Financial Controller

Organization Overview

The School of American Ballet (SAB) at Lincoln Center, founded by George Balanchine and Lincoln Kirstein, is the preeminent ballet school in the country.  Our mission is to train professional dancers for careers in classical ballet.  We provide the resources for a diverse pool of students to train at the highest level – with 15-25 a year going on to dance for New York City Ballet, our official but independent company, and other major ballet companies worldwide.  SAB has a far-reaching impact on the art form and enriches the lives of each student who comes through our doors, over 800 annually, ages 6 to 18.  SAB has approximately 85 part- and full-time employees and an operating budget of $17 million.

Position Overview

The Financial Controller is a key member of the School’s administrative team, playing a significant role in the School’s financial operations and ensuring the fiscal integrity and vitality of the organization. The School has a $18 million operating budget and $80 million endowment. Reporting to the Director of Finance, the Financial Controller collaborates with a team of 4 staff members as well as administrative department heads, the Lincoln Center finance team, and the School’s external investment and audit professionals. 

Key Responsibilities

Accounting Operations

• Maintain the General Ledger, including posting and closing the monthly accounting periods and fiscal years, creating and verifying accounts, amounts, distributions, and balances in the General Ledger.
• Ensure proper allocation of fixed assets and maintain depreciation and amortization schedules.
• Lead the annual external audit, prepare financial statements and analysis; prepare year-end schedules, enter the appropriate adjusting entries, and coordinate and work with the school’s auditors.
• Manage the preparation of the school’s Form 990 and required 5500 forms to be filed with the Internal Revenue Service.
• Ensure adherence to school financial policies and procedure documentation, maintain proper internal controls in compliance with GAAP standards, all regulatory requirements, and industry best practices and record keeping.
• Work closely with the Accounting team, including Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, and Staff Accountant, to ensure the accuracy of all accounting transactions. Report any concerns to the Director of Finance promptly.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned by the Director of Finance.

Budgeting Support

• Prepare annual budget, financial projections and monitoring annual operating budget and variances.
• Provide monthly budget vs. actual reports to all departments and respond to inquiries.
• Monthly reconciliation of financial activities between the Business Office and other departments.
• Generate monthly budget performance reports, highlighting significant variances for review by the Director of Finance.
• Assist the Director of Finance in the preparation of financial reports and packages for the Board and Budget Committee.

Cash Management-Financial Reporting

• Analyze balance sheet and income statement accounts on a monthly basis.
• Initiate fund transfers between accounts for payroll and Accounts Payable.
• Manage and produce weekly cash flow reports.
• Assist in the preparation of monthly reconciliations for all bank accounts and monitor the cash position daily to ensure sufficient funds are available to meet the school's obligations.
• Conduct monthly reconciliation of all income and contributions accounts with the Development Office, ensuring proper allocation and adequate backup.
• Ensure compliance with loan covenants and prepare necessary reports and materials.

Endowment Reporting

• Record investment transactions and perform monthly reconciliations of investment activities.
• Reconcile all investment accounts on a monthly basis and prepare the investment schedule by asset allocation and account summary.
• Prepare monthly allocation and reports for all Temporary Restricted and Endowment Funds management.
• Collaborate with the Development Office to reconcile pledges, contributions, and grants for all funds each month.
• Ensure all ledger gift accounts are reconciled promptly with the Development Office's records.
• Create monthly reports for all funds and prepare a spreadsheet for Restricted and Endowment Funds.

• College degree in Finance or Accounting.  CPA and/or Master’s degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in accounting is preferred.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in an accounting position, ideally within the non-profit sector, or 5 years of related experience in senior accounting services.
• Knowledge and expertise in Blackbaud Financial Edge NXT is a plus.
• Detail-oriented with a high level of accuracy.
• A team player with strong interpersonal skills.
• A self-starter who is resourceful and well-organized, with the ability to work well under pressure, both independently and with supervision.
• Excellent communications skills.
• Proficiency in Excel Suite is required, along with proficiency in Blackbaud accounting system.

Salary range: $90,000-110,000 commensurate with experience. This is a full-time, exempt position.

SAB offers a hybrid work schedule and a superior range of benefits including:

• Health Care Plan (Medical and Dental) (dental is company sponsored)
• Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
• Retirement Plan (403b) with company contributions after one year
• Paid Time Off (20 vacation days, 10 sick days, plus public and religious holidays)
• Paid two-week winter break in December
• Commuter benefits pre-tax
• FSA and DCFSA benefits pre-tax
• Hybrid work schedule