Piping Rock Club seeks a highly relational, strategically minded Chief Financial Officer to serve as a trusted advisor to the Board, an indispensable financial thought partner to the General Manager, and a collaborative business partner to its seasoned department heads. This is a rare opportunity to join one of the nation’s most respected private clubs—a historic, tradition-rich environment—while helping guide it thoughtfully into its next chapter of financial clarity, operational alignment, and long-term planning.
The ideal CFO brings technical excellence, as well as patience, diplomacy, and the political savvy required to navigate a complex governance environment. The Club is poised for significant advances in operational and capital planning, and its next CFO will help shape these changes by building trust, developing strong relationships, and establishing financial practices that support both tradition and forward momentum. This leader will thoughtfully evaluate current financial operations, implement efficiency improvements, update processes, and implement best-practice systems to improve accuracy, transparency, and timeliness
Success in this role requires exceptional executive presence and communication skills, including the ability to present financial concepts clearly to non-financial audiences and to facilitate consensus among stakeholders with differing viewpoints. The CFO will be a calm, steadying force—someone who de-escalates tension, frames difficult conversations with integrity, and supports the GM and department heads with the financial tools, dashboards, and metrics needed to convey essential insights. The individual will move at a pace appropriate for the Club—careful, deliberate, and respectful of long-standing traditions—while still championing innovation, modernization, and technological advancement.
POSITION OVERVIEW
The CFO at Piping Rock Club is a highly visible, hands-on leader responsible for aligning the Club’s financial operations with the expectations of the Board, membership, and management team. This individual will oversee accounting, financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, internal controls, cash management, and risk mitigation while ensuring a timely and accurate monthly close. A strong, collaborative relationship with the GM is essential, as the CFO will serve as an analytical and strategic partner in shaping operational decisions, capital planning, and long-term financial mode
A key component of the role is fostering trust and establishing credibility across the organization. The CFO will carefully assess current processes, thoughtfully recommend improvements, and implement changes only after building consensus and ensuring that all stakeholders feel supported and heard. They will empower department heads with financial tools, KPIs, dashboards, and reporting that improve operational performance and enhance ownership of departmental budgets.
The CFO must bring strong governance experience and the confidence to engage constructively with a large, influential Board. This includes asking difficult questions when necessary, advocating for the Club's best interests, and respectfully setting boundaries. The successful candidate will be an empathetic teacher and mentor, developing staff, elevating the finance and accounting function, and creating a culture of continuous improvement without micromanaging.
Given the Club’s evolving needs and traditional character, the CFO must blend modern financial leadership with deep respect for the Club’s history. The role requires creativity with resources, commitment to high standards, and the ability to “keep the train moving” even while building new systems. Ultimately, this individual will play a central role in guiding Piping Rock Club toward greater financial alignment, operational clarity, and long-term sustainability while preserving the warmth, respect, and traditions that define the Club.
OPERATIONS
- Direct the club’s financial operations in partnership with the GM, including setting and overseeing accounting, auditing, budgeting, and cost control policies, with annual review and updates.
- Support the GM and Leadership Team by maintaining strong internal controls, proactively managing financial variances, and regularly communicating with the Treasurer and Finance Committee.
- Serve as the primary financial liaison to the Club President and Treasurer, delivering timely insights and guidance on financial performance, risk, investments, and long-term planning while aligning governance and management.
- Direct monthly financial reporting and expense controls, oversee AP, AR, and Inventory functions, and provide data-driven analysis—including KPI development—to support the GM and Leadership Team in improving performance.
- Ensure timely, accurate financial reporting to the Board of Governors and members, fostering strong committee and member relations.
- Partner with the GM to prepare and present the annual budget to the Board of Governors, explain variances, and advocate for critical line items to support success.
- Oversee and manage the Club’s insurance program, partnering with brokers and insurers to assess risk, ensure appropriate coverage, manage claims, and conduct regular policy reviews aligned with operational and capital needs.
- Direct and manage the Club’s short-term investment and liquidity program, setting guidelines with the Treasurer and Finance Committee, overseeing cash allocation and performance, safeguarding principal, and ensuring sufficient liquidity for operations, capital, and seasonal needs.
- Identify areas needing improvement in the financial operation and provide recommendations.
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES
- Develop & execute long-term financial strategies aligned with the club’s strategic goals, supporting major capital projects and renovations.
- Oversee capital budget planning, allocation, and management, monitoring expenditures, and ensuring projects stay on budget.
- Identify and mitigate financial risks in capital projects while ensuring regulatory and policy compliance.
- Regularly communicate project financial status and progress to stakeholders.
- Review and approve all contracts before execution and prepare detailed financial reports and presentations weekly, monthly, and annually.
- Serve as primary financial contact for Leadership Team, Board, and external vendors/contractors.
- Implement cost-saving measures & efficiency improvements to enhance financial performance without compromising quality or timelines.
- Establish & track key performance indicators (KPIs) to drive continuous financial improvement across projects.
LEADERSHIP
- Attend & actively participate in Finance Committee meetings, respectfully presenting and defending data-driven recommendations while considering feedback.
- Lead with a clear financial vision, ensuring consistent, timely, and accurate financial controls and reporting. Deliver weekly financial updates and monthly forecasts to the Leadership Team, comparing performance against targets. Enhance the member experience by improving all aspects of financial interactions, including billing and charges.
TAX, BENEFITS, BUDGETS, REPORTING
- Collaborate with HR to manage benefits negotiations; oversee the 401(k) plan and compliance reporting; manage banking, reconciliations, transfers, tax filings, and audit coordination; review corporate tax filings; ensure timely payment and accurate reporting of all taxes; stay current on tax law changes; lead the annual budget process with the GM and department leaders; and provide ongoing financial reporting and variance analysis to identify trends and address issues proactively.
IT INFRASTRUCTURE AND RISKS
- Evaluate and enhance finance and IT procedures, processes, and administration, implementing and managing recommended improvements. Develop and implement an enterprise-wide cybersecurity policy and program.
- Inform the GM and Board of Governors on risk trends, the Club’s risk profile, and cyber mitigation strategies.
- Oversee technology investments, policies, and vendor contracts to ensure alignment with the Club’s operational goals.
STAFF DEVELOPMENT
- Assess, hire, train, and develop finance and accounting staff; lead a high-performing, collaborative team that supports operations and capital projects; and foster a results-driven culture focused on excellence, accountability, and efficiency.
LEGAL AFFAIRS AND CONTRACT MANAGEMENT
- Build and manage key external relationships—including banks, insurers, legal counsel, auditors, government agencies, tax authorities, vendors, and service providers—serving as the primary financial contact while managing risk, ensuring compliance, negotiating terms, and aligning partners with the Club’s operational and financial standards.
Candidate Qualifications
- 10+ years of progressive financial experience, including 5+ years leading accounting teams; collaborative, deadline-driven leader with executive presence.
- Executive presence; strong communicator with experience in contract review, negotiation, and working with outside counsel.
- Proficient in financial systems, current technologies, 401(k) administration, and defined benefit
- plans.Experienced in financial reporting for construction and renovation projects; skilled in forecasting, analysis, and sensitivity modeling.
- Experience working with volunteer boards and committees preferred.
- Private club exp. a plus; candidates from adjacent industries with "Hospitality DNA" are encou
EDUCATIONAL AND CERTIFICATION QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor's degree (B.A.) in Finance, Economics, Accounting, or a related field with at least five years of relevant experience or equivalent education and training.MBA, CPA, and/or CHAE certification is a plus; HFTP membership is encouraged.
