Company Overview –
Sansone Group is a family owned and operated, national commercial real estate firm headquartered in St. Louis with eight offices across the US. The firm specializes in development, facility management, and brokerage services in commercial and residential sectors. Sansone Group is committed to providing superior and comprehensive commercial real estate services for every customer through Teamwork, Creativity, Hard Work, Faith and Professionalism.
Founded in 1957 by Anthony F. Sansone, Sr. and now led by four of his sons as principals of the firm: James, Timothy, Douglas & Nicholas.
Position Purpose –
The CFO position is a key partner for the company and is responsible for managing the overall financial activities to ensure company strategic goals are met. This position oversees tax planning and other key strategic objectives. The CFO is an intergral partner with Ownership and the Executive leaders in developing the strategic plan, creating and managing the annual company budget, analyzing financial needs and trends, and providing financial guidance. They lead the corporate accounting department and control cash management, financial forecasting and reporting for the Company and related corporate entities. This position is accountable for the financial, and risk management of the company, to include the development of financial and operational strategies, metrics tied to those strategies, and the ongoing development of control systems designed to preserve company assets and report accurate financial results.
Traits for Success –
- CFO experience with a real estate organization is ideal
- Individuals with their CPA will receive preference due to tax implications of the business
- Someone who is not afraid to work and who wants to grow aggressively
- Needs to have the communication skills to handle multiple personalities
- Needs to not be afraid to speak up when necessary
- Needs to be a forward thinker as well in terms of outlook and planning
- Wants to be a part of a unique culture and appreciates the aspect of a team and the words “we” and “us” over “I” and “Me”
- Cultural fit is critically important and includes drive for results, trust, professionalism, collaboration and bias for action
- Candidate’s attitude and conduct should reflect the organization and executive leadership team
- Ability to build relationships, inspire confidence, and collaborate effectively at all levels within the organization
Key Responsibilities -
- Manage and continue building out the finance, accounting, and financial planning and analysis functions to ensure the company is equipped to make decisions quickly, with the right information at the right time
- Assist in formulating the company’s future direction and supporting tactical initiatives
- Monitor and direct the implementation of strategic business plans
- Develop financial and tax strategies and related compliance
- As Executive team member, coordinate and lead periodic Ownership meetings
- Coordinate and renewal(s) of business insurance and evaluate
- Manage the capital request and budget processes
- Manage and forecast cash needs of the business including timing of distributions to Ownership
- Develop performance measures that support the company’s strategic direction
- Work with Division Leaders and Owners on short-term and long-term strategic plans
- Includes development of annual budgets working collaboratively with Leaders in all divisions
- Direct the preparation of all financial statements, including income statements, balance sheets, shareholder reports, tax returns, and any other governmental agency reports for the Company and all related entities
- Periodic review with Division Heads and Owners including actual versus budget and forecasted results
- Identify financial trends to assist in strategic planning and processes for improvement
- Ensure completeness, accuracy and timeliness of financial reporting
- Collaborate and partner with Development and Acquisition division on key initiatives
- Timely reporting to business leaders and Owners including current and future cash needs
- Assist with special projects and other financial, planning and analysis
- Provide oversight on FLIP deals and coordinate distribution proceeds
- Ensure payments to developers, brokers, 3rd parties, vendors, Owners are in accordance with agreements and made timely
- Participate in key decisions of the executive management team
- Maintain in-depth relationships with all members of the management team
- Understand and mitigate key elements of the company’s risk profile
Qualifications -
- Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Accounting, or Finance
- Masters degree in Business Administration, Accounting, or Finance preferred
- Commercial real estate certifications or qualifications preferred
- Certified Public Accountant designation preferred
Experience -
- 5-10 years of experience in financial leadership/management
- Combined public accounting/corporate accounting experience preferred
- Prior experience as a CFO preferred
- Significant financial experience in commercial real estate strongly preferred
- Track-record of partnering with business leaders to identify areas for value creation (revenue generation, process efficiencies, productivity improvements, M&A integration, etc.)
- Excellent management and supervisory skills
- Excellent analytical and organizational skills
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Excellent knowledge of sound business
