Director of Finance | OWO

VENUE INFO 

One World Observatory, positioned atop One World Trade Center, offers 360-degree views of the New York skyline from the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere. Visitors are invited start their journey to the top in the SkyPod™ Elevators that depict the rise of NYC in just 47 seconds, experience the sights and sounds of the city in the See Forever™ Theater or discover something new from the Observatory's team of tour guides at City Pulse. The space also features ONE Dine, a view restaurant and bar, offering elevated American cuisine and a selection of beers, wines, and specialty cocktails. The private event space, ASPIRE at One World Observatory, offers 9,000 square feet of private event space with unparalleled views for up to 450 guests.   

THE ROLE 

The Director of Finance (DOF) oversees all finance and accounting functions for venues, ensuring the integrity of financial reporting, compliance, internal controls, budgeting, forecasting, and cash management. This role provides strategic financial leadership by partnering with operational leaders to support business objectives, maximize financial performance, and safeguard company assets. 

Additionally, the DOF directly supervises Finance Department team members and is responsible for the day-to-day administration of the department in accordance with Legends Global policies and applicable laws. 

ESSENTIAL DUTES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

Financial Leadership 

• Guide financial decisions by establishing, monitoring, and enforcing financial policies, procedures, and internal controls.  

• Provide strategic financial leadership through analysis of operational trends, business performance, and financial results.  

• Partner with senior leadership by providing financial analysis, strategic recommendations, and decision support that improve operational and financial performance.  

• Develop and implement internal control procedures that safeguard company assets while identifying opportunities for cost savings and operational efficiencies.  

• Manage departmental budgets and control expenses effectively.  

Financial Planning & Analysis 

• Lead the development and administration of annual operating and capital budgets, monthly forecasts, and cash flow projections.  

• Participate in the annual budget process, including the detailed review of departmental budget submissions.  

• Prepare, review, and ensure the timely completion of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements, forecasts, and externally required financial reports.  

• Analyze balance sheet and profit and loss activity to identify trends, risks, opportunities, and variances.  

• Prepare and present financial reports, forecasts, analyses, and recommendations that support informed business decisions.  

Accounting Operations 

• Oversee all day-to-day accounting operations, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, journal entries, fixed assets, and related accounting processes.  

• Ensure timely and accurate month-end and year-end close processes.  

• Oversee cash management and reconciliation processes, including daily cash and credit card activity, bank reconciliations, and related financial reporting.  

• Manage the facility's cash flow requirements while maintaining appropriate operating balances and investing idle funds in accordance with company policy.  

• Coordinate the annual external audit and ensure the timely completion of audited financial statements.  

Venue Financial Operations 

• Oversee financial controls and compliance for Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, payroll, inventory, Ticketing operations, and applicable tax reporting.  

• Oversee ticketing financial activities, including settlements, event reporting, and accountability for ticketing funds.  

• Oversee inventory controls and perform detailed cost-of-goods analyses.  

• Review contracts and evaluate their financial implications and associated risks.  

Leadership & Collaboration 

• Build collaborative relationships with business and department leaders to support operational and financial objectives.  

• Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and financial stewardship within the Finance Department.  

• Perform other duties as assigned by executive leadership.  

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES 

Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with Legends Global policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, onboarding, training, coaching, planning, assigning and directing work, evaluating performance, recognizing and disciplining employees, addressing complaints, resolving problems, and fostering the professional development of team members. 

QUALIFICATIONS 

To perform this role successfully, the candidate must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required: 

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE      

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field required.  

• Five to seven (5–7) years of progressive accounting or finance leadership experience required.  

• Demonstrated experience developing and implementing financial policies, procedures, internal controls, and reporting systems.  

• Comprehensive knowledge of accounting principles and the full accounting cycle.  

• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.  

• Experience within hospitality, attractions, sports, entertainment, or venue management preferred.  

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation preferred. 
   

SKILLS AND ABILITIES 

• Strong business acumen with the ability to influence decisions and drive financial performance.  

• Extensive knowledge of financial reporting, general accounting, cost accounting, budgeting, and forecasting principles.  

• Advanced analytical, mathematical, and problem-solving skills.  

• Excellent verbal, written, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills.  

• Strong leadership, coaching, and team development skills.  

• Excellent organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.  

• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and exercise sound judgment when handling sensitive financial information.  

• Advanced proficiency with accounting software and Microsoft Office applications, particularly Microsoft Excel.  

• Ability to prioritize multiple projects and meet competing deadlines in a fast-paced environment.  

• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams.  

• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and occasional travel, as business needs require.  

COMPENSATION 

Annual salary of $190,000, plus bonus eligibility and a generous benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, paid vacation, and 401(k). 

WORKING CONDITIONS 

Location: Hybrid (One World Observatory, NYC) 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS 

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. 

NOTE: The essential 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.