Director of Finance

Lakeside HR Group has been engaged to recruit a Director of Finance for a family owned luxury custom homebuilder. This is an exciting opportunity to work for a client that truly values the relationships they have built with their clients and their reputation within the community. This position will be onsite based in Wayzata, Minnesota. The Director of Finance will be responsible for overseeing the financial management and strategy of the company. Reporting directly to the CEO, the Director of Finance will play a key role in driving the company’s financial performance by managing financial planning, analysis, reporting, and cash management. This role will ensure that financial processes are aligned with the company’s long-term goals and will provide insights that support strategic decision-making at the executive level. The Director of Finance will also lead the finance team in maintaining financial integrity, compliance, and efficiency across all areas of the business.

Key Responsibilities:

Financial Strategy and Leadership:

• Lead the development and execution of the company's financial strategy, ensuring alignment with the company’s vision of providing high-quality homes and exceptional customer service.
• Provide strategic financial guidance and recommendations to the CEO and senior leadership team to support business objectives and long-term growth.
• Oversee the preparation and presentation of financial reports to the CEO, senior leadership, and Board of Directors, ensuring that financial data is accurate, clear, and supports decision-making.

Financial Planning and Analysis:

• Manage the preparation of the company’s annual budget, financial forecasts, and long-term financial plans, aligning with business objectives, project timelines, and market conditions.
• Conduct financial analysis to identify key trends, opportunities, and risks, providing actionable insights to support decision-making in operations and project development.
• Evaluate capital expenditures, investments, and major construction project financing, ensuring financial viability and alignment with company goals.

Cash Flow and Cost Management:

• Oversee cash flow management to ensure sufficient liquidity to support both daily operations and long-term growth initiatives, including property development and project financing.
• Manage and optimize the company’s cost structure, identifying areas for cost reduction and improved operational efficiency, particularly in construction and project management.
• Collaborate with the project management team to ensure that project budgets are adhered to, and financial risks are minimized through proactive cost control measures.

Risk Management and Compliance:

• Lead efforts to ensure that financial processes and operations adhere to relevant regulations, industry standards, and company policies, particularly in the real estate and construction sectors.
• Implement and maintain robust internal controls to safeguard company assets, ensure the accuracy of financial reporting, and prevent fraud or mismanagement.
• Monitor financial risks related to construction projects, market conditions, and financing, and provide recommendations to mitigate these risks.

Team Leadership and Development:

• Lead, mentor, and develop the finance team, ensuring they are equipped to support the company's financial needs and objectives effectively.
• Foster a high-performance team culture with a focus on collaboration, continuous improvement, and professional growth within the finance department.
• Ensure that financial team members are aligned with company values and strategic goals.

Audit and Financial Reporting:

• Oversee the preparation for external audits, ensuring that all financial data is accurate and compliant with industry regulations.
• Work closely with external auditors and provide the necessary documentation and explanations to ensure a smooth audit process.
• Prepare monthly and annual financial reports, presenting them to the CEO and Senior Leadership Team, and ensure timely submission of all necessary filings.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field; MBA or CPA preferred.
• At least 7 years of experience in financial management with a track record of leadership and financial strategy.
• Strong knowledge of financial reporting, forecasting, budgeting, and cost management, particularly in a project-based environment.
• Experience with financial analysis, cash management, risk management, and compliance in the construction or real estate sectors.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively with senior leadership and provide strategic financial insights to drive business decisions.
• Previous experience in the construction, real estate, or similar industries is preferred.

Skills and Competencies:

• Strong strategic thinking and analytical skills with the ability to evaluate complex financial situations and provide actionable recommendations.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present financial information clearly and effectively to non-financial stakeholders, including the CEO.
• High attention to detail, ensuring the accuracy of financial reporting and compliance with industry standards.
• Strong leadership and team management abilities, with a focus on developing and empowering a high-performing finance team.
• Proficiency in financial software and systems, with experience in managing financial data related to construction projects and business operations.