Controller

The Controller is responsible for the leadership and oversight of all accounting, financial reporting, treasury, tax, audit, investment accounting, compliance, and internal control functions of the Metropolitan Opera. The Controller ensures the integrity of the organization's financial records, compliance with applicable accounting standards and regulatory requirements, and timely production of financial information to support organizational decision-making.

The Controller serves as the organization's primary accounting officer and partners closely with the Chief Financial Officer, Director of Finance Operations, Director of Financial Planning & Analysis, external auditors, investment advisors, actuaries, legal counsel, and other organizational leaders.

Primary Responsibilities

Financial Accounting and Reporting

• Oversee the general ledger, chart of accounts, and financial reporting processes.
• Ensure all transactions are recorded in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• Lead the monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close processes.
• Prepare and review monthly financial statements and supporting schedules.
• Maintain accounting policies and procedures.
• Draft and maintain technical accounting memoranda documenting accounting treatment of significant transactions under ASC 958, ASC 606, and other relevant accounting guidance.
• Provide accounting guidance to departments regarding complex or unusual transactions.

Audit and Regulatory Reporting

• Lead all external audits, including:
• Annual financial statement audit
• Retirement Plan audits
• 403(b) Plan audits
• Regulatory audits
• Union audits
• Coordinate preparation of audit schedules and supporting documentation.
• Serve as primary liaison with external auditors and regulatory agencies.
• Implement recommendations resulting from audits and reviews.

Treasury and Investments

• Oversee treasury operations and cash management activities.
• Monitor organizational liquidity and capital requirements.
• Evaluate cash flow projections and funding needs.
• Oversee investment accounting and reporting.
• Monitor investment performance reporting for:
• Endowment funds
• Retirement Plan assets
• Other investment pools
• Coordinate with external investment managers regarding transactions and reporting.
• Ensure proper accounting and reporting for alternative investments and split-interest agreements.

Tax and Compliance

• Oversee preparation and filing of:
• Form 990
• Form 990-T
• Form 5500
• State registrations
• Sales and use tax filings
• Escheat filings
• Excise tax filings
• Census and regulatory reporting
• Advise on payroll tax filings
• Ensure compliance with nonprofit accounting and reporting requirements.
• Monitor restricted funds and endowment activity to ensure donor compliance.
• Collaborate with Development, Legal, and program staff regarding donor restrictions and net asset classifications.
• Manage debt compliance and related reporting requirements.
• Support negotiations and ongoing administration of credit facilities.
• Ensure compliance with bond, banking, and rating agency requirements.

Internal Controls and Risk Management

• Design, maintain, and monitor financial internal controls.
• Establish accounting policies and procedures that protect organizational assets.
• Partner with the Director of Finance Operations to ensure effective operational controls throughout finance processes.
• Support organizational risk management initiatives.
• Collaborate with Legal regarding insurance programs and related financial reporting.

Retirement and Benefit Plan Accounting

• Oversee accounting and reporting related to retirement and benefit plans.
• Partner with actuaries regarding pension valuations and projections.
• Ensure compliance with pension accounting and reporting requirements.

Leadership and Organizational Support

• Manage and develop accounting and compliance staff.
• Provide information and presentations to the Board Audit Committee, Finance Committee, and Investment Committee.
• Partner with the Director of Financial Planning & Analysis regarding financial results and forecasting.
• Serve as a strategic advisor to the CFO on accounting, compliance, and financial stewardship matters.

Skills and Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting required.
• CPA required.
• Minimum 10 years of progressively responsible accounting experience.
• Minimum 5 years of management experience.
• Strong technical accounting expertise, particularly nonprofit accounting.
• Significant experience with audits, financial reporting, tax compliance, and treasury management.
• Experience working with ERP systems and financial reporting tools.
• Excellent analytical, communication, and leadership skills.