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.