What are the responsibilities and job description for the Controller position at Ordway Center for the Performing Arts?
The Ordway: The Ordway Center for the Performing Arts is one of the leading performing arts centers in the United States and a catalyst for vibrant arts in Minnesota. Powered by hundreds of talented and dedicated staff members and volunteers, the Ordway is renowned for its multidisciplinary programming, welcoming atmosphere, and comfortable environment. The Ordway welcomes audiences of all ages and backgrounds for year- round eclectic and entertaining offerings, including Broadway musicals, concerts, dance, vocal artists, and new works. Performances take place in the 1,900-seat Music Theater and a 1,100-seat Concert Hall. The Ordway serves tens of thousands of students and families each year through its arts education and community impact programs, and is a proud member of the Arts Partnership, a collaboration comprising the Ordway, Minnesota Opera, The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra and Schubert Club.
Position Purpose: The Controller is responsible for monthly and ad hoc financial reporting, forecasting, and cash flow analysis for the Ordway, as well as maintaining the software and systems necessary to ensure timely and accurate financial information.
The accounting team, including the EVP/CFO, consists of four team members. The Controller is a member of Senior Leadership and part of the Business Resource Team, which includes Guest Services, Human Resources, Information Technology, Rentals, and Ticket Services.
The Ordway’s annual operating budget is approximately $20,000,000.
Position Details:
• Posting Date: 11/21/25 - The Ordway is dedicated to building an equitable environment and strongly encourages applications from populations underrepresented in the theater field.
• Employee Type: Salaried, Full-time
• Pay: $96,700 - $112,800 annually
• Department: Business Resources
• Reports to: CFO/EVP
Key Performance Areas:
• Manage the financial transactions and reporting operations of the Ordway to ensure timely and accurate dissemination of financial reports including monthly financial statements, updated forecasts, the annual budget, and the annual audit.
• Oversee the design, evaluation, and continuous improvement of the Ordway’s internal control environment to safeguard assets, strengthen financial integrity, and ensure compliance across all financial processes, systems, and integrations.
• Support the EVP/CFO in leading the organization’s budgeting and financial planning processes by coordinating timelines, guiding department leaders, developing analytical tools, and helping ensure the annual budget and long-range financial plans are accurate, comprehensive, and aligned with organizational strategy.
• Drive the optimization and integration of financial systems—particularly Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central and connected subsystems—to enhance reporting, analytics, automation, and organizational data intelligence.
• Provide strategic and operational leadership to the Accounting team and contribute to cross-departmental initiatives, fostering a collaborative, data-driven, and inclusive culture that supports the Ordway’s mission and long-term strategic priorities.
Other Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting required.
• At least six (6) years of experience in accounting required.
• At least three (3) years of staff management experience required.
• Nonprofit experience required; performing arts center experience preferred.
• High aptitude for financial systems, technology application and reporting tools, including Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central (account schedules, dimensions, Cosmos Reporting, Power BI). Knowledge of Dynamics SL system and reporting tools would be useful.
• Ability to collaborate, communicate, and interpret financial information effectively.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Access, Excel).
• Understanding, Interest and curiosity of AI and applications thereof for accounting purposes.
• Strong written communication skills, including the ability to compose and edit reports and documents.
• High degree of sensitivity to confidentiality.
• Strong problem-solving skills, including the ability to identify, evaluate, investigate, and recommend solutions.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and a varied workload.
• Ability to provide work direction, set priorities, coach staff, and support supervisory development.
To Apply: For more information or to apply, visit ordway.org/employment.
Ordway is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, creed, marital status, familial status, public assistance status, age, local human rights commission activity, national origin, and veteran, or disability status. The Ordway Theater and administrative office are wheelchair accessible and service animals are welcomed. All applicants who have questions or needs regarding access accommodations or interpreting assistance for job interviews are encouraged to reach out to Human Resources.
We know there are great candidates who may not fit into the criteria we’ve outlined here, or who have important skills we haven’t listed. If that’s you, please don’t hesitate to apply anyway and tell us about yourself.
Salary : $96,700 - $112,800