Chief Financial Officer

Chief Financial Officer

Financial Responsibilities:

• Serve as a strategic leader in the organization, providing the CEO and Board of Commissioners with forward-looking financial insights to guide organizational strategy, capital planning, and long-term sustainability.
• Direct the annual planning and budgeting process. Ensure that Strategic Plan and organizational goals are reflected in comprehensive budget approved by the Board of Commissioners and shared with appropriate government agencies as necessary.
• Establish and maintain a system of internal controls to safeguard the Commission's assets and maintain the integrity of the Commission's operations and transactions.
• Oversee and prepare financial analysis needed by organization to understand trends, performance and stewardship of organizational resources and facilities. Develop advanced financial modeling and scenario planning capabilities to support real-time decision-making and organizational agility.
• Oversee and, as necessary, prepare a perpetual forecast with regular updates. Share with team to ensure optimal management of resources.
• Coordinate financial strategy related to major capital assets, including funding models, public‑private partnerships, and long‑term asset optimization with key partners (governments, facilities manager, kitchen manager CEO, bank, etc.).
• Ensure proper leadership and oversight are in place to manage vendor/service contracts for compliance and MBE/WBE participation, informing appropriate personnel of compliance results, termination/renewal dates, insurance and other contractual requirements.
• Ensure robust financial controls and approval frameworks are implemented and consistently executed.
• Ensure proper review and approval of financial transactions and financial record‑keeping. Ensure Finance team meet goals and timelines for full and efficient monthly financial closing process. Ensure timely delivery of financial reports to Commission, committees and staff, as necessary.
• Promptly provide necessary support and guidance for sales agreements and facility contracts, where necessary.
• Review and monitor purchasing activities of department heads.
• Monitor hotel tax collections and collection efforts in partnership with appropriate governmental agencies. Initiate and supervise hotel tax return audits.
• Invest the organization's funds in a manner consistent with the Explore St. Louis investment policy. Maintain banking relationships, monitor bank transactions and bank reconciliations. Ensure adequate protection for ESL assets.
• Monitor changes to Hotel Occupancy Tax regulations and advise management, as appropriate.
• Attain an unqualified audit report with no management letter findings from the annual audit. Maintain a cooperative relationship with external auditors and ensure Finance team is prepared for audits of financial records and processes, including sales audit and financial statement audit.
• Supervise the maintenance of all financial records. Direct the periodic review of these records to assure completeness and auditability.
• Prepare reports for regulatory agencies and taxing authorities.
• Assist department heads with interpretation and management of financial budget and resources as needed.
• Develop and oversee internal audit processes.
• Work to ensure that organization meets all finance and administrative requirements required by Destinations International Destination Marketing Accreditation Program (DMAP).
• Conduct special projects for CEO and/or Board of Commissioners as necessary.
• Establish or recommend major economic objectives and policies for the organization to management personnel.
• Oversee planning, monitoring and management of the organization's Information Technology operations. This includes monitoring usage, trends and organizational needs for equipment, software and technology applications.
• Oversee organization's risk management practices, including:
  • advising management regarding insurance coverage for protection against property losses and potential liabilities;
  • placing property and liability insurance for America's Center and Explore St. Louis, manage insurance broker relationship;
  • representing the organization in all facility insurance claims;
  • ensure the organization maintains adequate records, including an inventory system, and maintain oversight of the inventory process to ensure accurate record‑keeping.
• Coordinate with partners (including Facility Operator) to ensure adherence to relevant purchasing and administrative policies and financial targets are met or exceeded.
• Serve as liaison with key City, County and State agencies as assigned by the CEO.
• Contribute meaningfully as a leader within the Executive Leadership Team.
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule as needed to include evenings, weekends and holidays.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Supervise and oversee all Finance, IT and Resource Center staff. Build and develop a high-performing finance and administrative team.
• Direct and supervise maintenance of event analysis and report system databases for the facility.

Skills and Qualifications:

• Proven experience in senior financial leadership roles with extensive supervisory responsibilities in diverse organizational settings.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and manage a well-developed team.
• Deep understanding of financial concepts such as profit & loss analysis, revenue cycle management, market analysis, fiscal management, and strategic planning.
• Strong technical accounting skills including expertise in GAAP and governmental accounting practices.
• Expertise with implementation and enforcement of strict internal controls, accurate reporting, and secure data management.
• Comprehensive knowledge in budget planning and business strategies.
• Demonstrated proficiency with financial software systems and advanced financial modeling tools.
• Exceptional analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex financial data for strategic decision‑making.
• Experience managing risk assessments related to compliance and implementing internal controls.
• Resilience and excellent negotiation skills combined with business development acumen.
• Ability to lead cross‑functional teams effectively while managing multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
• Strong knowledge of tax accounting principles.
• Outstanding communication skills for preparing comprehensive financial reports and presenting findings to senior leadership and stakeholders.

Our ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in accounting; MBA/CPA or CMA certification. Excellent presentation and communication skills plus effective decision‑making ability is critical. Knowledge of the hospitality / convention industry is ideal.

Your expertise will empower us to navigate complex financial information and uphold compliance with regulatory standards. This role offers an exciting opportunity to influence organizational success through innovative financial solutions and strategic insight. Join us as we shape the future of our organization through innovative financial leadership. We are committed to fostering an environment where your expertise can thrive empowering us to reach new heights together.