Chief Financial Officer - DRCFA

POSITION OVERVIEW:

Huntington Place is the 16th largest convention center in the United States. Built by the City of Detroit, it was originally opened in 1960 and named Cobo Hall in honor of former Detroit Mayor Albert E. Cobo (1950-1957).

Reporting to the CEO, the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is a senior executive for the Detroit Regional Convention Facility Authority (DRCFA), operator of Huntington Place, responsible for overseeing and managing the financial, procurement, and human resources functions within the organization. In this capacity, the CFO ensures operational efficiency, financial stability, and strategic alignment across departments, providing leadership to a diverse team of directors and managers.

The CFO directly manages the Director of Finance, Director of Procurement, Director of Human Resources, and Construction Accounting Manager. This leadership role ensures collaborative decision-making and cohesive operations, while maintaining adherence to internal controls, procurement policies, HR practices, and IT governance. Additionally, the CFO holds fiduciary responsibility for the organization’s 401k and 457b plans in conjunction with HR.

The CFO also maintains external relationships with auditors, financial advisors, bankers, and trustees to support long-term financial strategy and compliance with municipal bond market requirements.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field is required.
• An MBA or professional certifications (CPA, CMA) are preferred.

Experience:

• Minimum of 15 years of progressively responsible management experience in finance, procurement, human resources, IT, and/or construction accounting, with at least 5 years in an executive leadership role.
• Experience in the public sector or venue management is highly preferred.
• Proven experience in managing complex financial and operational functions across multiple departments.

Skills:

• Strong knowledge of financial management, budgeting, procurement, HR management, and IT governance.
• Proficient in financial software systems, including Microsoft Office Suite and Dynamics 365.
• Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong leadership and communication abilities, both written and oral.
• Proven ability to lead a diverse and multi-functional team effectively.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Strategic Financial, HR, Procurement, and IT Management:

• Oversee the development and presentation of the annual business plan and two-year budget for Board approval.
• Ensure effective cash flow management to support both daily operations and capital projects.
• Develop and implement long-term strategies across all managed departments, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
• Serve as a strategic partner to the CEO and Board in financial decision-making, human resources strategy, IT infrastructure, and procurement planning.

Fiduciary Responsibility for Retirement Plans:

• Serve as a fiduciary for the organization’s 401k and 457b plans, in conjunction with Human Resources.
• Establish a retirement plan committee to ensure proper management, compliance, and participant education.

Financial Reporting & Compliance:

• Ensure timely and accurate financial reporting, including monthly, quarterly, and annual reports, in addition to overseeing the annual audit process.
• Ensure compliance with Enabling Legislation (Act 554), the Uniform Chart of Accounts, the Budget Act, and other applicable laws and regulations.
• Oversee the submission of financial disclosures to municipal bond markets in line with bond covenants and financial regulations.

Capital Acquisition & Investment Management:

• Lead capital acquisition initiatives for large-scale projects, collaborating with financial advisors, auditors, and underwriters to secure funding and optimize financial positioning.
• Manage debt service and capital investment strategies in alignment with the organization’s long-term financial goals.

Policy Development & Compliance:

• Ensure adherence to and compliance with internal financial, HR, and IT policies, as well as external regulations.
• Develop and recommend policies and procedures for Board adoption, including procurement, travel and entertainment, credit card usage, ethics, and best practices.
• Monitor compliance with internal controls, financial policies, and external reporting requirements to maintain financi