SALARY: maxium $71,000 per year
Are you a finance / accounting leader ready to take center stage? The City of South Bend’s Venues, Parks, and Arts division is searching for a Senior Financial Officer to become the financial force behind some of the city’s most iconic destinations.
This isn’t just a desk job. You’ll be the strategic partner responsible for the financial health of a dynamic portfolio, including the historic Morris Performing Arts Center, the versatile Century Center, the elegant Palais Royale Ballroom, and the city’s essential parking garages.

You’ll get to use your financial expertise to:

• Shape the Future: Directly influence the strategic direction of our venues through expert financial planning, forecasting, and in-depth analysis.
• Drive Success: Partner with the Executive Director and other key leaders to ensure operational efficiency and support a thriving arts and culture scene.
• Lead the Charge: Oversee all financial operations, from spearheading the annual budget process to ensuring flawless compliance and reporting.

If you’re a detail-oriented professional with a passion for both numbers and community, and you’re ready to make a significant impact in a vibrant and growing city, we encourage you to apply. This is a unique opportunity to blend your financial acumen with a meaningful mission.
Ready to lead the financial operations for South Bend’s most beloved venues?
As a leader and employee of the City of South Bend, you are called upon to serve in a manner that supports Our Core Values: Excellence, Accountability, Innovation, Inclusion, and Empowerment as you carry out our primary employee expectations: Champion Values & Organizational Pride, Champion Operational Excellence, Make Sound Decisions, Embrace Coaching and Accountability, Communicate with Excellence, Value Diverse People and Perspectives, Embrace Personal Development, Exhibit a Positive Attitude and Own Your Health, Wellness & Safety

EDUCATION / QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field required.
• 3+ years of progressive experience in financial management, with at least 2-4 years in a senior financial role overseeing complex operations.
• Significant experience in non-profit finance is highly preferred, ideally within an arts or cultural organization or managing multiple distinct operational entities.
• Strong preference for candidates with direct experience in event accounting, venue financial management, or hospitality finance.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITY:

• Demonstrated expertise in strategic financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and comprehensive financial reporting.
• Thorough understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and non-profit accounting standards.
• Advanced proficiency in accounting software, specifically Microsoft Dynamics, and expert-level Microsoft Excel skills.
• Proven ability to serve, mentor, and develop within a finance team.
• Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present complex financial information clearly and concisely to diverse audiences.
• High level of integrity, ethical conduct, and discretion.
• Experience with ticketing systems, particularly “eTIX”, event management software, and POS systems is a significant plus.
• Experience with grants management is also a plus.

DISCLAIMER:

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required of personnel so classified. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

Performs assigned duties related to financial operations for the Finance Division, in accordance with established City policy and procedures, including but not limited to:

• Provide comprehensive financial oversight for all events held at Morris Performing Arts, Century Center, and Palais Royale Ballroom, as well as the ongoing financial operations of City-owned parking garages.
• Collaborate closely with event managers, operations, and sales teams to develop detailed, event-specific budgets, including revenue projections (ticket sales, concessions, merchandise, rentals, sponsorships) and granular expense estimates.
• Oversee the accurate and timely tracking, reconciliation, and reporting of all event-related revenue streams.
• Analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) related to events and venue operations (e.g., average ticket price, per capita spending, concession margins, parking utilization) to inform future planning.
• Perform monthly and quarterly general ledger account reconciliations, ensuring balances align with supporting documentation.
• Prepare and book accurate journal entries for revenue recognition, expense allocation, accruals, and fund transfers.
• Develop and implement long-term financial strategies aligned with the mission and goals of Morris Performing Arts, Century Center, Palais Royale Ballroom, and City-owned parking garages.
• Lead the comprehensive annual budgeting process, collaborating with department heads to establish realistic and detailed budgets across all entities.
• Develop and maintain robust financial forecasts, including scenario planning and cash flow projections for all managed facilities.
• Present complex financial information clearly and concisely to the Finance Director for VPA, Executive Director for VPA, General Manager for Venues, the Board of Directors, and other key stakeholders.
• Manage the cash flow for all managed entities, ensuring adequate liquidity.
• Oversee banking relationships and investment portfolios in coordination with the Board’s finance committee.
• Assumes additional responsibilities as requested.