DIRECTOR OF FINANCE & ACCOUNTING

Willoughby Golf Club, a private, member-owned club community in Stuart, Florida, seeks an accomplished, detail-oriented financial leader to serve as its next Director of Finance & Accounting. This hands-on leadership role combines strategic partnership with the General Manager on budget management, cost-benefit analysis, forecasting, and internal controls, while directing the financial operations of the Club and its community association functions.

About the Role

The Director of Finance & Accounting (DOFA) is equal parts strategic thinker and hands-on operator, leading the financial function for both the Club and its homeowners association. The position requires a leader comfortable moving between high-level analysis and daily operational details, with strong communication skills to explain financial insights to diverse stakeholders—from the Board and Finance Committee to department heads and members with varying financial expertise.

Willoughby values a forward-thinking professional who embraces technology, presents information in modern formats, and leverages tools like artificial intelligence to enhance efficiency and reporting quality. The successful candidate will be a resourceful problem solver, adept with contracts, and comfortable collaborating with legal counsel and external advisors. Approachability, flexibility, and a service-oriented mindset are as critical as technical expertise.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Guidance and Reporting
  • Formulate and recommend policies for accounting, auditing, budgeting, revenue/cost-control, payroll, and tax matters.
  • Prepare operating and capital budgets and financial forecasts in coordination with committees, department heads, and the General Manager; monitor variances and recommend corrective actions.
  • Direct or prepare monthly trial balances, financial statements, and supporting schedules for reports and records.
  • Prepare accounting reports for the Board, Executive Committee, and other committees; advise department heads on financial aspects of their responsibilities.
• Accounting Operations and Controls
  • Manage internal auditing programs; reconcile monthly ledgers (receivables, payables, bank, asset, and wage accounts) and safeguard funds.
  • Oversee member billing, collections, and accounts receivable; audit member/guest charges and monitor past-due accounts.
  • Direct and verify inventories for food, beverage, supplies, equipment, and other assets; maintain fixed asset ledgers and depreciation schedules.
  • Collaborate with external auditors and accounting firms; prepare or supervise federal, state, and local tax returns.
  • Manage membership certificate issuance, recovery, redemption, and related collections/refunds; maintain tournament accounting records.
• Benefits, Insurance, and Investments
  • Negotiate and administer employee benefits (health/life insurance, pension plans, workers’ compensation); assist the General Manager in benefit plan decisions.
  • Negotiate and acquire property/casualty insurance; ensure proper maintenance of insurance records.
  • Maintain the Club’s investment program; invest excess funds to optimize cash flow and analyze investment returns.
• Staff Development and Technology
  • Select, train, supervise, schedule, and evaluate accounting staff; plan professional development and training activities.
  • Manage, review, and monitor changes in the automated financial management and accounting system; oversee IT operations (preferred).

Requirements

• A collaborative, hands-on financial leader with strong analytical skills, including statistical analysis, cash flow monitoring, and probability statements.
• Experience supervising accounting teams or staff.
• Knowledge of retirement plans and investment return analysis.
• Familiarity with federal/state employment laws and practices.
• Five to seven years of professional accounting experience, with at least two years at the Controller level or equivalent in club/hospitality operations.
• Private club or hospitality experience is a plus.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, administration, or accounting (major/minor), with coursework in financial analysis and auditing.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license preferred.
• Certified Hospitality Accounting Executive (CHAE) preferred.