Controller at Palm Springs Surf Club – Palm Springs, California

Company: Palm Springs Surf Club

Location: Palm Springs, CA

Position: Controller

Schedule: [Full-time], Salary Exempt

Salary Range: $140,000-$160,000 DOE

Position Summary:

Palm Springs Surf Club is seeking a highly skilled and strategic Controller to oversee all financial operations for our dynamic, growing surf and hospitality destination. This role is responsible for the full spectrum of accounting functions, from accounts payable through financial analysis, including financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, cash management, payroll oversight, and internal controls. The Controller will play a key role in supporting operational efficiency and profitability by ensuring accurate financial data, timely reporting, and strong compliance practices. This position works closely with ownership and executive leadership to guide financial strategy, analyze performance, and optimize costs across the facility while serving as the primary accounting resource across the organization. The ideal candidate brings strong experience in hospitality, recreation, or other multi-revenue-stream environments, with preferred backgrounds in resorts, entertainment venues, attractions, or similar guest-service settings. Candidates with a strong understanding of accounting concepts, a process-oriented mindset, and the ability to quickly learn new industries will also be highly valued.

Key Responsibilities:

Financial Management and Reporting:

· Oversee all accounting functions, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, general ledger maintenance, month-end close, and financial analysis.

· Prepare and deliver regular financial reporting packages for investors, highlighting key metrics and performance trends.

· Develop, analyze, and present accurate and timely financial statements in accordance with GAAP to support operational and strategic decisions.

· Monitor financial performance across multiple revenue streams (admissions, F&B, retail, rentals, events, etc)

· Review and approve expenditures, contracts, and vendor payments to ensure alignment with budget and financial goals.

· Optimize financial systems, processes, and reporting tools to improve accuracy and efficiency.

Strategic Financial Planning:

· Provide data-driven insights to inform capital investment opportunities, operational improvements, and long-term planning.

· Prepare and monitor the park’s annual budget, aligning departmental objectives with financial goals.

· Lead the integration of a new accounting software system to enhance financial operations and reporting capabilities.

· Prepare accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements for ownership and executive leadership.

Compliance and Internal Controls:

· Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal financial regulations, maintaining up-to-date knowledge of GAAP standards.

· Establish and maintain strong internal controls to safeguard assets and ensure reporting accuracy.

· Serve as the primary liaison with external auditors, tax professionals, and regulatory authorities.

· Oversee proper recordkeeping for financial, operational, and payroll compliance audits.

· Monitor changes in regulations and implement updates to policies or processes as needed.

· Enhance systems and procedures to improve data integrity, operational efficiency, and financial security.

· Evaluate and approve financial system access rights to ensure appropriate authorization and oversight.

Cross-Functional Partnership and Independent Ownership:

· Serve as the primary owner of the accounting function, independently managing day-to-day financial operations while ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and accountability across all processes.

· Partner closely with ownership and department leaders to provide financial transparency, support decision-making, and drive park-wide initiatives.

· Build strong working relationships across the organization to gather information, resolve issues, and ensure smooth coordination between accounting and operations.

· Identify opportunities to strengthen processes, improve reporting, and expand the finance function as the business continues to grow.

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty with excellence. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Must be detail oriented, possess strong organizational and time management skills and the ability to multitask. Ability to work a flexible schedule including weekdays, weekends, holidays, and nights.

Education and Experience:

· Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, or a related field (CPA or CMA preferred).

· 10+ years of experience in accounting or financial management, ideally within the entertainment, hospitality, or tourism industries, with demonstrated success operating in a hands-on leadership role.

· Demonstrated expertise in preparing and analyzing financial statements and making informed recommendations.

· Experience leading financial systems implementations or upgrades is strongly preferred.

Skills and Attributes:

· Strong accounting background with proficiency in accounting software and ERP systems; advanced Excel skills are essential.

· Familiarity with Toast, Fareharbor, Paylocity, M3, and QuickBooks.

· Exceptional analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a keen eye for detail.

· Ability to distill complex financial data into actionable insights for non-financial stakeholders.

· Proven ability to manage multiple priorities independently in a deadline-driven environment.

· Must be on-site five days a week and thrive in a high-energy, customer-focused setting.

Equal Opportunity Statement:

The Palm Springs Surf Club is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable laws.