Controller

fullTime

Theater
,

submitted by
Gianna Schuetz

posted on
02.18.2026

contact
[email protected]
Controller

REPORTS TO: Director of Finance

REPORTING STAFF: Assistant Controller

FLSA CLASSIFICATION: Exempt

POSITION OVERVIEW

In partnership with the Director of Finance, the Controller is responsible for accurate and timely monthly financial reporting, participation in the annual budget process and budget tracking, and preparation and oversight of annual audit and federal Form 990 schedules. The Controller ensures accurate general ledger information and assures compliance with generally accepted accounting principles.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

General Ledger and Accounting

Provide general accounting services for the organization and oversee daily business operations
Ensure compliance with finance control procedures
Perform month-end bank and investment reconciliations
Maintain the detailed pledge receivable schedule and ensure all pledges are recorded at the proper time and amount under GAAP
Prepare/update detailed pledge workbooks and net assets released from restrictions
Prepare a documented review of all journal entries, reconciliations, and schedules prepared by finance department staff
Direct or perform month-end and year-end closings for general ledger, constantly reviewing procedures while eliminating inefficiencies
Assist the Director of Finance in the preparation and analysis of monthly comprehensive and departmental financial statements
Perform analytical procedures at month-end

Budget

Working with senior management and individual departments, and in alignment with strategic initiatives, prepare the annual budget worksheets and schedules
Enter the final budget into general ledger in detail by cost center and by month
Assist Director of Finance with quarterly organizational re-forecasting

Audit and Federal Form 990

Prepare and maintain worksheets and schedules for the annual audit and Form 990 tax return, as outlined by an independent accounting firm
Assist with the preparation of the annual financial statements and footnotes for audit, state and federal filings

Accounts Payable, Payroll and Other Disbursements

Review all invoices for appropriate documentation and approval
Monitor short-term cash needs and approve wire transfers to cover weekly disbursements
Review weekly payroll submission prepared by the Assistant Controller. Provide back-up assistance for weekly payroll preparation when needed.
Review all payroll tax filings

Risk Management, Compliance and Other Reporting

Ensure compliance with financial control procedures
Prepare quarterly and annual debt compliance reports; keep Director of Finance apprised of any potential for noncompliance
In partnership with the Development team and Assistant Controller, prepare corporate, foundation and government grant proposals and reports, and other outside requests for financial information
Ensure compliance with all purpose and time restricted contributions, including temporarily restricted endowment accounts
Complete the annual Theatre Communications Group fiscal survey, annual Cultural Data Project/Data Arts fiscal survey
Working with outside brokers, secure and monitor insurance products, including employee health and welfare benefits, general and property liability, and board and employee practices

Financial Oversight

Responsible for financial oversight and integrity of the records and transactions including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable and payroll processing
Implement appropriate internal controls over accounting processes in order to safeguard the assets of the Theater, ensure adherence to all fiscal policies set forth by state and federal law and the by-laws of the Theater, and additional requirements of the finance and audit committees
Maintain company relationships with banks, accountants, investment consultant, and other third-party service providers.
Manage lease agreements and contracts. Assist the Director of Finance with renewals.

Other

Prepare regular financial reports in various formats for the Executive Director, the finance and audit committees, and the board of directors, including balance sheet (statement of financial position), income statements and cash flow projections
Ensure that compliance reports are prepared in a timely manner and in accordance with standard accounting procedures for regulatory agencies, grant makers, donors, etc.
Provide support for audit and finance committees
Assist the Director of Finance with negotiation and oversight of financing for special projects
Maintain and update annual and monthly finance department calendar
In coordination with the organization as a whole, support, implement, maintain, and report on work that upholds inclusion, diversity, equity and access
Qualifications

COMPETENCIES

Must demonstrate ability to problem solve and to handle varied projects simultaneously under tight deadlines
Strong organizational and project management skills
A team player who can work well with others in a variety of situations
Excellent oral and written communication skills

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work hours are generally 9 am - 5 pm, Monday through Friday
Overtime hours may be necessary
Evening, weekend, and holiday hours may be necessary on occasion
Worksite is primarily at the CST facilities on Navy Pier in Chicago, Illinois.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Undergraduate or master’s degree in accounting
Knowledge of non-profit accounting required
Minimum of 3 years in a similar position
Strong technical skills and experience with a Windows-based computer environment, including QuickBooks
Excellent Excel skills

ADDITIIONAL EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

CPA preferred
Experience processing or approving payroll a plus
Experience with organizational budgeting and forecasting required

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a complete listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Activities, duties, responsibilities, and priorities may be realigned and changed over time.

Contact Info:
Mohad Zahid
[email protected]

Job Type: Permanent

Compensation: $81,000 - $83,000

Location: Chicago, IL