Posted: 25-Feb-26
Location: Houston, Texas
Type: Full Time
Salary: $175,000-$185,000
Pay Frequency:
Salary Details:
Required Education:
Additional Information:
Position: Director of Finance
Status: Exempt, full-time position
Reports to: President & CEO
Direct Reports: Accounting Manager, Accounting Associate
To Apply: Submit resume and email identifying interest to employment@performingartshouston.org
Posted: February 20, 2026
Performing Arts Houston is an equal opportunity employer – we value diversity. All are encouraged to apply. Strong candidates will work in alignment with Performing Arts Houston’s Mission and Values
Position Summary: The Director of Finance serves as the senior financial leader of Performing Arts Houston (PAH), responsible for the strategic oversight, integrity, and performance of the organization’s financial operations; a budget of approximately $10M annually. This role partners closely with the President & CEO, and the Board of Directors to ensure strong fiscal management, long-term sustainability, and operational excellence. In this hands-on role supervising a department of 2 others, the Director of Finance is responsible for budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, accounting, tax, audit, compliance, cash management, risk management, payroll, financial systems and benefit analysis. The Director leads and develops the accounting team while ensuring strong internal controls, transparent reporting, and alignment between financial strategy and organizational priorities. This position plays a critical leadership role in strengthening systems, modernizing financial infrastructure, and supporting PAH’s continued growth and mission impact.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Financial Leadership & Strategy
- Lead the annual operating and capital budgeting process; develop multi-year financial forecasts and scenario planning models.
- Collaborate with other Directors to provide financial modeling and analysis to support programming decisions, earned revenue strategies, contributed revenue tracking, and long-term sustainability.
- Monitor organizational financial performance; analyze variances and recommend corrective actions.
- Encourage data-informed decision making across departments.
- Serve as strategic financial advisor to the President & CEO and senior leadership, monitoring and controlling for risk.
Financial Reporting & Compliance
- Oversee preparation of accurate and timely monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in accordance with GAAP.
- Ensure integrity of the General Ledger and all accounting functions managed by the Accounting Manager and Associate.
- Prepare financial materials including key financial reports for the Finance Committee, Executive Committee, Board of Directors and Performing Arts Houston Foundation.
- Serve as primary liaison to external auditors; oversee annual audit and ensure timely resolution of recommendations.
- Prepare and review of Form 990 and other required regulatory filings.
- Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
- Prepare financial reports, as needed, for grant reporting and compliance requirements in collaboration with Development.
Cash Flow, Investments & Risk Management
- Lead organizational cash flow forecasting and liquidity planning; monitor pledge receivables projections and contributed revenue timing.
- Manage banking relationships and treasury functions.
- Prepare and maintain all accounting entries and internal reporting for investment portfolios, endowment, reserve, and investment management and reporting in collaboration with appropriate Board committees.
- Develop short-term investment strategies and manage short-term investment portfolio to meet liquidity needs, following guidance set by Finance and Audit Committee.
- Responsible for insurance programs and risk management strategy; coverage levels and renewal negotiations.
- Ensure and implement appropriate internal controls and safeguards for all financial assets.
Accounting Oversight & Internal Controls
- Provide oversight and direction to the Accounting Manager and Accounting Associate.
- Ensure timely and accurate completion of monthly and year-end close processes.
- Evaluate and strengthen internal control systems, policies, and documentation.
- Review and approve key reconciliations, journal entries, and financial reports.
- Maintain oversight of accounts payable, accounts receivable and credit card controls.
- Handle payroll processing and fixed assets reporting.
- Ensure proper document retention and financial record management.
Systems & Technology Modernization
- Assess and strive to continuously improve PAH’s financial systems, workflows, and reporting tools.
- Strategize and implement accounting system upgrades, integrations, and technology modernization initiatives; evaluate current Abila/MIP accounting platform and related systems to ensure scalability and efficiency.
- Monitor risk, collaborate with IT partners to strengthen financial data protection, cybersecurity, and remote access controls.
- Implement improved reporting dashboards and data visualization tools for leadership and Board use.
- Seek efficiencies through automation, improved software utilization, and process redesign.
Administrative Oversight
- Responsible for payroll administration, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance in partnership with external payroll and benefits providers.
- Support employee benefits and retirement plan administration, including bi-weekly funding of all 403(b) accounts and oversight of annual compliance testing and required filings.
- Partner with the President & CEO on workforce planning, organizational structure, reviewing compensation and benefits structures for long-term financial sustainability, ensure compliance with organizational policies and applicable employment regulations.
Cross-Departmental Collaboration
- Partner with Programming on show settlements and financial analysis of engagements.
- Partner with Development to track campaign gifts, pledges, restricted funds, and reporting requirements.
- Support Marketing and Development initiatives through financial modeling and revenue analysis.
- Educate department leaders on financial reporting and budget accountability.
Essential Skills and Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required; CPA or MBA preferred.
- Strong knowledge of nonprofit accounting, GAAP, audit processes, and tax compliance.
- Minimum 6+ years progressive financial leadership experience, nonprofit or performing arts organizations experience a plus.
- Experience leading budgeting and forecasting in a multi-program organization.
- Demonstrated ability to manage and mentor finance staff.
- Experience with financial system upgrades and process improvement initiatives strongly preferred.
- Advanced proficiency in Excel and financial reporting software; experience with Abila/MIP or comparable system preferred.
- Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
- Clear and persuasive communicator able to translate financial data for non-financial audiences.
- High integrity and commitment to ethical financial stewardship.
Key Relationships: President & CEO, Board of Directors and Finance and Audit Committee, Accounting Manager and Accounting Associate, Department Directors, External Auditors, Bankers, and Financial Advisors
Time Commitment: Hours: 50+ hours per week / M-F 9a.m. – 5p.m. plus some evenings and weekends
How to Apply: A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be included with your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position. Applications will be accepted through email to employment@performingartshouston.org
Potential employees must pass a background check and provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination.
Performing Arts Houston Provides: Excellent benefits package with company-paid medical, dental, disability and life insurance provided to employee after 30-day period. Medical and dental coverage for employee’s family members is available through company policies at the employee’s expense. 403(B) Plan with employer matching credits beginning after one year of service. Parking in Theater District provided by the company.