Title:  Controller, Financial

JOB SUMMARY

The Shared Services Financial Controller is a director-level leader responsible for the oversight of accounting operations across both Owensboro Racing & Gaming and Ellis Park Racing & Gaming. This role directs financial reporting, manages Cage Operations, ensures regulatory compliance, and supports strategic financial planning and decision-making in partnership with the Senior Director of Finance. The position also leads and develops a high-performing finance team, ensuring consistent execution of accounting processes and internal controls across both properties.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead, develop, and manage the shared services accounting function across two properties, including general ledger, purchasing, revenue audit, count operations, and cage.
• Provide direct oversight of Cage Operations, ensuring accuracy in cash handling, staffing efficiency, compliance with internal controls, and alignment with gaming regulations.
• Partner with the Senior Director of Finance to ensure timely and accurate financial reporting, forecasting, budgeting, and variance analysis.
• Supervise the preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements and ensure alignment with corporate accounting standards and reporting timelines.
• Manage direct reports including Property Accountants, Financial Analysts, and Cage leadership; oversee their contributions to capital project tracking, financial models, reconciliations, and internal controls.
• Lead the annual operating and capital budgeting processes in collaboration with department leaders and corporate stakeholders.
• Coordinate with internal departments and external auditors to ensure successful financial audits and adherence to internal policies, gaming regulations, and SOX compliance.
• Identify and implement improvements to financial systems, procedures, and policies to enhance operational efficiency and control.
• Monitor and manage tax reporting and compliance, including gaming and federal obligations, in collaboration with corporate tax.
• Serve as a financial advisor and business partner to department leaders, providing insights and analysis to support operational goals and strategic initiatives.
• Stay informed on changes in accounting regulations, gaming compliance, and internal audit practices, ensuring property-level adherence to evolving standards.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Demonstrated ability to lead and inspire a cross-functional accounting and operations team across multiple locations.
• Strong financial acumen with expertise in GAAP, financial reporting, internal controls, and cash management.
• Proven success in managing Cage Operations in a regulated gaming environment.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to plan ahead and support long-term financial goals.
• Skilled in complex problem solving, data analysis, and decision-making.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills; able to collaborate with operational leaders and corporate partners.
• Proactive, adaptable, and results-driven with a commitment to continuous improvement

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance required; CPA or MBA preferred.
• 7+ years of progressive experience in accounting or financial management, including 3+ years leading teams.
• Gaming and cage operations experience strongly preferred.
• Experience managing multiple business units or locations in a shared services environment is a plus.
• Proficiency in ERP systems and Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint); experience with SAP or SuccessFactors is a plus.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a valid gaming license as required by the Kentucky Horse Racing & Gaming Commission.

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 accommodations 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. The employee may also be required to lift, push, and pull up to 25lbs.  Reasonable accommodations 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 subjected to circulate throughout the assigned areas, including the smoking area, actively observing players and functioning of machines.