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Director of Finance

Burlingame Country Club (CA), hillsborough, ca, United States


THE DIRECTOR OF FINANCE OPPORTUNITY AT BURLINGAME COUNTRY CLUB

Burlingame Country Club is seeking an accomplished and collaborative financial executive to serve as its next Director of Finance. This is a unique opportunity to join one of the country’s most respected and historic private clubs and play a key leadership role in shaping its financial strategy and operational success.

The Director of Finance will serve as a trusted strategic partner to the General Manager/COO, senior leadership team, and Board of Governors, providing clear financial insight, disciplined fiscal stewardship, and thoughtful guidance that supports both daily operations and the Club’s long‑term vision. The successful candidate will combine strong technical and financial expertise with a highly collaborative leadership style and a genuine appreciation for hospitality and service. This individual will help ensure that Burlingame Country Club continues to operate with financial strength, operational excellence, and a member-first mindset that reflects the Club’s proud tradition and forward‑looking leadership.

ABOUT BURLINGAME COUNTRY CLUB

In 1893, a group of sporting enthusiasts, Major J. L. Rathbone, William H. Crocker, William H. Howard, J.B. Casserly, Hall McAllister, and John Parrott led the effort to organize a country club with overnight accommodations for up to twenty or more persons with, “of course, the usual dining facilities.” Among the foremost of these leaders was William H. Crocker, the Club’s first Treasurer, whose residence estate, New Place, is the Club’s present Clubhouse.

Burlingame Country Club is located 20 miles south of San Francisco, near San Francisco International Airport, in a gracious, strictly residential community with one of the state's top school districts. Facilities include a magnificent, century‑old villa‑style clubhouse that offers overnight guest suites and rooms, multiple dining and private event outlets, an 18‑hole golf course, five tennis courts, eight pickleball courts, a swimming pool, and associated pro shops and maintenance areas.

The Club’s original purpose was to provide the opportunity for members to participate in the popular sports of the day, polo, fishing and horse racing, riding, and driving. In the beginning, the emphasis was on the horse and all the sports, accessories, and activities involving the animal. The Club's current logo represents these early interests. As the decades passed, other sports and activities were added. Tennis, golf, and swimming are the current sporting activities of the membership.

The advantage of the Burlingame Country Club, as its original members saw it in 1893, was the availability of a place and facilities to participate in sporting activities. However, the Club soon became the hub of social activity and was the site of many themed dinners, elegant black‑tie balls, social‑oriented annual golf tournaments, and other society events that continue to this day.

Today, the Burlingame Country Club is recognized as one of the premier country clubs in the nation. The Club’s history, traditions, and unwavering commitment to providing the best in services, facilities, and amenities are upheld by a staff of over 140 hardworking and dedicated employees. The Club’s robust social calendar appeals to members of all ages, from lavish events and cocktail parties to cultural and speaker events, to bridge and dominoes. Additionally, the Club offers families a variety of activities, but the most notable are the summer camps and year‑round family programming. The Club is nearing completion of a $15M Clubhouse enhancement project (on time and on budget) with a significant golf course enhancement project and a large‑scale casual dining project, both in the early planning phases.

BURLINGAME COUNTRY CLUB BY THE NUMBERS:

  • Members: 580
  • Initiation Fee: $180,000 – Full Member
  • Annual Dues: $21,600 – Full Member
  • Gross Volume: Approximately $15M
  • Yearly Annual Dues Volume: Approximately $10M
  • Gross Payroll: Approximately $9M
  • Annual Rounds of Golf: Approximately 16,000, no tee times
  • F&B Volume: Approximately $2.5M
  • Food Cost: 45%
  • The Club is organized as a 501(c)(7)
  • Employees: 140 FTE/PT
  • 9 Board Members, 3‑Year Terms
  • Average age of Membership: 60
  • Club’s POS and Accounting System: Jonas

DIRECTOR OF FINANCE JOB DESCRIPTION

The Director of Finance (DOF) is responsible for leading the overall financial management of Burlingame Country Club and ensuring the accuracy, integrity, and transparency of the Club’s financial operations. Reporting directly to the General Manager/COO, the DOF serves as a strategic advisor and financial thought partner, supporting both operational decision‑making and long‑term financial planning.

