Director of Finance

STEPPENWOLF THEATER CO•Chicago, IL

About The Position

Steppenwolf Theatre Company is seeking candidates for the full-time position of Director of Finance. The Director of Finance serves as a strategic partner to the Executive Director and Senior Leadership team in guiding the financial health of Steppenwolf Theatre Company. They serve as a senior-level executive overseeing the theater’s accounting, financial planning, budgeting, and risk management functions. In this role, they will drive financial strategy, ensure regulatory compliance, establish and monitor standard operating procedures across departments as they relate to income and expense, and manage a team of three additional staff members.

Requirements

The desired candidate will hold a degree in Finance/Accounting as well as a MBA or CPA Certification, with a strong knowledge of GAAP procedures.
10 + years of experience in progressive finance leadership positions at non-profit organizations, with a preference for those with experience in large budget performing arts organizations.
Proficient use of software systems, including: Microsoft Systems, NetSuite, Paycom, Tessitura, Toast and Shopify.

Responsibilities

Provide Financial Oversight and Strategic Counsel Direct the successful financial management of the theater, including accounting processes, internal controls and treasury management.
Serve as the lead financial strategist and counselor for Steppenwolf Theatre’s Executive Director, Senior Leadership Team members and the Board of Directors.
Establish and monitor standard operating procedures for all financial matters of the organization, amplifying cross-departmental collaboration and operational efficiencies that enable real time financial reporting and analysis.
Budgeting and Reporting Lead the annual budgeting process for the organization, providing strategic analysis that facilitates operational efficiencies and revenue growth.
Provide oversight to the Finance Team and partnership for Department Leads in developing and issuing daily, weekly, monthly and annual reports that support the financial health of the theater and provide strategic tools for internal and external stakeholders.
Partner with the Development Team to provide proposal and reporting tools for key funders as well as reports on special campaigns and endowment funds.
Compliance and Risk Mitigation Collaboratively lead the successful completion of the annual Audit of Financial Statements, 401k Plan and Tax Filing, leveraging cross-department teams to work in conjunction with external auditors, reporting to the Executive Director and Audit Committee of the Board of Directors.
Ensure compliance with GAAP, ensuring consistency, transparency and accuracy in the theater’s financial statements and reports.
Ensure City, State and Federal regulatory compliance; provide oversight on the renewal of all licenses and associated fees; provide the Audit Committee with a regular SWAT analysis of operational risks and associated recommendations for mitigation strategies.
Negotiate the annual renewal of business and property insurance, mitigating the organization’s exposure.
Staff Training and Development Lead and develop the finance team in completing the consistent and accurate execution of payroll, accounts payable, accounts and pledges receivable, and general ledger, accounting and budget maintenance.
Ensure that the financial accounting software (NetSuite) is optimized for the organization, coordinated with the other Systems used by the theater to facilitate income and expense (Tessitura, Paycom, Toast and Shopify).
Develop training and development programs that encourage cross-departmental collaboration in complying with operating procedures, leading to the optimal financial health of the company.
Investment Stewardship and Debt Oversight Steward the theater’s investment holdings, aligning with the Investment Policy, and provide regular reports and counsel in conjunction with the banking partner to the Executive Director and Finance Committee of the Board of Directors.
Steward the theater’s Bonds, meet all interest and principal payments, advise on swap arrangements, conduct covenant tests, and provide counsel on the mitigation of risk/exposure to safeguard the debt repayment strategy.