What are the responsibilities and job description for the Controller/ Head of Finance position at The Art of Living Retreat Center?
Title: Controller/ Head of Finance
Reports to: VP of Operations
Department: Operations
Job type: Full-Time Position
About Art of Living Retreat Center:
The Art of Living Retreat Center, nestled in the picturesque mountains of Boone, North Carolina, is a premier destination for individuals seeking personal growth, wellness, and rejuvenation. Our center offers a range of transformative programs, workshops, and retreats that integrate yoga, meditation, holistic health, and spiritual wisdom. We are dedicated to providing a serene and supportive environment where guests can experience a profound sense of well-being and self-discovery.
Position Summary:
The Controller will be responsible for the integrity of all financial operations, including budgeting, reporting, compliance, departmental P&Ls, and coordination with department heads. You will oversee accounting systems (QuickBooks), financial planning, and audit readiness while building scalable practices for a multi-department retreat operation.
Key Responsibilities:
- Own the general ledger and manage all accounting operations
- Lead monthly financial reporting and analysis for leadership
- Manage AP/AR, revenue reconciliation, and retreat-level profitability
- Collaborate with department heads on budgeting, forecasts, and cost management
- Ensure timely financial close and monthly reconciliation
- Coordinate annual audit and tax filings with external CPA
- Oversee integration with other systems (Shopify, Retreat Guru, Booker, etc.)
- Evaluate financial systems and implement best practices and automations
- Develop and maintain relationships with banking, insurance and accounting departments
of other organizations to facilitate financial activities
- Oversee payroll processing in partnership with Paychex
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
- 5 years of accounting or finance leadership (hospitality, nonprofit or wellness preferred)
- Strong proficiency in QuickBooks and Excel/Google Sheets
- Analytical mindset and detail orientation
- Familiarity with class-based accounting and cost center reporting
- CPA preferred but not required
Preferred but not required:
- Experience in or deep hands-on knowledge of the wellness industry, including meditation, breathwork, yoga and Ayurveda.
Benefits
- Subsidized health/dental insurance after 90 days
- Paid vacation and sick time after 90 Days
- 401k enrollment after 1 year
- Discounts and complimentary access to our signature programs and activities
- Opportunity to live and work in a beautiful and serene environment
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
Ability to Commute:
- Boone, NC 28607 (Required)
Ability to Relocate:
- Boone, NC 28607: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person
Salary : $90,882 - $161,653