Office Accounting Manager in Laguna Beach, California at The Laguna Playhouse

ABOUT LAGUNA PLAYHOUSE

Laguna Playhouse is a nationally acclaimed, non-profit, professional theatre located steps away from the Pacific Ocean in the charming arts colony of Laguna Beach, California. As a cultural anchor for our community and a leader in contemporary American theatre, we produce innovative plays and musicals that entertain, challenge, and inspire diverse audiences. With an annual budget of [amount] and a dynamic team of artists and administrators, we maintain the highest standards of financial stewardship while advancing our artistic mission.

ABOUT THE CULTURE

Laguna Playhouse fosters a collaborative, inclusive, and creatively enriching environment that encourages authenticity and bold ideas. We are deeply committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion, and strongly encourage applications from individuals who identify as Black, Indigenous, People of Color, women, transgender, non-binary, and those from communities historically underrepresented in the theater industry.

The right candidate will be highly organized, detail-oriented, and passionate about supporting a thriving, mission-driven performing arts organization. You will work cross-functionally with leadership, artistic staff, and development teams to maintain financial accuracy and operational excellence. This role values integrity, proactive communication, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic nonprofit environment.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Financial Oversight & Reporting

• Prepare, review, and reconcile monthly accounting reports ensuring accuracy and completeness
• Maintain general ledger accounts and ensure proper account coding and categorization
• Prepare financial statements, balance sheets, and reports for management and board review
• Support annual audit process and maintain audit-ready documentation and records

Banking & Cash Management

• Manage banking relationships, account activity, and coordination with financial institutions
• Oversee cash handling procedures, deposits, and bank reconciliations
• Monitor account activity for compliance and accuracy
• Establish and maintain banking protocols and internal controls
• Insurance & Lease Administration
• Manage organizational insurance policies, renewals, and claims administration
• Ensure insurance compliance and maintain documentation
• Administer facility and equipment leases including payments, renewals, and compliance tracking
• Coordinate with vendors and insurance carriers regarding policy updates

Bookkeeping & Payroll Support

• Provide backup support to the Bookkeeper with daily cash handling and accounts receivable
• Assist with payroll processing, verification, and distribution
• Support expense management using platforms such as Ramp and QuickBooks Online (QBO)
• Maintain accurate records and reconciliation of expense reports
• Development & Donor Coordination (Temporary)
• Assist in reconciling donations, pledges, and contributions
• Help forecast pledge collection and support donor recognition processes
• Coordinate with Development team on financial aspects of campaigns
• Maintain donor financial records and reporting
• HR & Benefits Administration (Temporary, Until Executive & Artistic Associate Onboarded)
• Provide administrative support for HR and employee benefits administration
• Process benefits documentation, enrollment changes, and employee records
• Assist with payroll-related HR coordination
• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive employee information

Vendor Management

• Handle vendor ordering, contracts, and invoice processing
• Manage vendor relationships during organizational transitions
• Coordinate vendor payments and maintain vendor records
• Serve as partial backup/support for ongoing vendor management
• Documentation & Compliance
• Maintain organized financial files, records, and documentation
• Ensure compliance with nonprofit financial reporting requirements
• Prepare reports and support financial analysis as requested by management
• Manage confidential financial information with discretion

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• 3–5+ years of professional experience in bookkeeping, accounting, office management, or related financial administration roles, ideally within a nonprofit or mission-driven organization
• Working knowledge of QuickBooks Online (QBO) and expense management platforms such as Ramp
• Demonstrated experience with payroll processing, banking administration, and insurance/lease administration
• Familiarity with HR and employee benefits administration, or demonstrated willingness and ability to learn quickly
• Experience with vendor management, including ordering, contract administration, and vendor coordination
• Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail and follow-through
• Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and communicate proactively
• Proficiency with standard office applications and financial software
• Comfort with hybrid work schedule and flexible task management
• Demonstrated discretion in handling confidential financial, HR, and organizational information

KEY SKILLS & COMPETENCIES

Financial Acumen

Working knowledge of nonprofit accounting principles, generally accepted accounting practices (GAAP), and financial reporting standards. Ability to interpret financial data and catch discrepancies.

Attention to Detail

Meticulous approach to reconciliations, account coding, and record-keeping. Catches inconsistencies and maintains accurate, audit-ready documentation.

Organization & Time Management

Ability to juggle multiple priorities—month-end closes, vendor payments, payroll processing—without errors. Proactive planning and deadline management.

Technical Proficiency

Comfortable with QuickBooks Online, Ramp, standard accounting platforms, and Microsoft Office. Willingness to learn new systems quickly.

Independence & Ownership

Ability to work autonomously without constant oversight. Takes initiative to identify problems and implement solutions.

Communication & Collaboration

Clear, professional communication with leadership, vendors, and team members. Ability to explain financial matters in plain language and respond to requests promptly.

Discretion & Integrity

Trustworthy handling of sensitive financial and HR information. Absolute confidentiality regarding payroll, donor data, and organizational matters.

Problem-Solving

Proactive approach to reconciliation issues, vendor discrepancies, and process improvements. Ability to troubleshoot and escalate appropriately.

Adaptability

Comfort working in a dynamic nonprofit environment where priorities shift. Flexibility to support temporary initiatives like HR administration during transitions.

Mission Alignment

Genuine understanding of and commitment to the nonprofit performing arts sector. Belief in the value of supporting cultural organizations and artists.

WHAT MAKES YOU A STRONG FIT

You are someone who thrives on creating order and accuracy in a creative, mission-driven environment. You understand nonprofit budgets and constraints. You're comfortable with both detailed individual tasks (reconciling accounts) and broader thinking (how payroll integrates with benefits). You can handle temporary staffing support without losing focus on your core responsibilities. You treat confidential information seriously and take pride in being reliable—the person leadership trusts with the financial and operational backbone of the organization.