Allston
Job DescriptionABOUT HOCR The Head Of The Charles Regatta (HOCR) is the largest rowing event in the world and Boston’s second-largest sporting event. Each October, more than 12,000 athletes and 375,000 spectators gather along the Charles River for a three-day celebration of sport, community, and excellence. In addition to race weekend, HOCR operates a growing portfolio of year-round programs and initiatives. We are seeking an experienced, highly capable Controller to lead the organization’s day-to-day financial management. This is a senior, hands-on role ideal for a seasoned nonprofit or event-focused finance professional who thrives in a lean organization, operates with a high degree of autonomy, and brings both rigor and pragmatism to financial operations. ROLE OVERVIEW The Controller is the senior financial leader responsible for the day-to-day financial management, controls, and sustainability of the Head Of The Charles Regatta, a complex nonprofit sporting event organization with a highly seasonal operating cycle. This role is well-suited for an experienced Controller from a nonprofit, National Governing Body (NGB), sports organization, or event-driven environment who brings deep accounting expertise, strong operational judgment, and the ability to operate independently in a lean organization. The Controller serves as the organization’s primary steward of financial accuracy, discipline, and risk management, while also acting as a strategic thought partner to senior leadership. The Controller oversees budgeting, forecasting, accounting, cash management, audit and compliance, payroll and benefits, and financial controls across both race weekend and year-round programs. This role requires a hands-on leader who is comfortable owning the details while maintaining a clear view of the broader financial picture, anticipating issues, and proactively advising leadership. The Controller works closely with the Executive Director and Board leadership, and serves as a standing member of the Finance Committee. While this is not a traditional CFO role, it is a senior position with significant autonomy, visibility, and influence, requiring minimal day-to-day oversight and a high degree of professionalism, judgment, integrity and self-direction. KEY RESPONSIBILITIESFinancial Management & Accounting • Own the organization’s day-to-day financial operations, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and transparency., • Oversee all accounting functions, including general ledger, journal entries, reconciliations, and monthly close., • Manage accounts payable and receivable processes, overseeing the part-time bookkeeper and interfacing with the commercial team, • Maintain and continuously improve financial systems, controls, and documentation., • Ensure compliance with nonprofit accounting standards and best practices.Budgeting, Forecasting & Reporting, • Lead the annual budgeting process, including multi-scenario budgeting and venue-level profitability analysis., • Work with the Finance and Investment committee and, as appropriate, external managers, to maintain and grow the HOCR Endowment fund, • Maintain rolling forecasts throughout the year, with particular focus on the Regatta planning cycle., • Provide regular financial reporting to the Executive Director, Finance and Investment Committees, and Board of Directors., • Develop clear, decision-oriented financial models and dashboards to support leadership planning., • Support year-round initiatives and special events with project-based budgets and financial analysis., • Lead the modernization of financial systems, tools, and analytical capabilities to improve efficiency, visibility, and decision-makingAudit, Tax & Compliance, • Serve as the primary lead for the annual external audit, ensuring a smooth, timely process., • Oversee preparation and filing of all required tax and regulatory filings, including Form 990 and Massachusetts Form PC., • Maintain audit-ready documentation and financial models to support an efficient year-end close., • Coordinate with external auditors, tax advisors, and regulators as needed.Payroll, Benefits & Cash Management, • Oversee payroll processing, benefits administration, and retirement plans (401K and 403(b), ensuring accuracy and compliance., • Manage cash flow, reserves, and short-term liquidity planning across the annual event cycle., • Monitor banking relationships and cash controls., • Provide thoughtful guidance on compensation, benefits, and financial sustainability in partnership with leadership.Risk Management & Operations Support, • Oversee insurance coverage, risk management practices, and compliance requirements., • Support financial aspects of permits, public safety coordination, and vendor contracts as needed., • Partner cross-functionally with Operations, Commercial, and Development teams to ensure financial alignment with execution.Strategic & Governance Engagement, • Serve as a standing member of the HOCR Finance Committee., • Support longer-term financial planning, scenario analysis, and organizational growth initiatives., • Contribute to Board materials, presentations, and strategic discussions., • Partner closely with the Executive Director as a trusted financial advisor. QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE, • Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or related field; CPA or equivalent experience strongly preferred., • 15+ years of progressive accounting or financial management experience, ideally within a nonprofit, event-based, or complex operating environment., • Demonstrated experience owning budgeting, forecasting, audit management, and financial reporting end-to-end., • Strong knowledge of nonprofit accounting standards and compliance requirements., • High level of comfort working independently with minimal supervision in a small organization., • Exceptional attention to detail paired with the ability to think strategically and communicate clearly., • Experience working with Boards and Finance Committees., • Proficiency with accounting systems (QuickBooks preferred), spreadsheets, and financial modeling., • Strong organizational, communication, and prioritization skills. How to Apply: Interested candidates should submit their resume along with a cover letter, and any relevant work samples communicating why they would be a great fit for this role. Powered by JazzHR 6AWi6sFpCT