Jackie Williams is the director of finance for the Florida Theatre.
HOW LONG IN
THIS POSITION?
10 years.
WHAT DOES HE DO?
Responsibilities include running the financial side of the business, such as financial reporting (state, federal and regulatory), reporting to the board, collaborating with auditors, acting as a mediator to banks and administering payroll and health care. “I make sure we’re up, going and continuing to flow.”
PERIPHERAL DUTIES
“I work with some artists to make sure they get what they need or to settle cash needs at the end of the show.”
WHAT’S REWARDING ABOUT IT?
“I have the opportunity to be part of events brought to the theater and watch the audience enjoy those events. I also get a chance to work in a lot of different capacities.”
MOST CHALLENGING?
“Keeping everyone happy — the artists, the agents. I make sure everybody is happy with the numbers.”
HOMETOWN
Jacksonville.
EDUCATION
He has a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Florida State University.
WHY MAJOR IN THIS FIELD?
“It seemed the only fit for me. I’ve always been a business-minded, meticulous, detail-oriented person.”
ARE YOU EXPERIENCED?
Williams was employed by KPMG for three years, eventually working his way up to senior accountant.
HOW HE HOOKED UP WITH FLORIDA THEATRE?
“A client and one of the partners [of KPMG] was on the theater’s board. It just fell into place. I wouldn’t leave it for anything.”
CONTRAST THIS POST WITH YOUR LAST
“The difference is what we do here is bring culture to the community.”
ODD JOBS
Like many college students, Williams held a number of jobs to pay his way. Dairy Queen, the kitchen at Jacksonville University and The Florida Times-Union’s accounting department all helped indirectly finance his education.
HOME LIFE
Williams is a bachelor and lives on the Southside. “I don’t have children of my own but I do have a couple of siblings that I feel like I raised. I took over the responsibility for them.”
FINANCE FAVORITES
Horror flicks, Italian food and inspirational books are William’s guilty pleasures. A music lover, he grooves to gospel or R&B tunes. New York City is his favorite place to visit.
—by Monica Chamness