Business Manager (Music or Theater Group)

Business managers are often referred to as “controllers.” It’s an apt title, considering that when it comes to an organization’s financial resources, business managers control almost everything. Usually working for larger ensemble groups like orchestras and theater companies, business managers are the heads of their organization’s business department, and may have their own assistants and staff. They have many duties, including devising and implementing a general budget, distributing payroll, paying outside bills (and reviewing them for discrepancies), and maintaining meticulous financial records. Business managers might also be involved in preparing an organization’s tax information and reporting it to the government.

Business managers are frugal individuals, capable of honestly appraising which of the organization’s expenses are totally necessary and which are ripe for reduction.

When it comes to payroll, it’s not the permanent performers and staff that business managers really need to worry about. Instead, what makes payroll challenging is keeping track of payments to all of the outside soloists, guest conductors, outside actors, commissioned composers or playwrights, and contracted technicians who have contributed to the organization. Business managers tend to work closely with the organization’s managing director while designing the yearly budget, a difficult task that requires extensive experience in similar roles. Business managers may also collaborate with other department heads, including the head of development, who might set fundraising goals based on the business manager’s advice.