Director of Finance

Description

THE DIRECTOR OF FINANCE OPPORTUNITY 

West Shore Country Club seeks a hands-on Director of Finance (DOF) who combines strong accounting execution with practical financial leadership. This is a working leadership role: the DOF will remain directly involved in reconciliations, journal entries, financial reporting, and day-to-day financial operations while partnering with the COO/GM, department heads, and Board of Governors on budgets, forecasting, and long-term planning. The DOF leads the Club’s finance and accounting functions and oversees IT with support from established third-party vendors. Through sound strategies, policies, and procedures, the DOF supports the Club’s financial goals, long-term financial health and growth, and informed decisions that improve Club performance. The role offers the opportunity to serve as a trusted financial partner to a well-respected General Manager and Club governance while staying close to the operation.

WEST SHORE COUNTRY CLUB 

Established in 1928, the West Shore Country Club was envisioned as a place where friends could gather for social and recreational activities. Over the years, as membership grew, our original vision has remained true. Located on 164 acres in the heart of South-Central Pennsylvania, our club offers the finest in golf, racquet sports, swimming, dining, and social activities. West Shore Country Club operates and is financially budgeted and managed with defined Capital Income and Spending; as well as with distinct Operating Departments: Food and Beverage; Golf Operations; Golf Maintenance; Racquets; Swimming Pool; Facilities; General and Admin; Social Events; Membership Dues; Miscellaneous and Non-Operating Expenses.  The entire operation from membership, member billing, accounting, POS, AR and AP, website, App, everything, runs on Northstar Club Management Software. Our Director of Finance will become and must become an expert level user of all Northstar modules.  

CLUB AT A GLANCE

· Membership: Approx. 825 member families across all categories

· Total revenue: $12 million.

· Structure: 501(c)(7) not-for-profit corporation.

· Employees: 100, increasing to 180+ during the summer season.

· Technology: Northstar Club Management Software

CANDIDATE KEY ATTRIBUTES

• Able to develop trust and financial credibility with both management and club governance

• Leadership with desire to mentor

• Strategic thinking and natural “thought partner” style

• Hands-on and results-driven: comfortable preparing reconciliations and journal entries, resolving accounting issues, and translating financial results into practical action.

• Decision-making ability

• Strong and naturally collaborative style; Team-centric; Inclusive and values diversity

• Systems and automation driven

SELECT KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

FINANCIAL LEADERSHIP, PLANNING, AND CONTROLS

• Directs the Club’s financial operations in partnership with the COO/GM. Develops and reviews policies relating to accounting, auditing, budgeting, revenue, and cost control, and recommends them for approval.

• Provides proactive, data-driven analysis to the COO/GM and department heads, explaining financial results in clear business terms and identifying practical actions to improve performance.

• Works with leadership to create long-term and short-term operating plans; establishes associated operating and capital budgets.

• Analyzes financial information, monitors budgeted versus actual expenditures and advises management about variances and causes.

• Anticipates unfavorable financial results or variances; conducts research and is prepared to offer preliminary explanations and appropriate counter measures.

• Works closely with the COO/GM to anticipate issues and communicates regularly with the Treasurer and Finance Committee.

• Serves as staff liaison to the Finance Committee and oversees investment decisions for the Club’s working capital account.

• Identifies and evaluates risk and mitigation plans; maintains insurance records; ensures appropriate coverage levels are maintained

• Coordinates with the external audit and tax reporting firm on accounting compliance, fixed asset records, and balance sheet and operating statements; prepares supporting records and resolves questions promptly.

• Follows generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and helps management improve operational performance through planning, analysis, and implementation of sound business practices.

• Prepares capital reports for the Executive Committee, Board of Governors, and Finance Committee. Maintains detailed schedules of capital projects and amounts paid, together with the replacement reserve study, to support capital planning and reporting.

• Attends Executive Committee, Board of Governors, Finance Committee, and other meetings as required.

• Leads Capital Planning Committee, keeping regular records of project status and committee decisions to ensure projects progress in accordance with Club standards

ACCOUNTING, TAX, BENEFITS, BUDGETING, AND REPORTING

• Collaborates with HR Director in overseeing employer 401K plan. 

• Oversees the reconciliation of bank accounts and approves transfers as needed throughout the year.

• Reviews year-end W-2s and other year-end reports and coordinates submission of required government filings.

• Prepares monthly journal entries and ensures timely payment of federal, state, and payroll taxes, including payment of applicable sales and occupancy taxes.

• Monitors tax law changes affecting the Club and works with the external tax reporting firm to assess their implications for compliance, financial reporting, and available tax/reporting advantages.

• Personally reconciles the general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and fixed asset accounts, investigating differences and resolving accounting issues.

• Works collaboratively with HR Director on payroll and benefits compliance and processing.

• Leads the budget process from preparation and approval through execution and monitoring. Establishes clear policies, procedures, and expectations; partners with the GM and department heads to build realistic budgets aligned with the Club’s mission and current operating environment; educates department heads to strengthen understanding and ownership; and provides timely reporting on issues affecting departmental budgets.

• Compares year-to-date results with budget and current-year results with prior-year results to identify issues and trends as early as possible.

• Administers the Club’s digital invoice approval process and reviews and approves all Club invoices for accurate reporting, business purpose, and need.

STAFF DEVELOPMENT

• Mentors, trains, and conducts annual performance reviews of direct reports with developmental plans.

• Directly supervises the AR/AP position combining day-to-day involvement with coaching, clear expectations, and accountability for high-quality work.

TECHNOLOGY

• Oversees the Club’s IT services and coordinates support from established third-party vendors, connecting technology priorities, service needs, and costs with Club operations.

• Coordinates with third-party vendors to maintain IT equipment and forecasts replacement needs and costs.

• Takes lead on service disruption mitigation through communication with vendors.

• Stays up to date on newest technology and makes recommendations for implementation.

BANKING, INSURANCE, CONTRACTS, AND OPERATIONAL IMPROVEMENT

• Create and sustain productive banking, insurance, and contractual relationships and serve as primary liaison with related third parties.

• Evaluate and oversee risk management and insurance issues.

• Lead and manage technology investments, policies, and contract vendors.

• Assesses, develops, and implements streamlined processes that support operational effectiveness, timely and accurate reporting, and reimbursements 

Requirements

CANDIDATE SPECIFICATIONS

• Progressive finance and accounting leadership experience that combines direct accounting execution with budgeting, forecasting, and management reporting. Service or hospitality industry experience is preferred; experience with tax-exempt organizations and an understanding of the club industry are valuable.
• Proficiency with finance and accounting technology, including the ability to use systems and automation to improve accuracy, reporting, and workflows. Experience applying these tools in hospitality operations is preferred.
• Experience with capital, construction, and renovation projects
• Experience administering defined contribution retirement plans, including 401(k) plans.
• Demonstrated strong oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills
• Team-oriented and able to meet deadlines
• Credible, approachable leadership demonstrated through clear communication, sound judgment, and the ability to mentor others and build productive working relationships.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND CERTIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's Degree with a concentration in Finance, Accounting, or Business; CHAE or      CPA preferred
• Progressive professional finance/accounting experience, with 7–10 years preferred, including at least 3 years at the Controller level or above. Demonstrated ability to remain directly involved in accounting operations while leading the finance function.