Controller

CONTROLLER

JOB SUMMARY

White Bear Yacht Club is seeking a collaborative, service-driven financial leader to serve as its next Controller. This role is an integral part of the senior leadership team that strives to create amazing experiences for both its members and staff. The ideal candidate will manage all accounting and financial matters and support White Bear Yacht Club’s strategic mission and vision.

CLUB OVERVIEW

Originally founded in 1889 as a sailing club, White Bear Yacht Club holds rich history in the Twin Cities. The original “clubhouse” was a hotel that provided overnight accommodations for members that wished to spend their weekends on beautiful White Bear Lake. In 1912 the Club added a golf course designed by Scottish architect William “Willie” Watson. Although not overly long, the course remains timeless with its unique changes in topography, varied green complexes and serene surroundings just as it was over 100 years ago.

White Bear Yacht Club is a family focused club and offers its members an exceptional social, dining, and recreational experience. The amenities include a Top 100 golf course, tennis, pickleball, platform tennis, a lakeside pool, and three dining experiences.

MISSION & VALUES

The mission of the White Bear Yacht Club team is to create amazing, member experiences. This is central to all we do and is accomplished by our five core values:

• Devoted to Hospitality: We create amazing personal experiences for our members.
• Always Leading: We operate with the mindset of a leader in every circumstance.
• Leave it Better: We take ownership of our assignment and leave it better than we found it.
• Pursue Transformation: We seek out ways to learn and grow.
• The Small Stuff Matters: We operate with attention to detail.

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Controller works directly with the General Manager to help achieve the strategic goals and operational expectations set by the Board. The Controller is the first point of contact for financial questions and must be able to translate data into understandable, actionable insight for both members and staff. They are responsible for all financial processing, compliance reporting, monthly financial statements and reconciliations, journal entries, capital planning and expense management, as well as timely completion of annual financial audits and tax return compliance.

KEY CHARACTERISTICS

Unquestionable Integrity – Maintains high ethical standards and confidentiality.

Financial Credibility – Trusted resource for management and governance.

Service Driven – Devoted to serving others.

Collaborative – Thrives in a team focused culture.

Strategic Partner – Offers big-picture thinking with practical solutions.

Approachable – Builds rapport with members, staff, and vendors.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Strategic Guidance & Leadership

• Partner with the General Manager on operational and financial matters.
• Manage cash flow, cost control, and expenses, while suggesting potential areas of improvement.
• Work with the General Manager and Department Heads to prepare and deliver monthly financial statements and the annual budget to the Board of Directors.
• Participate in Finance Committee and Board of Directors meetings; listen to feedback; provide input and be able to communicate and defend data-driven recommendations respectfully, confidently, and professionally.
• Work collaboratively with the Senior Leadership Team to ensure their understanding of the monthly financial statements; strategies for managing expenses; help identify potential challenges and provide suggestions for improvements in a kind, positive manner.
• Strive to elevate the member experience through accurate and timely billing. Answer member billing inquiries in a respectful manner.

Accounting & Finance

• Manage membership billings including dues, minimums, past due charges, group billings, and installment billings within the membership database.
• Process monthly member statements, ensuring all fee billings are accurate.
• Prepare the monthly trial balance and financial statements including the balance sheet, profit & loss statement, funds reports, and cash flow report.
• Prepare operating budgets, capital budgets, and financial forecasts for all departments.
• Direct and verify monthly inventory in beverages, food, supplies, and other club assets.
• Reconcile monthly ledgers including receivables, payables, bank statements, and other club accounts.
• Audit all cash and charge expenditures.
• Facilitate the maintenance of depreciation schedules.
• Facilitate the preparation of applicable federal, state, and local tax returns.
• Prepare and file the monthly sales tax returns.
• Manage the club’s investment program with the General Manager, Board of Directors, and investment partner.
• Prepare for and oversee the Club’s annual audit conducted by an external accounting firm.
• Serve as the liaison between the club and the bank and other outside organizations.

Human Resources

• Maintain a high level of confidentiality with the club and its employees.
• Oversee 401K, Roth, and Profit-Sharing plan. Ensure reporting requirements are met.
• Assist and advise Human Resources on the club’s group insurance plans, employee benefits, and compensation.
• Assist Human Resources with payroll, workers compensation, and unemployment on an as needed basis.

Technology

• Manage the club’s contract with the external IT company and serve as the main contact for IT related matters.
• Process software updates on POS devices and club ATMs.

May be assigned other duties and responsibilities as necessary.

CANDIDATE SPECIFICATIONS

• Commitment to serving others and creating amazing experiences for members and staff.
• Advanced accounting and financial knowledge.
• Possess a high sense of integrity and ethical standards.
• Collaborative and team focused.
• Commitment to growth and development.
• Strong organizational skills and detail oriented.
• Ability to build respectful and effective relationships with staff, members, senior leadership staff, committee members, and board members.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or related field.
• CPA certification is strongly preferred.
• Minimum 3-5 years of professional accounting or bookkeeping experience.
• Private Club or hospitality industry experience preferred.
• Experience with Jonas or other POS/accounting system preferred.
• Experience working with a 501(c)(7) organization is beneficial but not required.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

• Exempt, full-time position
• Salary Range: $70,000-$100,000 per year
• Medical, dental, disability, and life insurance
• Health Savings Account
• 401K, 401K Matching, Roth, Profit Sharing
• Paid Time Off
• End of Year Bonus Program
• Employee lunch and dinner service
• Use of the Club Amenities

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Please send a resume and cover letter directly to Erika Smed, Human Resources, at esmed@wbyc.com, or apply online at www.wbyc.com.

White Bear Yacht Club is an EEO employer.