designing, implementing, and monitoring internal controls that safeguard organizational assets and maintain reliable financial records. Conduct periodic internal reviews of accounting accuracy, policy compliance, access permissions, and segregation of duties; document findings and support corrective action to reduce the risk of error, theft, or fraud.

• Administer purchasing and disbursement controls, including approval of purchases before commitments are made in accordance with organizational policy. The Controller and Chief Financial Officer approve invoices selected for payment, and at least one reviews checks before disbursement. Apply documented authorization and independent review procedures to electronic payments and changes to vendor banking information.

• Coordinate timely preparation, review, and filing of required tax and governmental reports, including federal and state nonprofit information returns, applicable corporate income tax returns, sales taxes, and other required filings. Maintain reporting calendars and serve as liaison to external tax professionals.

• Monitor accounts receivable and aging, communicate material balances and collection risks to the Chief Financial Officer, and partner with the Events Revenue Cycle Manager to support timely collection and accurate recording of receipts.

• Maintain fixed asset records, oversee capitalization and disposals, and prepare depreciation computations and related reporting.

• Maintain organized, secure financial and contract records that provide an appropriate audit trail and are accessible to authorized staff. Monitor financial obligations and compliance with sponsorship and other contracts as appropriate, and ensure contracts follow organizational contract management policies. Assist the Chief Financial Officer with records retention and destruction policies and oversee their implementation.

Financial Planning and Organizational Collaboration

• Support annual budgeting, periodic forecasts, and budget-to-actual analysis. Collect, analyze, and interpret financial and operating data; explain material variances; and prepare projections and decision-support information for the Chief Financial Officer, department leaders, and organizational planning.

• Support the Chief Financial Officer in monitoring cash balances, forecasting cash needs, and planning payments in alignment with the organization’s seasonal event cycle.

• Partner with departmental leaders to clarify financial procedures, improve reporting and workflows, and support responsible budget management and timely information sharing.

• Develop accounting staff through clear expectations, training, cross-training, and documented processes that support accountability and continuity of operations.

• Perform other related duties appropriate to the position as assigned by the Chief Financial Officer.

EVENT RESPONSIBILITIES 

Music for All is an event-based organization dedicated to creating transformative educational experiences through music. All employees contribute to event planning and execution throughout the year, including assigned on-site responsibilities and some travel. The Controller supports event financial procedures, payment and revenue reconciliation, and financial accountability in coordination with event teams. Responsibility for event logistics, production, and operational management resides with the Events and Operations team.

COMPENSATION 

Music for All offers a competitive compensation and benefits package including base salary, health, life, dental, and disability insurance benefits, 401(k) retirement plan, tuition reimbursement, professional development, health savings account, and flexible spending account.

ABOUT MUSIC FOR ALL

Music for All is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit educational organization dedicated to creating, providing, and expanding positively life-changing experiences through music for all. Music for All also informs and empowers students, parents, and teachers to be engaged advocates for arts and music education in their communities and across the nation. Music for All’s programs include Bands of America Championships, Orchestra America, the Music for All National Festival, Music for All Summer Camps, Affiliate Regional Music Festivals, honor ensembles, educational clinics, professional learning opportunities, and advocacy initiatives. These programs support students, educators, families, and communities through excellence in teaching, leadership development, lifelong learning, and access to high-quality music experiences.