Director, Finance

Position Overview

In this strategic finance leadership role for Great Wolf Lodge, the Director of Finance partners with the business to drive lodge financial performance, oversee internal controls and loss prevention, and deliver reporting and analytics to support informed decisions. The role is based in Gurnee, IL.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Develops financial strategies by analyzing trends and forecasting performance; maintains a clear financial agenda, makes course corrections, communicates effectively, and identifies new opportunities.
• Ensures accurate accounting, manages expenses, upholds an internal controls framework, and implements loss prevention measures.
• Measures and analyzes financial results for reporting to regional and corporate management; designs corrective action plans to maximize business performance as needed.
• Provides operational insight by translating financial data into actionable plans with an external perspective.
• Supports effective decision making by delivering financial information and analysis to help the operation choose the best solutions, considering multiple viewpoints and key facts.
• Builds trust and holds department leaders accountable to act as owners of their areas, aligns action plans, and surfaces challenging issues.
• Collaborates with the General Manager to clearly describe, assign, and delegate financial responsibility and authority for the operation.
• Fosters financial success by coaching and training teams, providing business context, and collaborating with colleagues.
• Drives efficiencies and aligns resources to maximize value and ensure purposeful initiatives.
• Leads the annual and long-term operating budget and capital investment planning in partnership with the General Manager and lodge leadership team.

Basic Qualifications & Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in a finance or accounting environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel with demonstrated ability to perform analysis and modeling; experience with the Microsoft Office Suite.
• Strong problem-solving skills, meticulous attention to detail, and solid organizational abilities.
• Energetic and positive approach to work.
• Successful completion of a criminal background check and a drug screen.

Desired Qualifications

• At least 5 years of experience in the entertainment, amusement park, or hotel industry.
• Experience with Coupa, Tableau, and the Office 365 suite.

Physical Requirements

• Capable of lifting up to 20 pounds.
• Ability to bend, stretch, and twist as needed.
• Able to stand or sit for extended periods.

Salary and Benefits

Estimated annual base salary: $100,000. The actual pay within this range will reflect factors such as education, qualifications, experience, skills, seniority, location, performance, travel requirements, revenue-based metrics, contractual obligations, and business needs. This range is one component of the total compensation package, which may include annual bonuses, a Paid Time Off policy, and additional benefits.

Location: Gurnee, IL