Director of Finance_ Thomas Ranch - GSI Executive Search - Club, Resort and Hospitality Industry

Organization

About Areté Collective

Areté Collective is a developer and operator of luxury lifestyle communities worldwide based in Salt Lake City, Utah. With fully integrated capabilities ranging from land planning, architecture, and design to sales and marketing, club operations, and ongoing financial management, Areté creates breathtaking communities that become must-visit destinations.

Areté Collective builds on the 27-year track record of award-winning Denton House Design Studio, along with seasoned executives from the development industry, land planners from globally distinguished firms, and world-renowned architects and designers.

Together, the Areté Collective team members have contributed to the successful development of some of the world’s premier master-planned communities. The team has overseen a range of responsibilities from planning, design, and architecture to sales, marketing, and club and financial operations. For more information, please explore www.arete-collective.com.

About Thomas Ranch

Thomas Ranch is a 2,200-acre master-planned community near the shores of Lake Travis, just 30 minutes from downtown Austin. Nestled among the natural terraces, rolling valleys, and rocky outcrops of the Texas Hill Country, Thomas Ranch features uniquely designed neighborhoods, including a walkable downtown core, nature-immersed residential, and an ultra-luxe private community with an 18-hole David McLay Kidd golf course and a five-star boutique hotel.

This “back to the basics” community is built on a forward-thinking approach that honors the land, enhances the lives of community residents, and creates value for our investors, trade partners, and employees. With 2+ miles of river frontage, extensive networks of trails and green space, 4,000 residential units, and 250k sq ft of downtown lifestyle amenity, Thomas Ranch serves the needs of one of the fastest-growing cities in the US and an increasingly sophisticated market within the path of high-net-worth growth in West Austin. For more information, please explore www.thomasranchtx.com.

Position Overview

Together, We’re More. At the core of our brand is the meaning behind our name; Areté - a call to live at one’s highest potential. To strive for the best at every turn so that we shine powerfully in all we do. This is the central idea that drives us forward.

As a valued team member of Areté Collective, you are the most important asset in our commitment to reshaping people and places for the better. By joining Areté Collective, you’ll work with an award-winning group of architecture, design, and development professionals, creating high-end hospitality, commercial, and residential projects.

We are looking for a progressive-thinking, motivated individual to join our finance team and help us accelerate our growth plans. A great candidate will have passion for their work and share in our drive for seeking excellence in all we do.

As a true finance business partner advising the Managing Director and as part of the Thomas Ranch team, you will work onsite and will have a critical role in shaping the success of the over $1 billion Thomas Ranch project.

The Director of Finance will serve as the onsite finance and accounting leader for the Thomas Ranch project (“Project”) and is responsible for the financial oversight of the Project, executing Thomas Ranch’s long-range financial direction and delivering short-term financial goals and objectives.

The Director of Finance must be a self-starter, motivated, adaptable, and a leader. The position requires daily presence and engagement on the project.

Areté Collective leverages a Centralized Finance Team (“CFT”) located in Salt Lake City, UT, to provide leadership and support for all project teams. The Director of Finance will be a skilled navigator, expertly guiding the financial ship through day-to-day operations and solving problems. This person will work with the CFT to ensure timely closing and reporting of financial results and financial forecasts to drive the Project forward. This position will report to the SVP of Finance & Accounting for Areté Collective.

Key Responsibilities:

Business Planning, Decision Support & Performance Advisory

• Lead the annual planning and budgeting process.
• Conduct complex financial analyses and provide strategic financial advice to the CFT and senior leadership.
• Execute financial forecasting and support tax strategy development.
• Assist with the annual audit and ensure regulatory compliance.

Capital Project Management

• Manage job costing, budgeting, forecasting, and reporting tools for capital projects.
• Assess and mitigate project risks, ensuring robust contract management.
• Oversee certificates of insurance, lien releases, and financial documentation.

Financial Operations & Governance

• Execute the daily financial and accounting operations of the project.
• Implement cost controls and ensure compliance with financial regulations and GAAP.
• Manage IT, risk management, and the purchase order and vendor release process with all vendor purchases.
• Manage cash flow forecasting, reporting, and variance analysis.
• Collaborate with the CFT to maintain strong financial governance and risk management practices.
• Assist in fundraising efforts and manage relationships with banking, insurance, and legal partners.

Performance Management & Reporting

• Develop and deliver regular financial reports and dashboards for key stakeholders.
• Advise on strategic opportunities and provide recommendations to improve financial performance.
• Monitor project financial performance, identifying trends and opportunities for cost optimization.
• Manage all centralized services.
• Must have the ability and experience to model and manage the project master development financial plan.

Attributes

• A strategic thinker who acts as a financial business partner, offering insights to drive the project forward.
• Highly energetic, self-motivated, and passionate about excellence.
• A masterful executor who thrives in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.
• Detail-oriented with a strong ability to see the big picture and deliver strategic recommendations.
• An effective communicator with strong written and oral communication skills.
• Collaborative and adaptable, with a service-oriented approach.

Key Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field. CPA and/or MBA preferred.
• 7-10 years of relevant finance experience, with at least 3-5 years in a leadership role.
• Strong understanding of accounting principles (GAAP) and financial controls.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel. Experience with NetSuite and Hyperion is a plus. Must be able to set up and manage Excel financial modeling with pivot tables
• Experience in hospitality, real estate, and development projects is highly valued.
• This role is on-site 5 days a week.

Competitive Compensation

• Competitive salary with an annual performance bonus.
• Healthcare, dental, vision, and life insurance.
• 401(k) participation and employer contributions.
• Paid time off and professional development opportunities.
• Relocation assistance if necessary.

Professionals who meet or exceed the established criteria are encouraged to send a compelling cover letter addressed to Brandon Wig, outlining their qualifications, experience, interests, and why Thomas Ranch and Austin, TX will be beneficial for you, your family, and your career along with their resume to:

Tara Osborne -

tara@gsiexecutivesearch.com

Robert Jones –

rjones@ethoscubandleisure.com