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 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 financial integrity.
Public Reporting & Government Relations:
- Report on the fiscal and economic impact of organizational initiatives to external stakeholders, including local government bodies.
- Provide testimony and representation before government committees to support financial and operational initiatives.
Leadership & Team Development:
- Provide leadership, guidance, and mentorship to all direct reports.
- Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, inclusivity, and continuous improvement.
- Encourage innovation and professional growth within each department, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and best practices.
- Lead performance reviews and set clear goals to drive departmental success and operational excellence.
Functional Leadership:
- Finance: Lead the Director of Finance in managing financial reporting, budgeting, auditing, and analysis to ensure organizational financial health. Oversee internal financial controls, risk management, compliance, and capital acquisition efforts, including debt service obligations in coordination with external financial advisors.
- Procurement: Manage the Director of Procurement to ensure efficient procurement activities, contract management, and adherence to procurement policies. Review and approve major procurement decisions, including contracts, vendor agreements, and capital purchases.
- Human Resources (HR): Guide the Director of Human Resources in establishing and maintaining strategic and transformational human resource management practices. Collaborate on compensation and benefits administration, including fiduciary oversight for the 401k and 457b plans.
- Construction Accounting: Direct the Construction Accounting Manager in accurate cost accounting for capital projects. Oversee financial reporting and budget control to ensure construction-related expenditures align with project budgets and timelines.
Other Responsibilities:
- Perform other duties as assigned by the CEO or Board of Directors.
- Ensure compliance with laws and regulations, including Enabling Legislation (Act 554) and the Budget Act.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
- Work Environment: Primarily works in an office setting within a large convention center, with occasional site visits to various areas of the facility, including event spaces, meeting rooms, and administrative offices.
- Mobility: The role requires the ability to move around the convention center to attend meetings, inspect event operations, and interact with various departments. Occasional walking or standing for short periods may be required during site visits or inspections.
- Manual Dexterity: Frequent use of hands and fingers to operate a computer, keyboard, telephone, and other office equipment.
- Visual and Auditory Demands: Requires vision abilities such as close vision for reading financial reports and spreadsheets, and the ability to focus on detailed work. Must be able to hear and communicate effectively in person and over the phone.
- Lifting: May occasionally be required to lift and/or move items up to 10 pounds, such as files, reports, or office supplies.
- Travel: Minimal travel is required, but occasional off-site meetings or conferences may necessitate travel.
NOTE
- The key responsibilities of this position are described under the headings above. They may be subject to change at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons. Also, this document in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position.
HUNTINGTON PLACE
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).
In 2009 the Detroit Regional Convention Facility Authority (DRCFA) was established by the state of Michigan and leased the facility from the City of Detroit to own and operate it for 33 years. The five-member Authority Board consists of one representative from each of five government agencies – the City of Detroit, State of Michigan and the three metro-Detroit counties of Wayne, Oakland and Macomb.
In October 2010, the DRCFA awarded the contract for operations management of the facility to ASM Global, the world leader in venue management, marketing and development, who rebranded it Cobo Center, and revived the business to its current world class status.
In 2019, the DRCFA awarded venue naming rights to TCF Bank, and in 2021 TCF Bank merged with Huntington Bank. Today, Huntington Place hosts conferences, conventions and tradeshows bringing one million visitors a year from across the globe to Detroit.
ANNUAL COMPENSATION:
Location: Detroit [Onsite]
Position Type: Full-time
Department: Finance
FLSA Class: Exempt
Reports To: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Parking: [Free] Secured Onsite
Direct Reports: Director of Finance, Director of Procurement, Director of Human Resources, Construction Accounting Manager
Huntington Place /ASM Global is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer, and encourages Women, Minorities, Individuals with Disabilities, and Protected Veterans to apply. VEVRAA Federal Contractor.