Carmel Country Club is seeking a dynamic and strategic Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to join our leadership team. The ideal candidate will be a forward-thinking, innovative, and tech-savvy financial leader who can serve as a trusted thought partner to work closely with the executive leadership team and management to provide financial insights, guidance, and support that aligns with the Club’s strategic goals. This CFO should be a trusted advisor to help drive decision-making, improve business outcomes, and identify new opportunities for growth.
Reports to: General Manager / COO
Supervises: Accountants, Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, Information Technology, Payroll
About Carmel Country Club:
Carmel is a leader in innovation and has earned recognition as a Platinum Club of America, a Five Star Private Club, Distinguished Club – Elite, and a Top Workplace in Charlotte. While we appreciate these fine recognitions, our greatest pride comes from our five chief priorities: being the premier family club in Charlotte, being an employer of choice, having excellent facilities, providing a safe and secure environment and providing an exceptional member experience. Carmel is a symbol of tradition in Charlotte, a place where the whole family loves to be, and everyone feels more at home.
Carmel offers two championship courses, the South designed by Rees Jones, and the North by John Fought, each with its own distinct personality. The North Course features a traditional design adapted for today’s game which is a perfect complement to the bold, modern South Course. The Tennis Complex provides unparalleled tennis experiences, with lit courts, a tennis lounge, multiple viewing decks, and a well-stocked Pro Shop. The Fitness Center’s operations and services are designed with the family in mind. The facility offers the most modern equipment and cutting-edge and essential fitness classes.
All Carmel team members embody “The C.A.R.M.E.L Way” by demonstrating Courtesy, Awareness, Relationship Building, Making it Special, Enthusiasm and Latitude. We strive to help our Team Members become the best version of themselves and creating a culture of ‘Yes’.
The Club is organized as a 501(c)(7) not-for-profit – owned and operated by the membership and all profits are put back into the Club.
Carmel’s Clubhouse had a complete renovation in 2021 which added the innovative Gaslight Grill, expansion of the Fitness Center, and expanded banquet spaces
The Club has an Employee Assistance Fund which has a board of trustees, and a scholarship selection committee. The EAF is an established 501(c)(3) not for profit entity which ensures that all donations are tax deductible and used as intended.
The Club uses Jonas Encore for POS and Accounting, BeanWorks for Accounts Payable, ClearSky for inventory management, MemberInsight for member satisfaction, PowerBI Business Intelligence for analyzing business data, and ADP for HRIS (payroll, benefits and internal communication).
Carmel Numbers:
- Gross Income: $35M
- Annual F&B Revenue: $10M
- Annual Golf Shop Revenue: $2M
- Initiation Fee: $120,000
- Resident Dues: $1,215
- EAF Scholarships Awarded: $300,000
- EAF Loans Awarded: $66,000
- EAF Emergency Relief: $80,000
- Rounds of Golf: 65,000
- Number of Members: 1468
(Including Spouse/Dependents) 4500
- Average age of Members: 58
- Children Under 18: 1,222
- Events Per Year: 1,600
- Team Members: 356
Position Overview:
The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) will provide strategic leadership and management to ensure the financial health and stability of Carmel Country Club. The CFO will oversee the Club’s financial operations, including budgeting, financial reporting, accounting, cash flow management, investments, and tax compliance. In collaboration with the General Manager and Department Heads, the CFO will help drive the financial direction and ensure operational efficiency and long-term financial planning and sustainability. The CFO will also manage the Club’s accounting and payroll teams and ensure that all financial systems are properly maintained.
Key Responsibilities:
Financial Management & Reporting:
- Financial Oversight: Direct all aspects of the Club’s financial operations, including accounting, internal controls, budget planning, cash flow management, and financial reporting. Prepare monthly financial statements, including income statements, balance sheets, and supporting schedules, with detailed analysis and recommendations.
- Budgeting & Forecasting: Lead the preparation and management of operating and capital budgets in collaboration with the General Manager, Department Heads, and relevant committees. Ensure that budgets align with the Club’s strategic goals and provide recommendations for improving financial performance.
- Audit & Compliance: Oversee the audit process, ensuring no material weaknesses are identified. Supervise the preparation of audit documents, liaising with external auditors to resolve discrepancies. Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal tax regulations, and oversee the preparation of tax filings.
- Financial Strategy & Forecasting: Assist the General Manager and Board with long-term financial modeling, forecasting, and scenario planning to support the Club’s strategic vision. Provide financial insights on areas for cost reduction, revenue growth, and financial stability.
- Member Billing & Collections: Oversee member billing processes and ensure timely and accurate invoice reconciliation. Manage accounts receivable, ensuring that payments are collected efficiently and that outstanding balances are addressed in a timely manner.
Team Management & Development:
- Leadership & Supervision: Supervise, mentor, and develop the accounting and payroll team, fostering a culture of collaboration and professional growth. Assist in hiring, training, and performance management of accounting and payroll teams, ensuring adherence to Club policies and compliance with relevant regulations.
- Training & Support: Provide ongoing financial education and support to department heads to assist with budget development, financial analysis, and variance reporting.
- Team Member Benefits: Oversee all team member benefits programs and invoice reconciliation. Collaborate with the Club’s benefit broker to determine utilization, benefit enhancements and rate renewals.
- 401(k): Serve as Trustee for the Club’s 401(k) Retirement Plan, maintaining all plan records. Oversee that the payroll team conducts 401k enrollments per plan summary.
Financial Operations & Risk Management:
- Internal Controls: Implement and oversee robust internal controls and accounting procedures to safeguard Club assets and ensure accurate financial reporting.
