Title:  Senior Director of Finance

Job Description

JOB TITLE:           Senior Director of Finance

DEPARTMENT:    Finance

REPORTS TO:      General Manager

FLSA STATUS:       Exempt  

JOB SUMMARY:   The Senior Director of Finance – Turfway Park Racing & Gaming and Newport Racing & Gaming leads all financial activity at Turfway Park Racing & Gaming and Newport Racing & Gaming including accounting, financial analysis, cash operations, revenue audit, purchasing, and compliance. This role manages the timely preparation and analysis of the financial results and establishes and maintains the necessary internal controls required to safeguard the property’s assets to ensure integrity and compliance with gaming and other state and federal regulations. This role ensures that the financial results reflect established accounting and financial standards. This role is responsible for working with the property leaders to manage maintenance and project capital and to obtain approvals, as necessary. This role is responsible for providing financial analysis and decision support to the property leadership team and corporate financial planning and analysis, as needed, and for developing financial forecasts and actions to achieve the forecasts with the property leadership team.

ABOUT CHURCHILL DOWNS INC.

Headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, Churchill Downs Incorporated has expanded through the development of live and historical racing entertainment venues, the growth of the TwinSpires horse racing online wagering business and the operation and development of regional casino gaming properties. Churchill Downs Incorporated is an inclusive and fun place to work. We celebrate unique approaches and points of view. We believe diversity is a mindset that drives excellence. We’re always learning, evolving and growing. We innovate through mutual respect for ideas and collaboration. This allows us to build a common language that inspires our team members and propels us toward the achievement of our vision.

ABOUT TURFWAY PARK RACING & GAMING PROPERTY

Turfway Park Racing & Gaming is comprised of a state-of-the-art Historical Racing Machine (HRM) and Live Racing facility that includes up to 1,000 thrilling HRMs, sports wagering, and year-round pari-mutuel simulcast. The facility also has an Event Room utilized for viewing the live thoroughbred winter race meet and hosting concerts and banquets/meetings throughout the year. The facility also has a smoking parlor with HRMs, multiple food & beverage outlets and a VIP Lounge. Newport Racing & Gaming is a gaming facility in Newport, Kentucky. The facility is located just twelve miles from Turfway Park and three miles from downtown Cincinnati, Ohio. Newport Racing & Gaming features up to five hundred popular, thrilling, state-of-the-art HRM games, a simulcast area with VIP section, and two bars. A separate smoking room accompanies the main non-smoking gaming floor.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead all financial activities for Turfway Park Racing & Gaming and Newport Racing & Gaming, including accounting, financial planning and analysis, revenue audit, and customer service operations.
• Leadership and Management of Team:

• • Supervise and direct the day-to-day operations of assigned managers and supervisors within the finance and operations teams.
  • Provide guidance, counseling, and training to ensure team members perform their duties effectively and efficiently and meet compliance and reporting expectations
  • Serves as a leader for team members while fostering teamwork, positive morale, motivation, and open communication.
  • Maintains interpersonal working relationships among employees and the public
  • Foster a collaborative and high-performing team environment by setting clear expectations and providing ongoing support for team members.
  • Provide real-time feedback, conduct regular check-ins, and implement plans to continuously enhance team capabilities.
• Financial Planning and Analysis:
  • Lead the development of operational and financial analytics and models for long-term financial forecasting.
  • Lead monthly analysis of actual financial results and the development of monthly forecast updates.
  • Develop the annual operating plan.
  • Develop capital forecasts and implement plans to achieve efficient and effective capital spending.
  • Provide financial modeling and analysis for capital management, pricing, sponsorships, and vendor-related activities.
  • Work with CDI Corporate Finance and property leaders to identify opportunities for cost reductions and process improvements.
• Accounting and Financial Controls:
  • Oversee accounting, financial reporting, and purchasing processes for Turfway Park Racing & Gaming and Newport Racing & Gaming.
  • Ensure the team is utilizing current accounting standards, tools, and technologies to improve efficiency and timeliness in financial analysis.
  • Develop, implement, and monitor controls over accounting, treasury, and cash-related processes.
  • Oversee high-volume cash management logistics and ensure proper controls are in place.
  • Manage external and internal audits to ensure financial accuracy and compliance.
  • Maintain a thorough understanding of state and local regulatory requirements relevant to areas of responsibility and collaborate with regulatory authorities to address compliance, tax calculations, control measures, and other operational concerns.
  • Collaborate with CDI Corporate Purchasing team to optimize procurement efficiencies and leverage volume discounts.
• Operational Activities:
  • Refine financial and operating statistics to drive consistent performance and accountability across operational departments.
  • Review departmental financial statements with operational leaders to identify inefficiencies, concerns, and performance enhancements.
  • Work with the General Manager and leadership team to drive continuous operational improvements and ensure consistent performance.
• Available to work when needed, including weekends, holidays, and nights.

• All other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP and general ledger accounting.
• Excellent analytical, financial modeling, problem-solving, and strategic thinking skills.
• Strong leadership and management abilities, with a track record of successfully leading diverse teams.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to interact effectively with senior and executive management required.
• Excellent verbal and written communication, including presentation, skills. 
• Strong work ethic and ability to cultivate productive relationships across the organization.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite products (Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Word) and financial reporting systems (SAP and/or JD Edwards).
• Available to work when needed, including weekends, holidays, and nights.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a valid racing license.
• Willingness and ability to pass suitability requirements of a gaming licensing body, including submission of detailed background and financial data.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field required.
• Master’s degree and/or CPA preferred.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in accounting, financial reporting, and analysis, and at least 3 years of experience managing a financial department.
• Experience leading and managing a team with a track record of success.
• Experience in gaming financial analysis and accounting and casino operations preferred.
• Extensive experience in financial accounting, treasury management, budgeting, and cost accounting.
• Guest service experience preferred

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORKING CONDITIONS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit or stand; walk; use hands to finger reach, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk or hear.  Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud. The employee is expected to circulate throughout all gaming areas, including the smoking area, actively observing players and the functioning of machines.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job with or without reasonable accommodation.

I have read the above job description and fully understand the requirements set forth therein.  I hereby accept the position listed above and agree to abide by the requirements set forth and will perform all duties and responsibilities to the best of my ability.