Controller

ABOUT 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 RESPONSIBILITIES

Financial 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-making

Audit, 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.
• Experience in or affinity for sports, live events, or mission-driven organizations is a plus; passion for rowing welcome but not required.

Location: This is a hybrid role based in the Boston area. Regular in-office presence is expected, with increased onsite engagement during peak planning periods and Regatta weekend. Proximity to Boston is important for team collaboration, event execution, and Board engagement.

Reports to: Executive Director

Compensation: $130,000–$150,000 commensurate with experience, plus annual bonus opportunity and a comprehensive benefits package including healthcare and 401(k).

WHY JOIN HOCR?

This is a rare opportunity to step into a trusted, senior financial leadership role at one of the most iconic sporting events in the world. The Controller will have meaningful impact, visibility, and influence, while working with a passionate team, committed volunteers, and an engaged Board all in service of a mission-driven, globally recognized nonprofit.

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.