Lyric Opera of Chicago
Senior Accountant
Chicago, IL - Full Time
REPORTS TO: Assistant Controller, Finance
STATUS: Full-time, Exempt
Through artistic excellence coupled with innovative, relevant programming; initiatives to connect with and grow new audiences; engagement with communities to ignite creativity across Chicago; and a modernized Opera House that is the setting for truly great experiences, Lyric is leading the advancement of opera. This collaborative vision will deliver ever more exciting, thought-provoking, and inclusive audience and community experiences – while increasing the gravitational pull of our art form, our company, and our city.
Under the direction of the Assistant Controller, the Senior Accountant is a key contributor to the financial operations of Lyric by performing complex accounting tasks with a high degree of integrity, reliability, and consistency.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:
WORK CONDITIONS:
COMPENSATION:
Job Classification: Full-time, Exempt
Salary Range is: $85,000-$100,000
Application Deadline: Wednesday, November 5, 2025 (5:00pm CT)
Lyric Opera offers benefits including health, dental, vision, 403B (no company match), 401(k) with company match, PTO (including sick, vacation, and personal days, and holidays), life/AD&D coverage, opportunities for professional development, and complimentary tickets.
Lyric Opera of Chicago is committed to enhancing our diverse work environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Lyric prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, age, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, parental status, socio-economic status, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable federal, state or local laws. We encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply.
STATUS: Full-time, Exempt
Through artistic excellence coupled with innovative, relevant programming; initiatives to connect with and grow new audiences; engagement with communities to ignite creativity across Chicago; and a modernized Opera House that is the setting for truly great experiences, Lyric is leading the advancement of opera. This collaborative vision will deliver ever more exciting, thought-provoking, and inclusive audience and community experiences – while increasing the gravitational pull of our art form, our company, and our city.
Under the direction of the Assistant Controller, the Senior Accountant is a key contributor to the financial operations of Lyric by performing complex accounting tasks with a high degree of integrity, reliability, and consistency.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Ensure the accuracy and integrity of the organization’s financial accounting and reporting activities.
- Prepare journal entries in the general ledger, ensuring transactions are appropriately recorded per company policies and in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
- Analyze and reconcile general ledger accounts, investigating and resolving variances.
- Contribute to the financial statement interim and annual audits.
- Support continuous improvement through the increased utilization of technology and tools and other efficiency measures.
- Update and maintain documentation of accounting processes and procedures for assigned areas of responsibility.
- Interpret, apply, and explain U.S. GAAP, policies, and procedures to Lyric staff.
- Assist the Assistant Controller in other projects as needed.
- Contribute to the overall success of Lyric by performing all other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:
- Bachelor’s degree in accounting required and 4+ years of advanced accounting experience required.
- CPA designation required.
- Audit experience and nonprofit experience preferred.
- Detailed knowledge of financial reporting, nonprofit accounting principles, FASB standards, and U.S. GAAP required.
- Advanced knowledge of Excel required (Vlookup, Sumifs, Nested Formulas, Pivot Tables).
- Proactive problem-solver capable of identifying issues and implementing solutions.
- Demonstrated success in financial process implementation or continuous improvement.
- Strong technological skills and ability to learn and efficiently use accounting software and other financial data systems.
- Ability to multitask and manage shifting priorities and deadlines, with attention to detail.
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work with a diverse group of colleagues at all levels of the organization.
- Positive, energetic, self-motivated.
WORK CONDITIONS:
- Ability to work some evenings or weekends during busy periods.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced and demanding environment.
- Sitting for extended periods.
- Ability to perform essential functions of the job with or without accommodations.
COMPENSATION:
Job Classification: Full-time, Exempt
Salary Range is: $85,000-$100,000
Application Deadline: Wednesday, November 5, 2025 (5:00pm CT)
Lyric Opera offers benefits including health, dental, vision, 403B (no company match), 401(k) with company match, PTO (including sick, vacation, and personal days, and holidays), life/AD&D coverage, opportunities for professional development, and complimentary tickets.
Lyric Opera of Chicago is committed to enhancing our diverse work environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Lyric prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, age, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, parental status, socio-economic status, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable federal, state or local laws. We encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply.
