Chief Financial Officer

MalaceHR is seeking a CFO for Direct Hire position in Auburn Hills, MI.

Position Summary
The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is responsible for leading the financial strategy, planning, reporting, tax planning, and capital management of a growing real estate development company. The ideal candidate is a strategic financial executive with deep expertise in taxation, real estate accounting, partnership structures, and development finance. This executive will play a critical role in maximizing profitability, minimizing tax exposure, managing investor relationships, and supporting the company's long-term growth.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Leadership

• Develop and execute the company's overall financial strategy aligned with business objectives.
• Lead budgeting, forecasting, financial modeling, and long-range planning.
• Prepare and present accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements.
• Monitor financial performance and recommend strategies to improve profitability and cash flow.
• Establish and maintain internal controls, financial policies, and risk management procedures.

Tax Strategy & Compliance

• Develop proactive tax strategies that optimize federal, state, and local tax positions.
• Oversee all tax planning related to real estate acquisitions, developments, dispositions, and refinancing.
• Ensure compliance with partnership, corporate, and pass-through entity tax regulations.
• Manage relationships with external tax advisors, auditors, and regulatory agencies.
• Identify opportunities for tax credits, cost segregation studies, 1031 exchanges, opportunity zones, depreciation strategies, and other tax incentives.

Real Estate Development Finance

• Structure financing for acquisitions and development projects.
• Analyze project feasibility, returns, capital requirements, and investment performance.
• Monitor construction budgets, project costs, and development draws.
• Oversee lender reporting and covenant compliance.
• Support acquisition due diligence and investment underwriting.

Capital Markets & Investor Relations

• Manage relationships with banks, lenders, equity partners, and institutional investors.
• Lead debt financing, refinancing, and capital raising initiatives.
• Prepare financial presentations for investors and board members.
• Evaluate capital allocation and financing alternatives.

Accounting & Operations

• Direct all accounting operations including general ledger, accounts payable, payroll, treasury, and financial reporting.
• Oversee annual audits and financial statement preparation.
• Ensure compliance with GAAP and applicable accounting standards.
• Improve financial systems, reporting processes, and technology.
• Lead and mentor the accounting and finance team.

Strategic Leadership

• Serve as a trusted advisor to the CEO and executive leadership team.
• Evaluate acquisitions, joint ventures, and strategic investment opportunities.
• Support business expansion, organizational growth, and operational improvements.
• Participate in executive decision-making regarding company strategy and risk management.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field (Master's degree preferred).
• CPA required; MST (Master of Taxation) or JD/LLM in Taxation is a strong plus.
• Minimum 10–15 years of progressive financial leadership experience.
• At least 5 years in a senior finance role within real estate development, construction, private equity real estate, or commercial real estate.
• Extensive knowledge of:
  • Real estate taxation
  • Partnership taxation
  • Cost segregation
  • 1031 exchanges
  • Opportunity Zone investments
  • Real estate investment structures
  • Development accounting
  • Construction finance
• Strong understanding of GAAP and financial reporting.
• Experience with debt financing, banking relationships, and capital raising.
• Advanced financial modeling and forecasting skills.
• Experience managing audits and complex tax compliance.

Preferred Experience

• Multifamily, commercial, mixed-use, or residential development.
• Joint venture and institutional investment structures.
• Private equity real estate funds.
• ERP/accounting systems such as Sage Intacct, Yardi, MRI, Viewpoint, or NetSuite.
• Experience with multi-entity organizations.

Core Competencies

• Strategic Financial Leadership
• Tax Planning & Optimization
• Real Estate Finance
• Capital Markets
• Investor Relations
• Risk Management
• Financial Analysis
• Executive Communication
• Team Leadership
• Business Partnership
• Negotiation & Decision Making

Success Measures
The CFO will be evaluated on:

• Financial performance and profitability
• Cash flow management
• Tax savings and optimization strategies
• Accuracy and timeliness of financial reporting
• Successful financing and capital raising initiatives
• Compliance with regulatory and tax requirements
• Operational efficiency improvements
• Support of company growth and strategic initiatives

This position offers the opportunity to serve as a key member of the executive leadership team, driving financial excellence while supporting the successful execution of the company's real estate development and investment strategy.