Overview

The Director of Finance serves as the strategic financial leader for Benchmark Arena, partnering with venue leadership, Oak View Group Hospitality leadership, and client stakeholders to drive financial performance across one of Oak View Group's premier sports and entertainment venues. Based onsite in downtown Tampa, home of the NHL's Tampa Bay Lightning, this role oversees approximately $50-60 million in annual revenue across seven operating business units. The Director of Finance is responsible for all aspects of the venue's financial operations, including accounting, financial planning and analysis, budgeting, forecasting, purchasing, payroll oversight, internal controls, compliance, and financial reporting. The Director of Finance leads the Finance team while serving as a key business partner to venue leadership. This highly visible role requires strong financial leadership, operational partnership, and the ability to influence business performance within a fast-paced sports and entertainment environment.

This role pays an annual salary of $100,000-$110,000 and is bonus eligible.

Benefits for Full-Time roles: Health, Dental and Vision Insurance, 401(k) Savings Plan, 401(k) matching, and Paid Time Off (vacation days, sick days, and 11 holidays)

This position will remain open until September 25, 2026.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the strategic finance leader for the venue, partnering with operational leadership to drive financial performance, improve business results, and support long-term venue success.
• Lead all aspects of the venue's financial operations, including accounting, financial planning and analysis, budgeting, forecasting, purchasing, payroll oversight, internal controls, compliance, and financial reporting.
• Oversee financial operations across seven operating business units representing approximately $50-60 million in annual revenue.
• Lead the annual operating budget, monthly forecasting process, long-range financial planning, and monthly financial close.
• Analyze financial performance and provide actionable recommendations to improve profitability, labor efficiency, and operational performance.
• Present monthly financial results, forecasts, and business insights to venue leadership, Oak View Group leadership, and client stakeholders.
• Partner with department leaders to drive accountability for financial performance and operational excellence.
• Monitor compliance with all provisions of the management agreement, company policies, internal controls, and applicable regulations.
• Review and approve event settlements, contracts, reconciliations, and other significant financial transactions.
• Coordinate client reporting, external audits, tax filings, and required financial reporting.
• Develop, mentor, and lead the Finance team while fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with Corporate Finance and operational leadership on strategic initiatives, process improvements, and special projects.
• Participate in venue leadership coverage and event oversight as a member of the senior leadership team.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field is required.
• 5-7+ years of progressive finance and accounting experience, including leadership responsibility, preferably within sports and entertainment, hospitality, hotels, resorts, convention centers, casinos, or other complex multi-unit operating environments.
• Demonstrated success leading finance for operations with multiple revenue streams, departments, and business units.
• Experience partnering directly with executive leadership, operational leaders, and client stakeholders.
• Proven ability to influence cross-functional leaders and drive financial accountability across multiple departments.
• Strong financial planning and analysis, budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, and operational finance experience.
• Thorough understanding of GAAP, internal controls, financial compliance, and audit processes.
• Experience leading, developing, and mentoring high-performing finance teams.
• Strong analytical, organizational, communication, and presentation skills with the ability to translate financial data into meaningful business insights.
• Experience with ERP and financial management systems such as NetSuite, Oracle, SAP, Sage, or similar platforms preferred.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, event-driven environment while managing multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Must be available to work nights, weekends, and select holidays as business needs require.