Vice President of Finance & People #0204MBR

About the role

On behalf of our client, a real estate development firm, we are seeking a Vice President of Finance & People to serve as a key executive overseeing the financial strategy and organizational operations of a growing development firm. This individual will play a critical role in managing the financial health of a multi-year, large-scale entertainment and tourism complex development, while also supporting the people operations function during a period of significant growth.

This is a senior leadership position reporting directly to the Founder and CEO, with broad responsibility across finance, accounting, investor relations, and human capital strategy.

Key Responsibilities

Lead all financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and reporting activities for the organization, with a particular focus on the construction and development of the company's flagship complex. Partner with the Vice President of Building Operations on the preparation, review, and approval of project budgets covering both hard and soft costs, ensuring alignment with overall organizational financial goals.

Manage relationships with investment banking partners, lenders, and individual investors, including the preparation of investor reporting packages, capital call documentation, and quarterly financial updates. Oversee the company's $60 million funding structure and support ongoing capital strategy as the project progresses through its development phases.

Oversee day-to-day accounting operations, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll coordination, and month-end close processes. Manage external auditors, tax advisors, and legal counsel on all financial and compliance matters. Ensure compliance with all federal, Tennessee state, and local financial reporting and tax obligations.

Partner with the HR Director on compensation strategy, benefits design, and organizational planning. Support workforce planning aligned with the construction timeline and the eventual operational launch of the complex. Provide executive-level guidance on people-related financial matters including headcount budgeting, equity considerations, and total rewards strategy.

Develop and maintain financial controls, accounting policies, and internal reporting systems appropriate for a growing organization. Prepare board-level materials and present financial performance to the CEO, investors, and other key stakeholders.

Early Priorities (First 90–180 Days)

Establish a comprehensive financial reporting framework and cadence for executive leadership and investors. Conduct a full review of the project budget and capital deployment plan. Implement scalable accounting and financial systems suitable for the organization's current and projected growth.

Requirements

• Minimum of 10 years' experience in finance, accounting, or financial leadership roles

• At least 5 years in a senior finance position (Director, VP, or CFO level), ideally within real estate development, construction, hospitality, or a related capital-intensive industry
• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field; CPA, CFA, or MBA strongly preferred
• Demonstrated experience managing budgets of $25 million or more, ideally including construction or development project financials
• Strong working knowledge of investor reporting, capital structures, and real estate finance
• Experience working directly with investment bankers, lenders, and institutional or private investors
• Excellent financial modeling, analytical, and presentation skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 and modern accounting / ERP platforms
• Strong communication skills with the ability to translate complex financial information for non-financial audiences
• Self-starter comfortable building finance functions in a lean, high-accountability environment
• Must be able to work on-site at the company's North Memphis offices; this role is not remote-eligible

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience in real estate development, large-scale construction, or entertainment / tourism venue finance
• Background supporting an organization through a major capital raise or development phase
• Familiarity with Tennessee tax structures and Shelby County economic development incentives
• Experience overseeing or partnering closely with HR or people operations functions

Benefits

Remuneration & Benefits Package

$180,000 – $230,000 per annum, commensurate with experience.

• Annual Bonus
• 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Mandatory paid vacation benefit
• 401k

Keller is a recruitment agency that provides services to clients ranging from startups and non profits to multinational corporations. Keller emphasizes ethical search processes, attentive candidate care, and leadership placements that support long-term client outcomes.

To learn more about the firm and about our candidate services - please visit

https://www.kellerexecutivesearch.com/executive-recruitment-headhunters-memphis/

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