Job Description
Position: Controller/Comptroller
Related Titles: Director of Accounting, Finance Director
Department: Finance & Accounting
Reports To: General Manager / Chief Operating Officer
Status: Exempt, Full-Time, Salaried
Position Summary
The Controller is responsible for overseeing all financial operations of the Club, including accounting, budgeting, financial reporting, payroll, internal controls, and compliance. This role partners closely with the General Manager, and department heads, to ensure the Club's financial health, safeguard its assets, and support sound business decision-making. The ideal candidate combines strong technical accounting expertise with the discretion, professionalism, and service orientation expected in a private club environment.
Key Responsibilities & Duties
Financial Management & Reporting
- Oversee the preparation of accurate, timely monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in accordance with GAAP
- Prepare variance analysis comparing actual results to budget and prior-year performance for management and the Finance Committee
- Manage the month-end and year-end close processes
- Coordinate the annual external audit and manage the auditor relationship
- Prepare and present financial reports to the Finance Committee and Board of Directors
Budgeting & Forecasting
- Lead the annual operating and capital budgeting process in collaboration with the General Manager and department heads
- Develop financial forecasts and cash flow projections
- Monitor departmental spending against budget and flag variances proactively
Accounting Operations
- Execute and ensure timely completion of accounts payable and general ledger functions
- Supervise accounts receivable, member billing/dues and ensure accurate and timely member statement generation, including dues, minimums, and charges
- Oversee fixed asset and capital project accounting
- Manage cash management, banking relationships, and reconciliations
- Maintain the chart of accounts and accounting policies and procedures
Internal Controls & Compliance
- Design, implement, and monitor internal controls to safeguard Club assets
- Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local tax regulations, including sales tax, payroll tax, and unrelated business income tax (UBIT) where applicable
- Oversee compliance with club bylaws and Board-approved financial policies
- Maintain appropriate insurance coverage in coordination with the General Manager
Payroll & Human Resources Support
- Oversee payroll processing and ensure compliance with wage and hour laws
- Administer employee benefits-related accounting (health insurance, retirement plans, etc.)
- Support workers' compensation and unemployment claims administration
Project Oversight/Management
- Oversight of construction draw schedules, lender compliance reporting, and project-level cost accounting
- Coordination with committees, general contractors, architects, and construction lenders on budgeting and financial reporting
- Implementation of new job-costing and percentage-of-completion accounting systems required for project
- Audit and regulatory compliance duties tied to construction financing
Team Leadership
- Serve as a resource and business partner to department heads on budget and financial matters
- Foster a culture of accuracy, accountability, and confidentiality within the finance team
- Supervise and support accounting department staff
Technology & Systems
- Oversee the Club's point-of-sale, membership billing, and accounting software systems
- Identify opportunities to improve efficiency through automation and system upgrades
- Ensure data integrity across financial and membership systems
Qualifications
Required
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field
- Strong knowledge of GAAP and financial reporting
- Proficiency with accounting software and Microsoft Excel; experience with club management systems (e.g., Jonas, Northstar, ClubEssential) strongly preferred
- Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills
- High level of integrity and discretion in handling confidential member and financial information
Preferred
- CPA license or CMA certification
- Minimum 3 years of progressive accounting/finance experience, including supervisory experience
- Prior experience in a private club, hospitality, membership-based organizations
- Experience presenting to boards or committees
Core Competencies
- Attention to detail and accuracy
- Strong ethical standards and sound judgment
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
- Collaborative, service-oriented mindset
- Clear written and verbal communication with staff, members, and leadership
Work Environment
This position works traditional business hours on-site at the Club, with occasional evening or weekend hours required to support Board/committee meetings, member events, or month-end/year-end deadlines.
Compensation & Benefits
Competitive salary commensurate with experience, plus benefits package (to be customized by the Club - e.g., health insurance, retirement plan contribution, paid time off, professional development/CPE support).
This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the position and is not an exhaustive list of skills, efforts, duties, or responsibilities associated with the role.
