Director of Finance / Controller

DIRECTOR OF FINANCE/CONTROLLER AT LAKE WARAMAUG COUNTRY CLUB

Lake Waramaug Country Club in New Preston, CT seeks a Director of Finance/Controller to lead the club’s finance and accounting operations and serve as a strategic financial partner to the General Manager, Treasurer, and Board. This hands-on leader will ensure financial accuracy, accountability, and sound decision-making while fostering a collaborative working relationship across all departments. As a highly seasonal club with a close-knit team, flexibility is essential—everyone contributes when needed. The ideal candidate will bring strong financial acumen and business sense, working closely with department heads as a resource and mentor, ensuring they have the tools and insights needed to manage their financial responsibilities effectively. A commitment to exceptional member service and a team-oriented mindset are key to success in this role.

DIRECTOR OF FINANCE/CONTROLLER - POSITION OVERVIEW

The DOF/Controller will be a visionary, adaptable, and seasoned professional with a deep understanding of finance. This individual must be bright, intellectually curious, and dedicated to continuous learning. They should exhibit extraordinary attention to detail, disciplined thinking, and the ability to create and maintain financial structures, including charts of accounts and comprehensive operating and capital budgets.

Beyond technical expertise, this role demands a strong coach and educator who can effectively train and support cross-functional staff. Close collaboration with the General Manager is essential to foster and maintain a positive culture for staff and members. The DOF/Controller will also work closely with department heads to ensure they understand their budgets, provide insightful feedback, and help them grasp the financial impact of their operations and the "why" behind the numbers. This approach includes supporting and educating team members who may be less familiar with financial concepts, ensuring they feel empowered and capable. A true team player is crucial for this role, someone who values collaboration and understands that the team's collective success is paramount. This individual will play a key role in preserving camaraderie and enhancing the overall experience for all members, focusing on maintaining the high standards expected in the club environment.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT

• Supervise the accounting and financial reporting functions and directly partner with the General Manager and Treasurer on all strategic matters related to budget management, cost-benefit analysis, forecasting needs, and internal controls.
• Act as the on-site senior financial manager, reporting directly to the General Manager and Club Treasurer.
• Prepare and maintain accurate financial records, reports, and statements.
• Develop, establish, and administer procedures and systems for financial matters.
• Develop the annual operating budget, including ongoing monitoring of variances.
• Develop the annual capital spending budget; monitor and report on progress against the budget.
• Establish and maintain the Club Asset Maintenance Plan, coordinating with Club Benchmarking to reflect asset additions and retirements. Prepare monthly financials for the General Manager and Treasurer for Board presentations.
• Safeguard all funds in bank accounts; ensure proper and accurate revenue deposits, supervise the drawing of checks, and review daily bank balances.
• Reconcile all balance sheet accounts every month.
• Prepare the annual audit and coordinate with external auditors.
• Maintain fixed asset schedules and prepare depreciation schedules for year-end.

ACCOUNTING & AUDITING

• Supervise the accounting team, ensuring efficient operation of financial processes.
• Develop policies to control and coordinate accounting, auditing, budgets, taxes, related activities, and records.
• Administer and oversee all Club's accounting, financial, and related operations.
• Conduct audits of club inventories across all departments.
• Continuously evaluate and enhance internal control procedures.
• File all necessary taxes (sales & use, dues, tobacco, other.)

BUDGETING & FORECASTING

• Serve as a plan fiduciary and investment committee member for the Club's 401(k) retirement plan and maintain all plan asset records and documents.
• Gather financial management information and assist the General Manager in developing strategies and tactics to improve the Club's efficiency.
• Meet with managers and professionals to provide analytical support for departmental financials.
• Prepare financial statements, forecasts, and analyses for all bi-weekly payroll processing, compensation, and benefits administration.

RISK MANAGEMENT & COMPLIANCE

• Oversee the Club’s risk management, computer system hardware, and software operations.
• Maintain compliance with all licenses.
• Evaluate and file all club contracts and leases.
• Gather information and assist the General Manager in making decisions about all insurance plans, including employee benefits.

CANDIDATE QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience as a Director of Finance and/or DOF/Controller.
• Excellent computer skills, including proficiency in accounting, financial reporting, payroll software, and Microsoft Office programs. Club software is a plus.
• Strong communication skills, both written and oral, and a proven ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams and work effectively with others.
• Pays attention to details; able to think strategically.
• Working knowledge of tax laws & reporting, including income, real & personal property, sales & use, and payroll.
• Knowledge and experience with information technology, human resources, and risk management.

EDUCATIONAL AND CERTIFICATION QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in finance and /or accounting.
• CPA accreditation is a plus or the equivalent of a proven 7 years of progressive experience in a financial management position that demonstrates primary functions, responsibilities, and qualifications.
• CHAE certification is a plus.