Assistant Finance Director - Steppenwolf Theatre Company

For over 40 years, Steppenwolf Theatre Company has been a cultural leader in Chicago and model for theatre companies in the United States and around the world. Formed by a collective of actors in 1976, the ensemble represents a remarkable cross-section of actors, directors, stage managers and playwrights. Steppenwolf’s artistic ambitions are made possible by its incredible workforce of individuals, who help create a culture of inclusivity, collaboration and accountability. To that end, we attempt to use an anti-oppressive and anti-racist lens in our roles and everyday decision-making. Join us in this ongoing process, as we navigate, together, our complex world.



Assistant Director of Finance



Reporting to the Director of Finance, the Assistant Director of Finance serves as a key member of Steppenwolf’s Finance Department. This position participates in all aspects of planning, implementation, and management of Steppenwolf’s financial and regulatory reporting, including budgeting and analysis for the organization and its departments. The Assistant Director must have solid communication, technology, analytical, and management skills. Applicants should have experiencing in the nonprofit industry, and a strong interest in understanding the inner workings of a performing arts organization.



Areas of Responsibility:

• Managing the accumulation and consolidation of all financial data necessary for an accurate accounting of business results

• Ensuring that the books are closed, and all transactions are captured on a monthly basis

• Performing a documented review of all journal entries, reconciliations, and schedules prepared by Finance Department staff

• Coordinating and preparing internal and external financial statements

• Overseeing regulatory reporting, including tax planning and compliance

• Assisting Finance team with financial statement audit prep, as needed, including coordinating, preparing, and maintaining schedules for the annual statement audit

• Preparing and maintaining schedules for the annual Form 990 tax return and the 401(k) audit/Form 5500

• Conducting other periodic reporting, such as for grant applications, debt covenant reporting, and other ad hoc with support from the Finance team

• Ensuring that policies and procedures under Steppenwolf’s accounting and internal control systems are followed

• Holding primary responsibility for the maintenance and upkeep of the general ledger and chart of accounts

• Reviewing and approving bi-weekly payroll and payroll tax reporting

• Collaborating with the Development team to make sure all pledges receivable is properly recorded, according to GAAP requirements and analyzing collectability of pledges on a quarterly basis

• Researching any accounting matters related to specific transactions or changes in accounting policy that may arise

• Training, supervising, and coaching the skilled finance staff of 2-3 people

• Monitoring and analyzing weekly cash flows and reporting key metrics, such as accounts payable turnover and working capital usage on a monthly basis

• Providing management with information vital to the decision-making process

• Developing and monitoring business performance metrics

• Performing analytical procedures at month-end to identify unusual activity or patterns in transactions raising issue to the Finance Directors as appropriate

• Assessing current accounting operations, offering recommendations for improving and implementing new processes

• Evaluating the effectiveness of accounting software and supporting databases, as needed

• Assisting the Director of Finance with the development and compilation of Steppenwolf’s annual operating budget



Successful candidates will:

• Possess knowledge of all aspects of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and nonprofit reporting regulations,

• Hold a professional accreditation such as certified public accountant (CPA) or certified management accountant (CMA) or chartered global management accountant (CGMA), or have previous experience in public accounting or comparable experience

• Have outstanding written and oral communication skills,

• Have significant, demonstrable management experience leading a team of 3 or more,

• Exhibit good judgment and communication skills in dealing with staff and other constituencies,

• Have technological capability, experience, and the ability to quickly learn systems such as with Paycom as payroll processing provider, the Abila MIP Fund Accounting system, and Tessitura’s CRM system,

• Have knowledge and experience with Microsoft Office programs, with deep skills using Excel,

• Possess excellent time management skills,

• Be able to meet deadlines for the monthly reporting cycle and other reporting due dates

• Support the Finance staff in working with departments to meet deadlines for payroll and invoice due dates.

• Steppenwolf gives preference to candidates who have demonstrable experience advocating for equity, diversity and inclusion.

• Commitment to working with diverse groups in terms of gender expression, race, sexual orientation, religion, ability, age, class, and immigrant status



About Steppenwolf:

Steppenwolf Theatre Company is the nation’s premier ensemble theater. Steppenwolf produces hundreds of performances and events annually in its three spaces: the 515-seat Downstairs Theatre, the 299-seat Upstairs Theatre and the 80-seat 1700 Theatre. Artistic programming includes a seven-play season; a two-play Steppenwolf for Young Adults season; Visiting Company engagements; and LookOut, a multigenre performances series. Education initiatives include the nationally recognized work of Steppenwolf for Young Adults, which engages 15,000 participants annually from Chicago’s diverse communities; the esteemed School at Steppenwolf; and Professional Leadership Programs. While firmly grounded in the Chicago community, nearly 40 original Steppenwolf productions have enjoyed success both nationally and internationally, including Broadway, Off-Broadway, London, Sydney, Galway and Dublin. Anna D. Shapiro is the Artistic Director and David Schmitz is the Executive Director.

For additional information, visit steppenwolf.org, facebook.com/steppenwolftheatre, twitter.com/steppenwolfthtr and instagram.com/steppenwolfthtr.

Steppenwolf Mission:



Steppenwolf Theatre Company strives to create thrilling, courageous, and provocative art in a thoughtful and inclusive environment. We succeed when we disrupt your routine with experiences that spark curiosity, empathy and joy. We invite you to join our ensemble as we navigate, together, our complex world.



Steppenwolf Core Values:



Equity + Inclusion

Integrity + Curiosity

Courage + Collaboration

Accountability + Leadership



Compensation:

Excellent benefit package for full time employees, including medical, dental, vision insurance, short-term and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, vacation pay, paid sick time, personal days, Ventra transit benefit program, employee assistance program and 401(k) matching retirement program.



How to apply:

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume and three references by going to our website https://www.steppenwolf.org/about-us/work-with-us/job-openings/ by June 19, 2021.



NO PHONE CALLS OR EMAILS PLEASE

Steppenwolf Theatre Company is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. We provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Steppenwolf complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

We strongly encourage applications from people of color and members of underrepresented groups.










Salary: $65,000 - $75,000