Controller

Bay Street TheaterJob Description: ControllerDecember 12, 2025Title: ControllerHours: Full-Time, ExemptLocation: Hybrid — flexibility to work from home with mutually agreed upon required onsite daysReports to:  Executive Director About Bay Street TheaterBay Street Theater is a year-round, not-for-profit LORT C professional theater and community cultural center in Sag Harbor, New York. Since 1991, we have been recognized as "one of the country's pre-eminent regional theatres" (CBS Sunday Morning), producing world premieres, developing new works, and creating transformative theater experiences. Our 299-seat theater serves as a cultural beacon on the East End of Long Island, offering a Mainstage Series, new works development, extensive education programming, and meaningful community partnerships.OverviewThe Controller is a key member of Bay Street Theater’s leadership team, responsible for financial management, oversight, and strategic guidance for a nonprofit performing arts organization. This role ensures accurate financial records, regulatory compliance, and strong financial stewardship in support of the organization’s mission.Responsibilities1. Financial ManagementOversee day-to-day financial operations.Develop and implement financial policies and procedures.Manage annual and departmental budgeting, collaborating closely with department heads. 2. Accounting & ReportingMaintain accurate financial records using QuickBooks, Microsoft Excel and Bay Street’s CRM Tessitura, to optimize system integration and improve financial efficiency. Prepare and analyze financial statements, including income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow reports.Produce regular internal and external financial reports.Lead annual audit preparation and activities.Manage accounts payable, general ledger, payroll, and related finance functions.Translate complex financial concepts for stakeholders at all levels.3. Compliance & AuditEnsure adherence to accounting standards, tax regulations, and nonprofit reporting requirements.Coordinate and support external auditors, providing required documentation and addressing findings. 4. Grant ManagementOversee the financial components of grant applications, including budgeting and compliance.Partner with program managers to track expenditures and prepare required grant reporting. 5. Financial Planning & StrategyCollaborate with senior leadership to develop long-term financial strategies aligned with organizational goals.Provide financial analysis to inform decision-making.Create and drive analytic frameworks for planning, reporting, and organizational change.Anticipate infrastructure and systems needs within a complex nonprofit theater environment.Skills & AbilitiesComprehensive knowledge of non-profit accounting principles, financial reporting, and compliance requirements.Strong analytical, problem-solving, and strategic-thinking abilities.Mastery of QuickBooks and Microsoft Excel; proficiency in Word.  Experience with Tessitura a plus, or similar CRM and a willingness to learn the system. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.Proven leadership ability with a collaborative approach.Ability to lead and support financial initiatives across departments.Team ManagementDemonstrated success developing and maintaining financial system teams that support internal operations and collaboration.Experience working closely with senior leadership, including Executive Director and Board Chair.Ability to support, train, and mentor junior staff.Foster a positive and collaborative team environment through effective supervision and regular performance evaluations. Risk ManagementIdentify and mitigate financial risks through internal controls and best practices.Develop and maintain a comprehensive organizational risk management strategy.Relationship ManagementBuild and maintain relationships with banks, donors, auditors, and key external stakeholders.Serve as financial liaison between the organization and partners.Personal QualitiesIntegrity, credibility, and a deep commitment to Bay Street’s mission.Proactive, hands-on approach to leading the finance department.Open-minded, flexible, and receptive to questions and new ideas.Strong organizational and problem-solving skills that support sound decision-making.Ability to anticipate systems needs and implement cost-effective, forward-thinking solutions.Education & ExperienceBachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance required; CPA preferred.Strong understanding of GAAP, internal controls, and full-cycle accounting.Nonprofit accounting experience highly valued.Advanced knowledge of QuickBooks, Excel, and Word; Tessitura experience or strong willingness to learn required.Payroll processing experience required; Paychex experience preferred.Proven success in a senior finance role, including grant accounting and compliance.Salary & Benefits$90,000 to $115,000 annual salary.Competitive compensation package, including health and retirement benefits.Bay Street Theater is an equal-opportunity employer and a drug-free workplace.Additional Information About Bay Street TheaterMainstage Productions: Our cornerstone is a summer season (May-September) featuring 3-4 fully staged Equity productions, typically including one new work, one classic, and a musical. We've produced over two dozen world premieres since 1992, with productions moving to Broadway, Off-Broadway, and regional theaters nationwide.New Works Development: Our annual Title Wave: New Works Festival provides playwrights with professional directors, actors, dramaturgical support, and staged readings before live audiences.Education Programs:- Literature Live! brings curriculum-based classics to life for school groups (free for all students)- Writing the Wave creative writing competition for teens- Theater Camps for youth during school breaks and summer- Adult education classes in acting, playwriting, improvisation, and more Community Partnerships: We provide our stage to organizations without physical spaces, including Hamptons Doc Fest, Shinnecock Nation, Black Film Festival, Butterfly Effect Project, OLA, East End Special Players, and others.Our Facility: A 14,000 sq ft building featuring a 299-seat theater with 3/4 thrust stage, lobby with bar, box office, production offices, costume shop, and dressing rooms. To ApplyEmail your cover letter and résumé merged in one PDF (title for document: last name_controller_date) to: hr@baystreet.org with the subject line: ControllerPlease include in the cover letter:Why you are applying for this position.What expertise and experience uniquely qualify you to lead the financial operations of Bay Street Theater. Bay Street Theater & the Sag Harbor Center for the Arts is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive team.

Salary : $90,000 - $115,000