Controller/CFO

Job Description

Position Overview

St. Petersburg Yacht Club is seeking a highly engaged, forward-thinking Controller/CFO who brings both technical expertise and strong interpersonal skills. The ideal candidate will thrive in a collaborative, member-focused environment and serve as a trusted advisor to leadership.

The Controller/CFO serves as a key strategic partner to the General Manager and is responsible for leading all financial and accounting functions of the St. Petersburg Yacht Club (SPYC). This role plays a critical part in guiding financial strategy, ensuring operational efficiency and supporting informed decision-making across all departments.

The Controller/CFO is responsible for all accounting controls and procedures and provides the GM with data regarding balance sheet and P&L positions.  While the following information should be considered a comprehensive description of this position, it should also be noted that some responsibilities and duties may not be specifically addressed.  SPYC emphasizes a team approach with fulfilling company objectives.  The Controller/CFO is expected to strive for continuous improvements in efficiency, accuracy, high productivity, employee morale, and positive member relations. The position will have a team of approximately 3 Accounting and 4 Front Desk associates.

The Controller/CFO will work closely with the GM, Board of Directors and Finance Committee, delivering accurate financial reporting, proactive analysis, and forward-looking insights to support the Club's continued success.

Responsibilities

Financial Leadership and Strategy

• Serve as a financial thought partner to the General Manager
• Complete preparation of budgeting, forecasting and long-term financial planning
• Provide proactive, data-driven analysis to support leadership decision-making
• Present financial results and variance analysis to leadership and committees

Accounting & Reporting

• Prepare bank account reconciliations, maintain and control cash flow and accounts
• Manages petty cash, daily cash deposits, and reconciliation, transports deposits to the bank at least weekly
• Assists in member statements, aging report, past due correspondence
• Oversee all accounting functions including AP, AR, payroll and fixed assets
• Prepare accounting of the 15 individual regattas hosted by the Club
• Hands on participation in F&B inventories
• Prepare and record all journal entries including payroll, cash, reconciliations
• Strong knowledge of Florida Sales Tax, Tax Exempt, and Use Tax – follow all regulations when preparing the three monthly tax returns
• Annually prepare unclaimed property to be reported to the State of Florida
• Prepare timely (no later than the 10th of each month) monthly and annual financial statements with supporting analysis, including cash flow analysis
• Submit reports to Board, Executive Committee, and Finance Committee
• Timely reconciliation of all general ledger accounts to supporting detail information
• Manage annual audit process and ensure compliance with all regulations
• Maintain accurate financial records and internal controls
• Oversee all banking including Positive Pay
  • Maintain fixed asset reconciliation and depreciation schedules
  • Track capital projects and acquire lien releases
• Prepare monthly UBI reporting
• Schedule and take minutes at the Finance and Audit Committee meetings and distributes materials and agendas prior to those meetings
• Track insurance Acord forms and ensure renewals by vendors and slip holders
• Lead the annual negotiations of all insurance policies, including Employee Health Insurance, manages claims with third-party brokers

Operational & Department Support

• Partner with department heads across all areas of the Club, submit financial report to them and review
• Support financial education and accountability across leadership
• Monitor performance vs. budget and identify trends and opportunities
• Holiday shifts may be required

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop accounting staff
• Build a high-performing, service-oriented financial team
• Foster a culture of accountability, accuracy and collaboration
• Maintain courteous communication with the members and representatives of other companies
• Attend all staff and other meetings as well as monthly Finance Committee Meeting
• Implements and reviews annual wage increases
• Oversees Human Resource responsibilities
• Highly energetic, an initiative-taker with a “hands-on” approach to management

Compliance, Risk & Technology

• Ensure timely preparation and payment of all taxes, including Florida Sales Tax, and regulatory compliance, complying with all federal, state, and local laws
• Oversee insurance, risk management and vendor contracts
• Evaluate and update internal control procedures to maximize revenues and minimize expenses
• Support and enhance financial and other IT systems including Jonas, Cheftec, Cybersure
• Must be able to use Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, email, and other software programs at an elevated level of proficiency
• Assist with IT oversight and future technology planning

Professional Experience

• Minimum 10+ years of accounting/finance experience
• Experience in private clubs, hospitality, or 501(c)(7) environments strongly preferred
• Prior Controller/CFO or senior-level accounting leadership experience required
• Experience with Jonas Club Software is a plus
• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field required
• Solid knowledge of GAAP and regulations

Technical Expertise

• Strong financial reporting, budgeting, and forecasting capabilities
• Experience with audits, tax compliance, and financial controls
• Knowledge of payroll, benefits administration, and 401(k) plans
• Experience with capital projects and financial modeling preferred

Leadership & Interpersonal Skills

• Executive presence with ability to communicate across all levels
• Collaborative approach with department heads and leadership
• Strong presentation skills for Board and Committee interaction
• Ability to influence and guide decision-making through data

Core Competencies

• Strategic thinking and proactive problem-solving
• High level of integrity and accountability
• Impeccable and verifiable references
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Hospitality mindset with focus on member experience
• English fluency, both written and oral, are required

Success Characteristics

• Be a visible and engaged leader within the Club
• Bring a proactive, solutions-oriented mindset
• Build strong relationships with the GM, Board and Department Heads
• Elevate financial transparency, reporting, and strategic insight
• Enhance the Club's financial culture and long-term planning capabilities

Competitive Compensation

• Competitive salary, commensurate with experience
• Full benefits package, including health, dental, vision, 401(k), vacation, sick, holiday, life, disability, meals, parking, bonus potential, and continuing education

To be Considered

Qualified candidates are encouraged to submit a thoughtful cover letter and resume for consideration. The cover letter should be addressed to Colleen Finney, CHAE, General Manager and should clearly articulate your alignment with the role, your relevant experience and why this opportunity at the St. Petersburg Yacht Club is of interest to you at this stage of your career.

Company Description

The St. Petersburg Yacht Club is a private, members-only club that is internationally known for providing the highest quality service to our members and visiting guests since the early 1900s.

We provide this service to our members by hiring and retaining the best employees in the industry. Our excellent working environment and extensive benefits package are only some of the reasons why our employees stay with our organization for decades.

We are always looking for talented, self-motivated individuals to join our team. If you think you are ready to be a part of an exciting team, then we encourage you to continue with this job application!

Benefits

• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Short-term Disability Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• 401(k) with Company Match
• On-site Parking
• Supplemental Insurance
• Paid Jury Duty
• Paid Vacation
• Sick Time
• Smoke-free Work Environment
• Free On-duty Meals
• Employee Parties
• Direct Deposit
• Holiday Bonus
• Bereavement Leave
• Family and Medical Leave
• Uniforms