Controller

POSITION SUMMARY

The Controller plays a key role in Milwaukee Rep’s success, securing the foundation for the organization to build an expanded artistic vision and continuing to build sustainable growth over time. Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, the Controller is an involved, pragmatic manager who guides financial policy and direction with the staff. They will be integral in planning the organization’s strategy and maintaining ongoing operational integrity and excellence, assisting and leading in financial administration, business planning, and budgeting. The Controller will mentor, model, and motivate staff in an inclusive and collegial manner while developing realistic goals and accountability measures.

Direct Reports: 2 FTE

Major Duties and Responsibilities Include:

Financial Management and Planning

• Ensure the responsible management of Milwaukee Rep’s financial assets and provide strategic recommendations on financial issues as they arise.
• Prepare month- and year-end close documents, assuring that financial record systems are maintained in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.
• Produce and analyze timely and accurate financial statements, including budgets, accruals, deferred revenue, and oversee fiscal programs including accounts payable, forecasting, grant budget development, billing, payroll and revenue imports, monthly reconciliations.
• Prepare schedules for all external auditors and 990 returns.
• Prepare monthly Sales tax returns.
• Review and assist with quarterly and annual payroll and 1099 filings.
• Assist in preparation of annual operating and capital budgets and periodic re-forecasts.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local requirements, through research and awareness of existing, new, or anticipated legislation, and liaise with legal counsel to advise management on needed actions or potential impacts.
• Perform cash flow analysis and planning to ensure availability of funds as needed.
• Review, analyze, and report on fund development accounting including capital campaign reporting, restricted and unrestricted accounting practices, grant reporting and accounting for endowment funds.
• Provide oversight of project-based and departmental financial reporting, including reconciling gift revenue, box office reporting, and royalties.
• Monitor and reconcile investments, bank accounts, company credit cards and merchant accounts on an ongoing basis.
• Communicate transactions as necessary to departments.

Leadership and Administration

• Guide financial decisions by monitoring and enforcing internal controls, and operational policies and procedures; make recommendations for increased efficiency and effectiveness.
• Liaise with the Finance Committee and participate in Committee and Board meetings.
• Manage and mentor the Finance Department staff members.

What We Are Looking For:

• You are a natural overseer of change. You are energized by guiding seamless transitions that empower teams and organizations to thrive. You take pride in smoothing out complexities, ensuring every step in a change feels intentional and leaves people confident and supported.
• You have an eye for efficiency and automation. You love creating streamlined workflows that make work not just easier, but smarter. Whether redesigning processes or automating tasks, you free up time so teams can focus on what truly matters.
• You are strategic in your mindset. You champion progress with purpose and precision, balancing big-picture vision with careful attention to detail. You craft clear, actionable plans that keep everyone aligned while managing the important nuances.
• Leading through change excites you. You see uncertainty as an opportunity to innovate and inspire. When challenges arise, you rally your team and turn obstacles into stepping stones for success.
• You value kindness and connection. You align your work to create environments where people feel supported, valued, and able to succeed because of your influence. Your passion for moving work forward with heart makes you an indispensable leader of transformation.

REQUIREMENTS OF THE POSITION

Education and/or Experience

• A Bachelor’s degree and experience in a financial management role, or the equivalent combination of education and experience is required.
• Significant experience in a financial position within a performing arts or cultural organization is preferred.
• Qualified candidates will have skills in managing processes and analyzing information, developing standards and policies, non-profit accounting, budgeting, reporting, grant management and auditing experience.
• Evidence of specific actions to advance equity, diversity, inclusion, and access in previous environments is essential including vendor selection and staffing.
• A candidate with Certified Public Accountant designation is preferred.
• Experience with current versions of Abila MIP, Tessitura and Paylocity is a plus.
• Ability to pass a background check in compliance with local, state and/or federal laws.

Successful candidates will demonstrate success in the following areas

• Self-Starting and Personal Accountability – The confidence to take initiative and achieve results, to recognize and overcome mistakes, and to accept personal responsibility for outcomes.
• Time and Priority Management – The capacity to prioritize tasks, effectively manage delays, and deliver desired outcomes in a timely fashion.
• Planning and Goal Orientation – The willingness to set ambitious and challenging goals, establish a course of action to pursue and attain goals, and adopt an action plan with procedures and processes for efficiency and productivity.
• Conceptual Thinking and Problem Solving – The ability to observe and analyze data to gain new insights or perspectives, use logical processes to analyze problems and define solutions, and evaluate the impact of possible solutions.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to communicate in person and on the telephone. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision.

Milwaukee Rep Values Employees Who:

• Communicate well with a diverse group of colleagues.
• Demonstrate an aptitude and eagerness to learn new skills and processes when necessary.
• Solve problems and engage in creative thinking about challenges individually and in a group environment.
• Are able to accept and incorporate feedback.
• Have excellent interpersonal, teamwork, and diplomacy skills and ability to be self-directed and take initiative.
• Demonstrates an understanding of historical and institutional racism in the American theater and/or a willingness to commit to learning and to the mission, vision and values of the theater in the areas of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion efforts both in the workplace and in our community.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS OFFERED

Compensation

This position offers a base salary between $80,000–$90,000, commensurate with experience, with eligibility for performance-based bonuses after three months of employment.

Employee Benefits

• Health & Dental Insurance – Employee contribution to premium
• Health Savings Account & Health Reimbursement Account
• Flexible Spending Account
• 403(b) Retirement Plan
• Paid Time Off Package including Vacation Time, Sick Leave, Holidays, Parental Leave, Medical Leave

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