Chief Financial Officer (CFO) – Real Estate Development Experience Required

Our client, located in Northern Westchester County, seeks a highly motivated and hands-on Chief Financial Officer (CFO) with a strong background in the real estate development industry. This role requires a leader who is equally comfortable setting strategic financial goals and directly managing day-to-day financial operations. The CFO will be deeply involved in the preparation and review of financial data, actively supporting project teams, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. This hands-on position is ideal for someone who thrives in a dynamic environment and is committed to driving organizational success through meticulous attention to detail and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic and Hands-On Financial Leadership:

• Develop and implement financial strategies that align with the company’s long-term business objectives in the real estate development industry.
• Actively participate in the preparation and review of budgets, forecasts, and financial models.
• Provide real-time financial insights and analysis to senior leadership to inform strategic decision-making.
• Lead cost-saving initiatives by identifying inefficiencies and directly overseeing their resolution.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with financial institutions, investors, and key stakeholders.
  
  

Financial Reporting and Compliance:

• Prepare and oversee the creation of accurate and timely financial statements, ensuring hands-on involvement in data verification and report generation.
• Monitor compliance with real estate development-specific financial regulations, tax laws, and reporting standards.
• Actively manage external audits by coordinating schedules, preparing data, and resolving auditor queries.
• Oversee property tax filings, regulatory submissions, and other development-specific financial documentation.
  
  

Operational Financial Management:

• Maintain direct oversight of budgeting, cash flow, and project-specific financial tracking.
• Monitor and manage project-specific receivables, payables, and development-related transactions to ensure financial stability.
• Implement and refine internal controls to safeguard assets and maintain the integrity of financial data.
• Take a hands-on approach to maintaining the general ledger, reviewing journal entries, and performing reconciliations.
  
  

Treasury and Risk Management:

• Actively manage cash flow, credit facilities, and investment strategies, ensuring optimal liquidity for ongoing real estate projects.
• Identify financial risks and personally oversee the development of mitigation strategies.
• Work closely with insurance providers to ensure adequate coverage and proactively address risk management concerns.
  
  

Leadership and Team Development:

• Lead and mentor the finance and accounting team, working closely with staff to resolve challenges and improve processes.
• Roll up your sleeves to provide direct support for accounting operations when necessary.
• Partner with project management teams to align financial goals with operational objectives, providing hands-on support for cost tracking and development budgeting.
  
  

Payroll and Benefits Administration:

• Oversee payroll processing with a detailed focus on accuracy and compliance with labor laws and agreements.
• Manage updates to payroll systems for salary changes, benefits, and new hires, actively resolving discrepancies.
• Reconcile payroll figures with accounting records, ensuring accuracy and reliability.
  
  

Real Estate Development Financial Management:

• Provide detailed, hands-on financial oversight for real estate development projects, including cost tracking, contract reviews, and financial performance monitoring.
• Collaborate with project managers to ensure financial compliance, resolve cost variances, and maintain budget alignment.
• Develop and refine systems for managing project budgets, financial reporting, vendor payments, and progress analyses.
  
  

Qualifications and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field; MBA or CPA preferred.
• 10+ years of progressive financial leadership experience, with at least 5 years in a CFO or equivalent role.
• Hands-on expertise in the real estate development industry, including project-based accounting, cost analysis, and compliance.
• Proficiency with financial software such as QuickBooks, Yardi, and development management tools.
• Proven ability to work in a fast-paced, hands-on environment, balancing strategic leadership with operational execution.
• Exceptional organizational skills and the ability to meet deadlines without compromising quality or accuracy.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to effectively collaborate across all levels of the organization.
  
  

Preferred Skills:

• Direct experience with real estate financial workflows, including development project budgeting and reporting.
• In-depth knowledge of property tax laws, regulatory compliance, and financial structures specific to real estate.
• Advanced proficiency in Excel for hands-on financial modeling, scenario analysis, and data validation.
  
  

The compensation for this position ranges from $200,000.00 - $250,000.00. Actual compensation will be dependent upon the specific role, office location as well as the individual’s qualifications, experience, skills and certifications.

To all staffing agencies: PKF O’Connor Davies TalentConnect (“PKFOD TalentConnect”) will not be utilizing agencies to staff this position. Please do not forward resumes to PKFOD TalentConnect recruiters, partners and/or employees at any of our locations regarding this position. Please be reminded, PKFOD TalentConnect is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes. All unsolicited resumes will become the property of PKFOD TalentConnect.