Payroll & Revenue Accountant

Position Summary

Milwaukee Repertory Theater is seeking a detail-oriented and systems-minded Payroll & Revenue Accountant. The ideal candidate will combine strong attention to detail with strategic thinking, excel at problem-solving and process improvement, and thrive as a versatile team player in a fast-paced arts environment. This role offers significant growth opportunities for an accounting professional passionate about supporting the theater's mission while building efficient systems and communicating effectively across all departments.

Direct Reports: 0 FTE

• Unyielding attention to detail and passion for accuracy in every aspect of work.
• Efficient and proactive, handling deadlines, resolving discrepancies quickly, and streamlining payroll tasks with technology.
• Clear, solution-focused communication that makes complex payroll processes understandable for colleagues at every level. Promptly flags discrepancies and provides actionable next steps.

• Process four employee payrolls (weekly and bi-weekly cadences).
• Maintain payroll system accuracy (employee records, with holdings, deductions, union contract rates).
• Ensure compliance with union contracts.
• Process wage garnishments and court-ordered deductions.
• Coordinate with Human Resources on new hires, terminations, and benefits changes.
• Prepare annual workers' compensation audit and census data for benefit providers.
• Identify payroll process improvements and reduce manual work.

• Prepare payroll journal entries and reconcile monthly GL entries and liability accounts (accrued payroll, payroll taxes payable, employee deductions). Investigate discrepancies and explain variances.
• Ensure accruals are accurate and timely.

• Forecast FICA, UI, and percentage-of-wages benefits costs for annual budget.

• Ensure appropriate accounting for revenue and receivables.
• Reconcile pledge receivables with Development monthly; track collections and aging; coordinate on pledge terms and write-offs.
• Partner with Box Office to appropriately reflect show revenue, including deferred revenue, show revenue, ticketing fees, refunds, and adjustments.
• Serve as Finance representative for Milwaukee Rep’s Tessitura relationship.

• Perform monthly revenue reconciliations across all streams.
• Investigate variances and unusual items.
• Ensure revenue is recognized in correct accounting periods.

• Support management with ad-hoc financial analysis and special projects.
• Collaborate with department heads on budget planning and financial planning.
• Support grant reporting and compliance requirements.
• Serve as backup coverage for various team members during planned leaves and absences.
• Additional tasks as assigned.

• Bachelor's degree, preferably in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• 2-5 years of direct payroll experience, preferably in nonprofit or organization with union contracts.

• Proficiency in any type of accounting software (Milwaukee Rep uses Abila MIP).
• Experience with payroll systems and software is essential.
• Strong understanding of revenue recognition principles and balance sheet reconciliation.
• Advanced Excel skills with interest in financial modeling and analysis.
• Familiarity with nonprofit accounting principles and fund accounting preferred.

• Exceptional attention to detail with ability to maintain accuracy under tight deadlines.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Systems thinking with drive to improve processes and build efficiency.
• Self-motivated with ability to work independently and manage priorities.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate across departments.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills to explain financial information clearly to non-finance stakeholders.
• Curiosity and eagerness to learn all aspects of theater financial operations.
• Flexibility and adaptability to take on diverse responsibilities and provide backup support.

This role includes working at a computer for several hours daily, maintaining prolonged static postures, performing repetitive hand and wrist movements, sustaining visual focus on screens, and enduring extended periods of sitting. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Seniority level
  
  Mid-Senior level
• Employment type
  
  Full-time
• Job function
  
  Accounting/Auditing and Finance
• Industries Performing Arts