DIRECTOR OF FINANCE & ACCOUNTING

DIRECTOR OF FINANCE & ACCOUNTING OPPORTUNITY AT WILLOUGHBY GOLF CLUB

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 (DOFA). Reporting to the General Manager and serving as a key strategic partner on all matters relating to budget management, cost-benefit analysis, forecasting, and internal controls, the DOFA will direct the financial operations of the Club and its community association functions. This is a hands-on leadership role in a warm, engaged club community, well-suited to a finance professional who combines technical excellence with clear communication and a genuine service orientation toward members, committees, and fellow department heads.

DIRECTOR OF FINANCE & ACCOUNTING - POSITION OVERVIEW

Willoughby Golf Club seeks a Director of Finance & Accounting who is equal parts strategic thinker and hands-on operator. Reporting to the General Manager, the DOFA leads the financial function for both the Club and its homeowners association, a substantial and integral component of this role. The position calls for a leader comfortable wearing multiple hats, moving fluidly between high-level analysis and the daily detail that keeps a busy club community running well.

Beyond technical command, Willoughby is looking for a communicator who explains the “why” behind the numbers. The DOFA will present to the Board and General Manager with confidence, clarity, and a direct, right-to-the-point style that earns trust quickly, while engaging a financially astute Finance Committee at an appropriately sophisticated level. Equally important is the patience and respect to work with those who have less financial background, translating complex information so that every department head and committee member understands what the numbers mean and what to do about them.

Technology fluency is essential. The Club seeks a forward-thinking professional who stays current with what is new in finance, presents information in a clean and visually modern format, and is open to the thoughtful use of artificial intelligence and other tools that improve efficiency, accuracy, and the quality of reporting.

The successful candidate will be a resourceful problem solver, capable with contracts and comfortable working alongside legal counsel and outside advisors. This individual will select, mentor, and develop the accounting team while serving as a genuine cross-functional resource, providing lateral service to fellow department heads rather than operating in a silo. Approachability, flexibility, good humor, and an articulate, helpful presence are valued at Willoughby as highly as technical expertise.

SELECT KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

STRATEGIC GUIDANCE AND REPORTING

• Formulate, receive, and recommend policy proposals relating to accounting and auditing, the budget, revenue and cost-control procedures, payroll, and tax matters.
• Prepare operating and capital budgets and financial forecasts in coordination with committees, department heads, and the General Manager; monitor budgeted versus actual results, advise management about variances, and recommend corrective actions.
• Direct or prepare the monthly trial balance and resulting financial statements, with supporting schedules for financial reports and records.
• Prepare accounting reports for the Board of Directors, Executive Committee, and other club committees; inform and advise department heads on the financial aspects of their responsibilities.

ACCOUNTING OPERATIONS AND CONTROLS

• Manage internal auditing programs; reconcile monthly ledgers including receivables, payables, bank, asset, and wage accounts; safeguard all funds and supervise cash controls.
• Oversee member billing and collection procedures, audit member and guest charges, and monitor accounts receivable and past-due accounts.
• Direct and verify inventories for food, beverage, supplies, equipment, and other club assets; maintain fixed asset ledgers and depreciation schedules.
• Work with the Club’s external auditors and accounting firm; prepare or supervise applicable federal, state, and local tax returns.
• Manage membership certificate issuance, recovery, redemption, and related collections and refunds; maintain tournament accounting records.

BENEFITS, INSURANCE, AND INVESTMENTS

• Negotiate and administer employee benefits including health and life insurance, pension plans, and workers’ compensation; assist the General Manager in benefit plan decisions.
• Negotiate and acquire property and casualty insurance to protect the Club’s assets; verify insurance records are properly maintained.
• Maintain the Club’s investment program and invest excess funds on a timely basis to optimize cash flow; 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; experience overseeing information technology operations is preferred.

CANDIDATE QUALIFICATIONS

• A collaborative, hands-on financial leader with strong analytical skills, including statistical analysis and probability statements, and consistent monitoring of cash flows.
• Experience supervising a staff or team of accountants and bookkeepers.
• Knowledge and understanding of retirement plans and the ability to analyze investment returns.
• Knowledge of pertinent federal and state employment laws and practices.
• Strong communication skills with members, committees, volunteer leadership, and staff; private club or hospitality experience is a plus.
• Five to seven years of professional accounting experience with at least two years at the Controller level or equivalent in club operations.

EDUCATIONAL AND CERTIFICATION QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university with a concentration in business or administration, an accounting major or minor, and coursework in financial analysis and auditing.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license a plus.
• Certified Hospitality Accounting Executive (CHAE) a plus.