Controller/Comptroller

Job Description
Position: Controller/Comptroller
Related Titles: Director of Accounting, Finance Director
Department: Finance & Accounting
Reports To: General Manager / Chief Operating Officer
Status: Exempt, Full-Time, Salaried
Position Summary
The Controller is responsible for overseeing all financial operations of the Club, including accounting, budgeting, financial reporting, payroll, internal controls, and compliance. This role partners closely with the General Manager, and department heads, to ensure the Club's financial health, safeguard its assets, and support sound business decision-making. The ideal candidate combines strong technical accounting expertise with the discretion, professionalism, and service orientation expected in a private club environment.
Key Responsibilities & Duties
Financial Management & Reporting
Oversee the preparation of accurate, timely monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in accordance with GAAP
Prepare variance analysis comparing actual results to budget and prior-year performance for management and the Finance Committee
Manage the month-end and year-end close processes
Coordinate the annual external audit and manage the auditor relationship
Prepare and present financial reports to the Finance Committee and Board of Directors
Budgeting & Forecasting
Lead the annual operating and capital budgeting process in collaboration with the General Manager and department heads
Develop financial forecasts and cash flow projections
Monitor departmental spending against budget and flag variances proactively
Accounting Operations
Execute and ensure timely completion of accounts payable and general ledger functions
Supervise accounts receivable, member billing/dues and ensure accurate and timely member statement generation, including dues, minimums, and charges
Oversee fixed asset and capital project accounting
Manage cash management, banking relationships, and reconciliations
Maintain the chart of accounts and accounting policies and procedures
Internal Controls & Compliance
Design, implement, and monitor internal controls to safeguard Club assets
Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local tax regulations, including sales tax, payroll tax, and unrelated business income tax (UBIT) where applicable
Oversee compliance with club bylaws and Board-approved financial policies
Maintain appropriate insurance coverage in coordination with the General Manager
Payroll & Human Resources Support
Oversee payroll processing and ensure compliance with wage and hour laws
Administer employee benefits-related accounting (health insurance, retirement plans, etc.)
Support workers' compensation and unemployment claims administration
Project Oversight/Management
Oversight of construction draw schedules, lender compliance reporting, and project-level cost accounting
Coordination with committees, general contractors, architects, and construction lenders on budgeting and financial reporting
Implementation of new job-costing and percentage-of-completion accounting systems required for project
Audit and regulatory compliance duties tied to construction financing
Team Leadership
Serve as a resource and business partner to department heads on budget and financial matters
Foster a culture of accuracy, accountability, and confidentiality within the finance team
Supervise and support accounting department staff
Technology & Systems
Oversee the Club's point-of-sale, membership billing, and accounting software systems
Identify opportunities to improve efficiency through automation and system upgrades
Ensure data integrity across financial and membership systems
Qualifications
Required
Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field
Strong knowledge of GAAP and financial reporting
Proficiency with accounting software and Microsoft Excel; experience with club management systems (e.g., Jonas, Northstar, ClubEssential) strongly preferred
Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills
High level of integrity and discretion in handling confidential member and financial information
Preferred
CPA license or CMA certification
Minimum 3 years of progressive accounting/finance experience, including supervisory experience
Prior experience in a private club, hospitality, membership-based organizations
Experience presenting to boards or committees
Core Competencies
Attention to detail and accuracy
Strong ethical standards and sound judgment
Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
Collaborative, service-oriented mindset
Clear written and verbal communication with staff, members, and leadership
Work Environment
This position works traditional business hours on-site at the Club, with occasional evening or weekend hours required to support Board/committee meetings, member events, or month-end/year-end deadlines.
Compensation & Benefits
Competitive salary commensurate with experience, plus benefits package (to be customized by the Club — e.g., health insurance, retirement plan contribution, paid time off, professional development/CPE support).
This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the position and is not an exhaustive list of skills, efforts, duties, or responsibilities associated with the role.

Employment type
Full Time (Salary)

Work arrangement
No