Chief Financial Officer

POSITION: Chief Financial Officer 

DEPARTMENT: Finance 

CLASSIFICATION: Full-time / Salaried / Exempt  

SUPERVISOR: Managing Director  

OVERVIEW

Founded in 1947 by Nina Vance, the Alley Theatre is a pioneer of regional theatre, and one of the leading nonprofit theatre companies in the United States. The Alley has been awarded the prestigious Regional Theatre Tony Award® and the Texas Medal of Arts Award. The Alley has transferred productions to Broadway, Off-Broadway, major European Festivals, and to 40 American cities. Unique among regional theatres, the Alley is committed to maintaining a Resident Acting Company and providing them with work year-round. Nationally recognized directors, actors, playwrights, and designers from across the country have regularly joined the Resident Acting Company.   

Rob Melrose, Artistic Director at the Alley, took over as artistic leader of the organization in 2019. His vision for the future of the Alley is both thrilling and ambitious. His strategic goals include upholding the Alley’s artistic excellence, keeping longtime Alley Theatre devotees eager to return each season, and creating productions and cultivating new audiences.  

Rob Melrose and Incoming Managing Director Jennifer Bielstein along with Alley’s leadership team are committed to fostering an environment where everyone is encouraged to bring their authentic selves. 

JOB STATEMENT 

The Chief Financial Officer is responsible for providing strategic oversight and leadership of all financial operations of the Alley Theatre. Key areas of accountability include effective cash management, accurate and timely financial reporting to internal and external stakeholders, comprehensive risk management, and oversight of procurement activities. 

As a vital member of the senior leadership team, the Chief Financial Officer partners closely with the Managing Director to ensure the organization’s financial strength and sustainability. This role plays a critical part in advancing Alley Theatre’s mission by aligning financial stewardship with artistic excellence and educational impact, enabling the Theatre to serve and enrich the Houston community.  

JOB DUTIES 

1. Cash Management / Treasury Functions 

• Maximize interest earnings and minimize bank fees 

• Transfer cash to general accounts as needed 

• Prepare cash flow projections 

• Oversee bank reconciliations 

2. Risk Management 

• Collect information for annual insurance renewals 

• Serve as liaison with insurance agents and providers 

• Coordinate with the Risk Management Committee 

• Manage certificates of insurance 

3. Endowment Fund 

• Serve as liaison with Fayez Sarofim, Endowment Fund manager 

• Calculate and transfer quarterly interest distributions 

• Record monthly reconciliations, including security market value, dividends, and interest 

• Support Endowment Committee activities 

• Prepare interest transfer projections 

4. Plant Fund 

• Manage annual accounting, including sales, impairments, depreciation, and asset recording 

• Develop budgets for fixed asset purchases 

5. Year-End Audit Coordination 

• Reconcile audited financial statements with the general ledger 

• Present audit findings to the Audit, Finance, and Executive Committees 

• Serve as liaison with the external audit firm 

• Prepare and submit Form 990 

6. Reporting and Planning 

• Prepare monthly financial statements for Finance and Executive Committees, plus special reports as requested 

• Serve as liaison with Finance and Audit Committees 

• Provide regular expense reports to department heads 

• Lead budget preparation and oversee adherence 

• Supervise accounts payable 

• Collaborate with HR to oversee payroll processing and assist with employee benefits renewals  

• Ensure accurate daily accounting of Box Office transactions 

• Reconcile and review general ledger accounts 

• Maintain and monitor internal controls 

• Manage inter-fund reconciliations 

• Provide financial reporting for government grants and foundations 

• Support special projects as assigned 

• Develop long-term financial projections 

In addition to the duties listed above, the Alley Theatre expects the following of each employee: adheres to theatre’s policies and procedures; works in a safe manner; performs duties as workload necessitates; maintains a positive and respectful attitude; communicates regularly with supervisor about department issues; demonstrates efficient time management and prioritizes workload; demonstrates regular and consistent attendance and punctuality; meets department productivity standards; participates in Alley Theatre events as needed or required; and completes other duties as assigned. 
 

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Supervises Controller and Finance Associate. 

• Hiring and training new team members.  

• Motivating and coaching employees to improve performance, provide feedback and training opportunities.  

• Organizes and oversees the schedules and work of departmental staff. 

• Conducts or assists with performance evaluations that are timely and constructive. 

• Ensuring staff members follow company policies and procedures. 

REQUIREMENTS (SKILLS and KNOWLEDGE)

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration - Accounting 

• CPA Preferred 

• Five years’ experience in small business or non-profit accounting 

• Comprehensive knowledge of Excel is necessary 

• Working knowledge of Sage Intacct accounting software helpful 

• Ability to work in a fast-paced, energized and quickly changing environment. 

• A proactive approach to problem-solving with strong decision-making skills. 

• Detail oriented, able to prioritize efficiently and multi-task. 

• Ability to be self-directed and take initiative. 

• Ability to maintain confidential information. 

• Excellent verbal and written communications skills.  

• Exhibits a positive attitude with good communication and interpersonal skills.  

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORKING CONDITIONS

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.  

• Ability to lift and move 25 lbs. 

• Must be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment where directions and priorities can change rapidly. 

• Typical hours are during the day, but the position requires flexibility to be available for weekend, holidays and evening work hours as needed.  

BENEFITS & PERKS

• Medical, dental and vision insurance 

• Paid vacation, floating holiday, and sick time 

• 401(k) with matching, FSA, HRA (Alley paid deductible) 

• Free and discounted tickets to Alley Theatre performances  

• Bi-Weekly $4 Discounted Parking

• Discounted gym membership 

• Employee wellness program & EAP 

• Houston, TX is one of the most affordable cities in the nation with no state or city income tax. 

Alley Theatre is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at HRdept@alleytheatre.org.  

The Alley Theatre is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable local, state, or federal law. We encourage people of all backgrounds to apply.