Riverside Yacht Club | Riverside (Greenwich), Connecticut
Controller

About the Club
Founded in 1888, Riverside Yacht Club is a distinguished private, member-owned, and nonprofit club with a rich history as the second-oldest yacht club in Connecticut. Established by George I. Tyson, a prominent summer resident of Riverside and owner of the yacht Nirvana, the Club’s legacy began with Tyson’s vision and generosity. He personally funded and built the original Victorian-style clubhouse in 1889 on the eastern shore of Cos Cob Harbor, serving as the Club’s first Commodore for eight years. In the late 1920s, members purchased the property from the Tyson estate, culminating in the construction of the current Clubhouse in 1929.

This year-round, family-focused, and community-oriented Club is renowned for its sailing heritage and fosters a vibrant culture of volunteerism. The membership is predominantly composed of Riverside residents and encourages a lifelong passion for sailing and boating. The Club provides programs for all ages, offering opportunities to learn, race, and cruise on Long Island Sound and beyond. Riverside Yacht Club is a hub for boating enthusiasts, with a marina boasting over a linear mile of slip space (largest on Long Island Sound!) on state-of-the-art concrete docks and additional deep-water moorings. It hosts significant regattas throughout the summer and is home to the largest frostbiting fleet in the United States.

Beyond sailing and motorboating, the Club offers a well-rounded array of amenities, including fine dining, tennis, swimming, and engaging youth programs.

Riverside Yacht Club’s annual total revenue is $8.6 million, including $2.7 million from food and beverage operations, underscoring its strong commitment to exceptional hospitality and member satisfaction. Future projects include entirely replacing the 165 slips, which will be staged over the next several years at an estimated $10 million in expenditure. The Clubhouse closes in January, yet the offices are open year-round.

About the Position
The Controller is a key member of the Executive Management Team and a strategic partner to the General Manager, overseeing all financial operations and ensuring robust internal controls. This role manages budgeting, forecasting, cost-benefit analysis, and financial reporting while supervising the Club’s HR and IT functions.

Key responsibilities include:
• Preparing and analyzing financial statements, budgets, and trends to optimize profitability.
• Overseeing HR through third-party consultants and on-site support as needed.
• Managing IT operations, cybersecurity, and vendor relationships.
• Acting as liaison with insurance brokers to ensure proper coverage and record-keeping.
• Responding promptly to membership billing and financial inquiries.

The Controller leads the accounting department, fostering collaboration and operational excellence while supporting the Club’s financial and strategic goals.

About the Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate for the Controller position is a dynamic financial leader with a proven track record of excellence in accounting, team management, and strategic oversight. With a Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance (MBA and CHAE or CPA certifications preferred), he/she is poised to elevate the Club’s financial operations.

Key Qualifications
• Seasoned Expertise: At least seven years of professional accounting experience, with a minimum of half serving in a Controller capacity. Hospitality and/or nonprofit experience is strongly preferred.
• Steady Growth: A career marked by logical progression, increasing responsibilities, and a stable employment history.
• Tech-Savvy: Skilled in managing IT systems, cybersecurity, HR administration, and related functions.
• Financial Mastery: Advanced Microsoft Excel skills and experience with financial software, including POS systems.
• Tax Knowledge: Strong understanding of Connecticut State and Federal Income Tax regulations.

Leadership & Personal Attributes
• Visionary Leadership: A proactive coach and mentor who inspires department heads with expert budgeting, forecasting, and financial strategy guidance.
• Integrity-Driven: A professional with high ethical standards, a relentless work ethic, and dedication to excellence.
• Exceptional Organization: Strategic thinker who sets priorities, delegates effectively, and ensures timely follow-through.
• Member-Focused: Approachable and engaging, delivering outstanding service and building strong relationships with members and guests.
• Flexible & Present: Adaptable to varied schedules, maintaining a consistent, visible presence at the Club to support staff and engage with members.
• This role is ideal for a forward-thinking financial professional who is eager to bring fresh ideas, foster a culture of collaboration, and contribute to the continued success of a prestigious private club

Apply for This Position
Interested candidates should complete the online candidate profile form and submit a compelling cover letter and resume for consideration to DENEHY Club Thinking Partners at https://denehyctp.com/apply-for-a-position/. If you have any questions or to recommend a candidate, please contact Karen Alexander at 203.319.8228 or by email at Karen@denehyctp.com.