The DOF oversees all accounting and financial functions of the Club, including financial reporting, budgeting, payroll, accounts payable and receivable, cash management, internal controls, and regulatory compliance. This role also supervises the accounting team and human resources leadership to ensure strong financial processes, effective internal controls, and a culture of accountability and service.

Working closely with the General Manager/COO and department leaders, the Director of Finance leads the annual budgeting process, provides forecasting and variance analysis, and delivers timely financial reporting to enable informed decisions by the leadership team and the Board of Directors. The DOF also manages external relationships with auditors, banking partners, insurance providers, and benefits administrators while ensuring compliance with GAAP and all relevant regulatory requirements.

Beyond technical financial oversight, the Director of Finance plays a key leadership role within the Club by fostering collaboration across departments, supporting capital planning initiatives, and helping leadership maintain a financially sustainable and forward‑thinking organization.

SELECT KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

STRATEGIC FINANCIAL LEADERSHIP

  • Serve as a strategic financial partner to the General Manager/COO and provide financial insight that supports the Club’s long‑term vision and operational goals.
  • Provide clear financial analysis, forecasting, and decision‑support information to senior leadership and the Board of Directors.
  • Lead long‑term financial planning efforts, including capital planning, reserve studies, and financial sustainability initiatives.
  • Partner with leadership to identify financial opportunities, mitigate risks, and support sound business decisions across the Club.

FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT & REPORTING

  • Oversee all accounting operations, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and cash management.
  • Prepare timely and accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements.
  • Lead the annual budgeting process and work collaboratively with department heads to develop realistic operating and capital budgets.
  • Monitor financial performance against budget and provide detailed variance analysis and financial forecasts.
  • Ensure all financial records, systems, and reporting processes maintain the highest standards of accuracy and reliability.

GOVERNANCE, CONTROLS & COMPLIANCE

  • Establish and maintain effective internal controls, accounting policies, and financial procedures.
  • Ensure compliance with GAAP, tax regulations, and applicable federal, state, and local laws.
  • Coordinate annual audits, tax filings, and financial reviews with external auditors and advisors.
  • Oversee the Club’s insurance policies, risk management practices, and regulatory reporting obligations.

OPERATIONAL PARTNERSHIP

  • Collaborate closely with department heads to support financial planning, cost management, and operational decision‑making.
  • Provide financial guidance that helps leaders manage budgets responsibly while maintaining exceptional member service.
  • Support major operational initiatives and capital projects by providing financial modeling, analysis, and oversight.

TEAM LEADERSHIP & CULTURE

  • Supervise, mentor, and develop accounting and human resources staff while fostering a culture of professionalism, accountability, and continuous improvement.
  • Promote cross‑department collaboration and maintain strong working relationships throughout the organization.
  • Ensure financial and administrative processes support both operational efficiency and a positive member experience.

TECHNOLOGY & SYSTEMS

  • Oversee financial aspects of club management systems, accounting platforms, and point‑of‑sale integrations.
  • Evaluate financial technologies and process improvements that enhance efficiency, accuracy, and reporting capabilities.
  • Work with leadership and vendors to ensure financial systems effectively support the Club’s operational needs.

CANDIDATE SPECIFICATIONS

  • Experience working with Boards or finance committees strongly preferred
  • Strong knowledge of GAAP and financial reporting
  • High attention to detail with excellent organizational skills
  • Proficiency in accounting and club management software
  • Strong communication skills with the ability to present financial information clearly
  • Discretion, professionalism, and a service‑oriented attitude
  • Demonstrated ability to work well under pressure and time constraints

EDUCATIONAL AND CERTIFICATION QUALIFICATIONS

  • Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or related field (CPA or CMA preferred).
  • 5+ years of progressive accounting or finance experience, preferably in hospitality, private clubs, or service‑driven organizations.

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