- Insurance & Risk Management: Work with the Finance Committee to select insurance policies, including property and casualty coverage, ensuring that the Club’s assets are protected. Regularly review policies and adjust coverage as needed.
- Investment Management: Oversee investments and banking relationships, ensuring that the Club’s funds are managed efficiently and in accordance with its financial goals. Ensure timely deposits and manage cash flow to meet operational and capital needs.
IT & Systems Oversight:
- Information Technology: Oversee IT systems related to financial management, including accounting, membership, POS systems, and fixed asset management. Evaluate and recommend new software applications to improve efficiency and data accuracy.
Legal & Real Estate:
- Real Estate Transactions: Supervise the coordination of real estate transactions, including purchasing and selling property or assets as needed. Ensure compliance with financial agreements, particularly those related to the developer partner and community association.
- Legal & Collection Matters: Work closely with the GM/COO and attorneys on collection matters or financial disputes, ensuring that accounts in arrears are managed according to Club policies.
Board & Committee Interaction:
- Board & Committee Reporting: As a liaison to the Finance Committee, provide timely financial reports and strategic recommendations to the Finance Committee, and other relevant committees. Attend board meetings and finance-related committee meetings as requested, answering financial questions and providing clarity on financial matters. Assists Human Resources and the Employee Assistance Fund Committee, a separate 501(c)3, with proper tax-related filings and scholarship, loan and emergency relief fund distributions.
- Member Communication: Communicate effectively with members, ensuring that they are informed about financial matters when necessary and address any concerns promptly.
Knowledge & Skills:
- Expertise in Financial Management: Extensive knowledge of finance, accounting principles, financial management techniques, and industry standards. Proven ability to analyze financial data, create detailed reports, and make strategic recommendations.
- Financial Performance & Acumen Development: Partner with department heads to enhance their financial literacy, helping them better understand and manage their budgets, forecasts, and key performance indicators (KPIs). Foster a culture of financial discipline and accountability throughout the organization.
- Innovative Financial Leadership: Utilize cutting-edge financial technologies and systems to streamline processes, improve efficiency, and drive data-driven decision-making. Leverage advanced analytics and digital tools, such as PowerBI, to provide real-time financial insights and support agile business planning.
- Financial Strategy & Planning: Lead the company’s financial planning and analysis efforts, creating detailed budgets, forecasts, and financial models that align with the Club’s overall objectives.
Leadership & Collaboration: Strong leadership skills with the ability to work collaboratively across departments. Demonstrated success in team building, mentorship, and performance management.
- Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to explain complex financial matters in a clear and approachable manner to non-financial stakeholders.
- Problem-Solving: Ability to think critically and provide innovative solutions to financial challenges and opportunities. Strong attention to detail and ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment.
Educational & Certification Qualifications:
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field; an MBA or Master’s degree in Business Administration is preferred.
- Certifications: CPA certification preferred but not required. Certified Hospitality Accountant Executive (CHAE) designation is a plus.
- Years Experience: At least 5-7 years of experience in financial management, with at least two years in a leadership role (CFO, Controller, or similar) in a country club, not-for-profit organization, hospitality, or community association setting.
- Industry Experience: Experience in the country club or hospitality industry is highly preferred, with a strong understanding of the unique financial dynamics of these organizations. Expertise in financial planning, forecasting, budgeting, and financial analysis.
- Financial Leadership: Demonstrated ability to act as a strategic thought partner to senior leadership, department heads and management. Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to distill complex financial information into actionable insights for non-financial leaders.
- Compliance: Strong understanding of 501(c)(7) not-for-profit financial regulations, compliance, and industry best practices.
- Technical Experience: Strong technical proficiency in financial software and financial modeling tools. Innovative mindset with a passion for leveraging technology to drive financial efficiency and performance.
Physical Requirements:
- Stamina and Endurance: Ability to sit for extended periods of time and work at a computer. Ability to work long hours, especially during peak financial periods, and maintain focus and productivity.
- Health and Well-Being: Maintaining physical health to manage stress and sustain energy for demanding tasks.
- Work Schedule Flexibility: Willingness to work varying hours depending on business needs, including some early morning, late evening, weekends and holidays. Travel, as needed, for offsite meetings, audits, or continuing education seminars, or retreats, for example.
- Physical Movements: Ability to reach, bend, stoop, and lift up to 40 pounds.
- Office Environment: Moderate noise level in the work environment.
Mental Requirements:
- Analytical Thinking: Strong ability to process complex data, identify trends, and make data-driven decisions.
- Strategic Vision: Ability to think long-term, shape financial strategy, and align it with business goals.
- Attention to Detail: Ensuring financial accuracy and compliance with regulations.
- Problem Solving & Decision-Making: Critical thinking to solve complex financial challenges and make informed decisions.
- Risk Management: Identifying and mitigating financial risks through proactive strategies.
- Leadership & People Management: Motivating and mentoring teams while collaborating across departments.
- Emotional Intelligence (EQ): Managing relationships, stress, and maintaining composure in high-pressure situations.
- Communication Skills: Ability to clearly communicate complex financial concepts to diverse audiences.
- Adaptability: Agility in embracing new technologies and navigating evolving market conditions.
- Financial Expertise: Deep knowledge of accounting principles, financial regulations, and corporate finance systems.
- Time Management: Prioritizing tasks effectively to meet deadlines while maintaining quality.
- Crisis Management: Resilience under pressure, making sound decisions during financial crises or uncertainty.
Compensation:
Competitive salary based on experience, plus a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, retirement plan, 401(k). and professional development opportunities.