What are the responsibilities and job description for the Controller / Senior Director of Finance & Administration position at Finance & Administration?
Are you looking to put your finance & accounting skills to work in a fast-paced start-up environment? Are you a multi-talented leader who can help add discipline and efficiency across a variety of administrative and operational projects, while also making sure all the bills get paid on time? Are you passionate about soccer, and excited to help us build on our inaugural season? Join us!
The Controller / Senior Director of Finance & Administration will serve as a key member of the senior leadership team, reporting directly to the Club President. He or she will not have any in-house direct reports in the near term, but will engage the support of external vendors and consultants as needed.
This role is responsible for managing all aspects of financial operations, including accounting, budgeting, forecasting, and reporting, while also overseeing administrative needs related to payroll, human resources, risk management, and compliance. Today, all of these tasks are outsourced to external consultants and vendors; you will be responsible for right-sizing those vendor relationships and pulling as much of it in-house as we reasonably can on a tight budget.
In a small organization like ours, this position requires a hands-on approach, wearing multiple hats to maximize efficiency and support strategic decision-making. We need someone who is ambitious, proactive, has direct experience with managing complex projects, and has an excellent awareness of the impact that proper financial reporting and analysis can have on continued business success. The ideal candidate will have a passion for sports and a proven track record in financial leadership, helping to drive profitability, manage risks, and foster a positive organizational culture.
The Controller / Senior Director of Finance & Administration will serve as a key member of the senior leadership team, reporting directly to the Club President. He or she will not have any in-house direct reports in the near term, but will engage the support of external vendors and consultants as needed.
This role is responsible for managing all aspects of financial operations, including accounting, budgeting, forecasting, and reporting, while also overseeing administrative needs related to payroll, human resources, risk management, and compliance. Today, all of these tasks are outsourced to external consultants and vendors; you will be responsible for right-sizing those vendor relationships and pulling as much of it in-house as we reasonably can on a tight budget.
In a small organization like ours, this position requires a hands-on approach, wearing multiple hats to maximize efficiency and support strategic decision-making. We need someone who is ambitious, proactive, has direct experience with managing complex projects, and has an excellent awareness of the impact that proper financial reporting and analysis can have on continued business success. The ideal candidate will have a passion for sports and a proven track record in financial leadership, helping to drive profitability, manage risks, and foster a positive organizational culture.
Annual Base Salary Range: $85,000 to $100,000
Key Responsibilities
Key Responsibilities
- Financial Management and Accounting: Oversee daily accounting operations, including accounts payable/receivable, payroll, general ledger, and financial reporting, with direct responsibility for preparing journal entries and variance explanations when needed. Prepare accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements, ensuring compliance with GAAP and relevant regulations, plus USL league reporting standards. Help build and refine the club’s finance and accounting infrastructure, including creating finance-related policies.
- Budgeting and Forecasting: Lead the annual budgeting process in collaboration with senior leadership. Monitor financial performance and budget variances, manage cash flow, and provide forecasts to inform strategic planning, including revenue from ticket sales, sponsorships, merchandise, and events.
- Audit and Compliance: Be responsible for operating and maintaining the Club’s accounting system. Coordinate annual audits, liaise with external auditors, and implement internal controls to safeguard assets. Ensure compliance with tax laws, financial regulations, and industry-specific requirements for sports organizations.
- Risk Management: Identify financial and operational risks, develop mitigation strategies, and oversee insurance, legal compliance, and contract management to protect the organization. Maintain a documented system of accounting policies and procedures; implement a system of controls over accounting transactions to minimize risk.
- Human Resources and Administration: Assist with HR functions, including payroll, employee onboarding, benefits administration and employee relations. When needed, assist with other aspects of office administration, IT systems, facilities maintenance, and vendor relationships to support smooth operations.
- Strategic Support: Analyze financial data to provide insights on profitability, cost efficiencies, and growth opportunities. Present financial reports and recommendations to the leadership team and board, contributing to decisions on investments, partnerships, and resource allocation.
- Leadership: Manage external consultants and vendors as needed. Collaborate with other departments, such as sales, operations, and marketing, to align financial strategies with organizational goals.
- Special Projects: Handle ad-hoc projects, such as financial modeling for new initiatives (e.g., stadium upgrades or youth programs) and process improvements to enhance efficiency in a lean environment.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field; MBA, CPA, or CMA preferred.
- At least 5 years of progressive experience in finance/accounting, with at least 2 years in a leadership role, preferably in a small business, nonprofit, or sports/entertainment organization.
- Strong knowledge of financial management, budgeting, auditing, and risk assessment.
- Proficiency in financial software (QuickBooks preferred) and Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel for advanced modeling and analysis.
- Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills, with the ability to present complex financial information to Board members and other stakeholders.
- Demonstrated leadership ability, with experience driving results in a collaborative environment and fostering a positive workplace culture.
- Strong organizational skills and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, multifaceted role, with accurate work product and strong attention to detail.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills to effectively interact with team members, executives, league employees, and external partners.
- Ability to work as business needs require which may include long days, evenings, weekends, occasional holidays, and travel if / when necessary.
- Discretion in handling confidential materials.
- Must have U.S. work authorization.
Preferred:
- Prior experience with some combination of payroll processing, HR administration, insurance/risk management, and regulatory compliance.
- Familiarity with the sports industry, including revenue streams like ticket sales, sponsorships, and event management.
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class.
Salary : $85 - $100