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The Controller leads The Music Hall’s accounting operations and supervises a small finance team, combining hands-on execution with clear financial oversight. Reporting directly to the President and CEO, the Controller provides reliable financial statements, cash forecasts and analysis that support sound decisions across venues, live performances, film programming, festivals, patron services and fundraising.
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Controller
The Music Hall | Portsmouth, NH
Position Summary
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.
How to Apply
Submit a cover letter and résumé to the Controller Search Committee at employment@themusichall.org with the subject line “Controller.” No calls or walk-ins, please.
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 employment@themusichall.org.
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