Vice President of Finance

America's third oldest horse racing track, the Fair Grounds has been a New Orleans staple since 1852. We are a premiere entertainment venue presenting thoroughbred & exotic animal races, slots, video poker and simulcasting year-round. Located in New Orleans, Fair Grounds operates a slot-machine gaming facility and 15 off-track betting parlors throughout southeast Louisiana.

Summary

The VP of Finance leads all financial activity of Fair Grounds Race Course, Slots, and OTBs. This includes accounting, financial analysis, cash operations, revenue audit, purchasing and compliance. Manages the timely preparation and analysis of the financial results and establish and maintain the necessary internal controls required to safeguard the property’s assets, to ensure integrity and compliance with the gaming and other State and Federal regulations, and to ensure that the financial results reflect established accounting and financial standards. Responsible for working with the property leaders to manage maintenance and project capital and to obtain approvals, as necessary. Responsible for providing financial analysis and decision support to the property leadership team and corporate financial planning and analysis, as needed, related to the property. Responsible for developing financial forecasts and actions to achieve the forecasts with the property leadership team.

Essential Duties and Job Responsibilities

Leadership and Management of Team:

• Supervise and direct the day-to-day operations of assigned managers and supervisors within the finance and operations teams.
• Provide guidance, counseling, and training to ensure team members perform their duties effectively and efficiently.
• Foster a collaborative and high-performing team environment by setting clear expectations and providing ongoing support.
• Provide real-time feedback, conduct regular check-ins, and implement plans to continuously enhance team capabilities.

Strategic Planning:

• Lead the development of operational and financial analytics and models for long-term financial forecasting.
• Lead monthly analysis of actual financial results and the development of monthly forecast updates.
• Develop the annual operating plan.
• Develop capital forecasts and implement plans to achieve efficient and effective capital spending.
• Provide financial modeling and analysis for capital management, pricing, sponsorships, and vendor-related activities.
• Work with CDI Corporate finance to identify opportunities for cost reductions and process improvements.

Accounting and Financial Controls:

• Oversee accounting, financial reporting, and purchasing processes for Fair Grounds Race Course, Slots, and OTBs.
• Ensure the team is utilizing current accounting standards, tools, and technologies to improve efficiency and timeliness in financial analysis.
• Develop, implement, and monitor controls over accounting, treasury, and cash-related processes.
• Oversee high-volume cash management logistics and ensure proper controls are in place.
• Manage external and internal audits to ensure financial accuracy and compliance.

• Maintain a thorough understanding of state and local regulatory requirements relevant to areas of responsibility and collaborate with regulatory authorities to address compliance, tax calculations, control measures, and other operational concerns.
• Collaborate with CDI Corporate Purchasing to optimize procurement efficiencies and leverage volume discounts.

Operational Activities:

• Refine financial and operating statistics to drive consistent performance and accountability across operational departments.
• Review departmental financial statements with operational leaders to identify inefficiencies, concerns, and performance enhancements.
• Work with the General Manager and leadership team to drive continuous operational improvements and ensure consistent performance.

Job Requirements

Education & Certification:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field required.
• Master’s degree and/or CPA preferred.

Experience & Expertise:

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in accounting, financial reporting, and analysis, with management experience.
• Extensive experience in financial accounting, treasury management, budgeting, and cost accounting.
• Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP and general ledger accounting.
• Experience in gaming financial analysis, gaming accounting, and casino operations preferred.

Skills & Competencies:

• Excellent analytical, financial modeling, problem-solving, and strategic thinking skills.
• Strong leadership and management abilities, with a track record of successfully leading diverse teams.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with senior and executive management.
• Excellent verbal and written communication and presentation skills.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint.

Other Requirements:

• Willingness and ability to pass suitability requirements of a gaming licensing body, including submission of detailed background and financial data.
• Strong work ethic and ability to cultivate productive relationships across the organization.

If you are an accomplished finance professional looking for an opportunity to make a significant impact within our organization, we encourage you to apply.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits: Health insurance, 401(k), employee stock purchase plan, employee assistance program, tuition reimbursement

Ability to Relocate: New Orleans, LA 70119 (Required)

Equal Opportunity Employer