EVP, Finance

Chicago Blackhawks

Dec 14

Applications are closed

Job
Full-time
Expert Level
Accounting & Tax
Banking & Finance
Chicago

Requirements

* Bachelor's degree in accounting required; CPA and MBA preferred.
* Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in finance and accounting, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
* Experience with a professional sports organization or adjacent industry required.
* Strong knowledge of GAAP, financial reporting, and audit processes ideally with a foundation from a notable public accounting firm.
* Proven track record of leading financial transformation initiatives and enhancing internal controls.
* Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
* Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and manage multiple priorities.
* Chicago based role, will consider relocation support for candidates with professional sports industry experience.

Responsibilities

Oversee the preparation and presentation of accurate and timely financial statements, reports, and forecasts.
Ensure compliance with GAAP and other regulatory requirements.
Provide financial insights and recommendations to support strategic decision-making; present financial results on a regular basis to Chicago Blackhawks and Parent Company senior leadership.
Present financial results to the board of directors and other key stakeholders.
Manage required reporting to the National Hockey League, including reports such as the Hockey Related Revenue (HRR) and Unified Report of Operations (URO).
Manage all aspects of general accounting, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and fixed assets.
Oversee operational accounting functions, ensuring accurate and efficient transaction processing.
Ensure the integrity of financial data and the accuracy of the general ledger.
Oversee cash flow management, including cash forecasting, liquidity management, and investment strategies.
Collaborate with Parent Company finance to ensure timely and regular visibility into cash flow outlook and forecasts.
Work with corporate resources to ensure banking relationships are appropriate and efficient.
Develop and implement strategies to optimize the organization's capital structure.
Manage the organization's debt, equity, and other financial instruments. In particular, oversee and ensure compliance with all debt agreements and covenants with external parties (e.g., league, banks). Manage debt maturities and ensure sufficient cash flow at all times.
Oversee construction draws and spending on practice facility expansion.
Serve as the primary point of contact for external auditors and ensure audit readiness at all times.
Coordinate the preparation of audit schedules and respond to auditor inquiries.
Implement and maintain internal controls to safeguard assets and ensure the accuracy of financial records.
Develop and execute long-term financial strategies that align with the organization's goals and objectives.
Conduct financial analysis to support key business decisions, including mergers, acquisitions, and other strategic initiatives.
Lead the development of financial models and forecasts to guide strategic planning.
Monitor financial performance against strategic goals and adjust plans as necessary.
Oversee capital allocation decisions, ensuring that resources are deployed efficiently to maximize returns.
Evaluate potential investment opportunities and manage the organization's investment portfolio.
Provide guidance on major capital expenditures and other significant financial commitments.
Identify and assess financial risks, including market, credit, operational, and compliance risks.
Develop and implement risk management strategies to mitigate exposure and protect the organization's financial assets.
Ensure compliance with all relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards.
Lead the enhancement of financial controls and procedures to mitigate risks and improve operational efficiency.
Drive the transformation of financial systems and policies to support the evolving needs of the organization.
Formalize and document financial processes to ensure consistency and compliance across the organization.
Collaborate with other members of the executive team to develop and execute the organization's financial strategy.
Provide leadership and mentorship to the finance team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and professional development.
Act as a trusted advisor to the CEO, President, Business Operations and the General Manager and other senior leaders on financial matters.
Lead the annual budgeting process, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and strategic priorities.
Monitor and report on financial performance, identifying areas for improvement and recommending corrective actions as needed.
Develop and maintain long-term financial forecasts to support strategic planning.

FAQs

What is the location of the EVP, Finance position?

The position is based in Chicago, Illinois.

Is relocation support available for candidates?

Yes, relocation support will be considered for candidates with professional sports industry experience.

What kind of experience is required for this role?

Candidates must have a minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in finance and accounting, with at least 5 years in a leadership role, and experience with a professional sports organization or adjacent industry is required.

What educational qualifications are necessary for this position?

A Bachelor's degree in accounting is required, with a CPA and MBA preferred.

What are the primary responsibilities of the EVP, Finance?

The primary responsibilities include overseeing financial reporting, league reporting, general and operational accounting, treasury management, audit and compliance, strategic financial planning, capital allocation, risk management, and leading financial transformation initiatives.

Will the EVP, Finance work closely with other executives?

Yes, the EVP, Finance will collaborate with other members of the executive team to develop and execute the organization's financial strategy and act as a trusted advisor to senior leadership.

What financial reporting standards must be adhered to in this role?

Compliance with GAAP and other regulatory requirements is mandatory.

How will the EVP, Finance contribute to financial decision-making?

The EVP, Finance will provide financial insights and recommendations to support strategic decision-making and present financial results to senior leadership and the board of directors.

What are the expected competencies for the EVP, Finance position?

The competencies include strategic thinking, financial acumen, business acumen, leadership and team development, analytical and data-driven decision-making, change management, problem-solving, attention to detail, and integrity.

Is this a full-time position with benefits?

The job description does not specify, but typically executive positions in organizations like this would include a full-time commitment and comprehensive benefits.

What specific skills are emphasized for this role?

Excellent leadership, communication, interpersonal skills, as well as the ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, are emphasized for candidates.

Who should candidates send their resumes to for this position?

Candidates should send their resumes to Brian.Esko@LHH.com for consideration.

Is experience in public accounting beneficial for this role?

Yes, having a background from a notable public accounting firm is considered beneficial for this position.

Will the EVP, Finance be responsible for risk management?

Yes, the EVP, Finance will identify and assess financial risks and develop risk management strategies to mitigate exposure.

Chicago Blackhawks

Reimagining the potential of hockey.

Entertainment & Media

Industry

51-200

Employees

Mission & Purpose

Six-time Stanley Cup champions: 2015, 2013, 2010, 1961, 1938, 1934. Original Six hockey club founded on Sept. 25, 1926, when the National Hockey League awarded a franchise to Major Frederic McLaughlin. Owned by Chairman Rocky Wirtz, the Chicago Blackhawks play and operate at the United Center.