The Organization
Mercury Chamber Orchestra is a dynamic, Houston-based chamber orchestra known for historically informed performances, innovative programming, and deep community engagement. Currently celebrating its 25th season, Mercury has achieved phenomenal growth over the last decade, presenting over 30 performances and reaching more than 30,000 audience members annually through distinctive concert series, community events, school outreach, and concert streaming. Under the artistic leadership of Antoine Plante, Mercury serves the community by celebrating the power of music, Baroque and beyond, by teaching, sharing and performing with passion, intimacy and excellence. Mercury has an annual operating budget of $2.2 million.
The Opportunity
The Finance & Operations Manager is responsible for all day-to-day financial operations of Mercury, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, cash management, bookkeeping, and monthly close preparation. The role also serves as Mercury’s primary point person for human resources and benefits administration through the organization’s PEO relationship, and takes ownership of office operations, vendor management, and key administrative systems including Spektrix, Mercury’s CRM and ticketing platform.
What You’ll Own
Financial Management & Reporting
- Manage day-to-day financial operations including accounts payable, accounts receivable, cash flow monitoring, expense reporting, and bank reconciliations.
- Maintain accurate financial records in QuickBooks and BILL, and prepare regular reports for the Executive Director and Board, including monthly statements, budget-to-actual analyses, and cash flow projections.
- Manage the relationship with Mercury’s outside accountant for monthly financial review, support the annual audit process, and tax return preparation process.
- Lead the annual budget development process and ongoing budget performance tracking.
- Support grant financial reporting, tracking restricted funds and ensuring compliance with funder requirements.
Payroll & HR Administration
- Coordinate with Insperity, Mercury’s PEO, on payroll processing, benefits enrollment, and HR compliance, serving as point of contact for staff questions.
- Collect and submit contractor musician payroll data in coordination with the Artistic Administrator, ensuring accurate and timely processing.
- Maintain employee files and ensure HR records are current, confidential, and compliant; support onboarding and offboarding logistics in partnership with Insperity.
Office & Vendor Management
- Manage office operations, facilities, and vendor relationships, including the office lease, insurance policies, IT support, and telecommunications, and ensure contracts are current, coverage is adequate, and renewal cycles are proactively managed.
- Manage day-to-day technology and office operations — hardware, software, subscriptions, telecom, and supplies — and maintain a multi-year replacement and capital plan.
Organizational & Administrative Support
- Support the Executive Director with board meeting logistics, including preparing financial materials, maintaining board records, and scheduling.
- Manage gift entry and acknowledgment process, partnering with development staff to ensure data integrity and reporting accuracy.
- Serve as primary system administrator for Spektrix, maintaining data integrity, running reports, and supporting staff training and onboarding.
- Maintain organizational documents, contracts, and compliance filings, ensuring Mercury meets all state and federal registration and reporting requirements.
- Support the Executive Director with research, analysis, and strategic projects as assigned.
What We Are Looking For
- Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or equivalent experience.
- 3+ years of bookkeeping or accounting experience; nonprofit experience strongly preferred.
- Working knowledge of fund accounting and restricted/unrestricted net asset classification.
- Experience with QuickBooks Online or comparable nonprofit accounting software.
- Experience with a CRM/ticketing platform or willingness to learn.
- Experience managing or working within a PEO relationship and basic familiarity with payroll and benefits administration preferred.
- High degree of discretion with confidential donor and personnel information.
- Strong organizational skills and comfort working independently in a small-staff environment.
- Curiosity about and interest in classical music and the performing arts a plus.
What Success Looks Like in the First 12 Months
- Mercury’s books are clean, current, and accurate — monthly financials are delivered on schedule, grant reporting is in compliance, and the outside accountant relationship runs smoothly.
- Payroll, benefits, and HR workflows are fully embedded through Insperity, with staff questions handled promptly and no compliance gaps.
- Spektrix data is consistently maintained and actively used across teams for ticketing, reporting, and fundraising.
- Vendor and office operations are organized and proactively managed — no expired contracts, coverage gaps, or unresolved service issues.
- The Executive Director has clear, reliable financial reporting and a trusted thought-partner; the Finance & Administration Manager is known across the team for responsiveness, accuracy, and collaborative spirit.
What We Offer
- Salary: $65,000-$70,000, commensurate with experience.
- Employer-paid health insurance and life insurance.
- Generous personal time off.
- 401(k) retirement plan.
- Flexible schedule with some evening and weekend events.
- Modern office environment in River Oaks.
- Concert tickets for friends and family.
To Apply:
Submit a cover letter outlining interest and experience along with a resume to jobs@mercuryhouston.org. Include “Finance Manager” on the subject line.
Mercury Chamber Orchestra is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace and welcomes candidates from all backgrounds and experiences. Mercury is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other status protected by applicable law
Deadline: 07/24/26
Location: Houston, TX
Website: https://www.mercuryhouston.org