Controller

The Controller is responsible for overseeing all financial activities of the Detroit Athletic Club, ensuring the accuracy of financial reporting, compliance with regulatory requirements, and the safeguarding of club assets. This position reports directly to the Director of Finance and Accounting and works closely with department heads to support the club’s financial health and strategic goals.  The Controller will also assist with financial requirements for the DAC Foundation.  An understanding of non-profit tax requirements and accounting standards is needed.  The Controller will oversee a staff of 10 which will require strong leadership skills.  

High Impact Responsibilities and Key Measurements:

• Ensure timely and accurate preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in accordance with GAAP and club policies.
• Maintain compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local financial regulations, as well as internal controls and audit requirements.
• Safeguard club assets through oversight of cash handling, inventory, and reconciliation processes, with regular internal audits and risk assessments.
• Provide actionable financial insights and reports to the DFA and department heads to support strategic planning and operational decisions.
• Lead, mentor, and develop the accounting team, ensuring high performance, professional growth, and clear accountability for results.
• Drive process improvements to increase the efficiency and accuracy of accounting operations, leveraging technology and best practices.
• Monitor key financial metrics, including budget variances, cash flow, and expense controls, and proactively address any discrepancies or trends.
• Support annual audit processes, ensuring all schedules, reconciliations, and documentation are prepared and available as required.

Duties/Responsibilities:

Assisting in Planning and Decision Making

• Assists in the development of means to improve profit, including estimating cost and benefit, exploring new business opportunities, etc.
• Analyzes information, forecasts sales against expenses and assists in creating annual budget plans.
• Ensures a strong accounting and operational control environment to safeguard assets, improve operations and profitability.
• Analyzes financial data and market trends.
• Produces accurate forecasts that enable operations to react to changes in the business.

Assisting in Leading Finance & Accounting Team

• Utilizes interpersonal and communication skills to lead, influence, and encourage others; advocates sound financial/business decision making; demonstrates honesty/integrity; leads by example.
• Communicates the strategic goals, and Board priorities to subordinates in a clear and precise manner.
• Provides excellent leadership by assigning team members clear accountability.
• Conduct annual performance appraisals with direct reports.

Anticipating and Delivering on the Needs of Key Stakeholders

• Attend meetings and communicate with Board and Committee members, understanding the priorities and strategic focus.
• Communicates financial concepts in a clear and persuasive manner that is easy to understand and drives desired behaviors.
• Manages club working capital and cash flow in accordance with SOPs and board requirements.
• Facilitate critique meetings to review information with management team.

Developing and Maintaining Finance and Accounting Goals

• Ensures Profits and Losses are documented accurately.
• Monitors all taxes that apply, ensuring that taxes are current, collected and/or accrued.
• Submit reports in a timely manner, ensuring delivery deadlines.
• Develops and supports achievement of performance goals, budget goals, team goals, etc.

Managing Projects and Policies

• Generates and provides accurate and timely results in the form of reports, presentations, etc.
• Reconciles balance sheet to ensure account balances are supported by appropriate documentation in accordance with SOPs. 
• Ensure compliance with standard and local operating procedures (SOPs and LSOPs

• Strong knowledge of accounting principles, financial reporting, and internal controls.
• Proficiency with accounting software and Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook).
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion with sensitive information.

Education and/or Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, or a related field; CPA or CMA preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive accounting experience, with at least 5 years in a supervisory role. Experience in hospitality, private clubs, or similar environments is highly desirable.