Larry Hay

About Larry Hay

Strategic finance executive with 19+ years building scalable financial operations across real estate, technology, and public accounting. Currently driving financial strategy and technical accounting excellence at The Howard Hughes Corporation with a proven track record of delivering exceptional results. Leveraging a strong background in technical accounting, I bring strategic insights and a passion for innovation to drive business growth. With a keen eye for detail and a collaborative approach, I excel at transforming complex challenges into successful outcomes. My dedication to continuous learning and adaptability allows me to thrive in dynamic environments.STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP IMPACT:• Led cross-functional teams through complex technical accounting implementations at billion-dollar organizations including Amazon, Cloudflare, and Howard Hughes Corporation• Partnered with C-suite executives on financial planning & analysis initiatives supporting strategic growth decisions• Delivered financial due diligence and integration planning for M&A transactions and business combinations, as well as, organizational carve-outs.OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE:• Built automated financial reporting systems reducing month-end close cycles by 40% while ensuring SOX compliance• Implemented lease accounting transformations under ASC 842 across multi-billion dollar real estate portfolios• Established scalable accounting processes supporting rapid business growth in technology environmentsBUSINESS PARTNERSHIP:• Translated complex financial data into strategic insights for executive decision-making and board presentations• Collaborated with legal, operations, and strategy teams on transaction structuring and risk assessment• Mentored high-performing finance teams while building relationships with external auditors and stakeholdersMBA (Finance & Accounting), CPA (TX, CA)| Ready to drive financial strategy, M&A integration, and sustainable growth as Chief Financial Officer for mid-market companies in real estate, technology, or PropTech industries.

Experience

1. Director, Technical Accounting

   Howard Hughes Communities

   Jul 2023 — Present · The Woodlands, TX, US

   Leading financial strategy and technical accounting excellence for a premier $1.2B real estate development company managing acres. Drive transformational finance initiatives while establishing best-in-class accounting practices, internal controls, and technical reporting standards across complex real estate transactions (ASC 606, ASC 842, ASC 360).STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP:• Led segment spin-off to completion within 10 months, including SEC filing preparation (Form 10/S-1), achieving clean separation and market clarity• Partner with C-suite on financial planning, M&A due diligence, and strategic capital deployment across major development projects• Lead implementation of accounting standards, modernized policies, and enhanced public disclosures; built strategic relationships with external auditors and Audit CommitteeOPERATIONAL TRANSFORMATION:• Championed finance AI initiatives to enhance decision-making, automation, and business efficiency, with implementation currently underway.• Implemented advanced financial reporting systems improving efficiency by 35% while maintaining SOX compliance and reducing month-end close cycle by 50% through process redesign and automation, improving reporting systems and accelerating decision velocity.• Led ASC 842 lease accounting implementation across complex real estate portfolio, reducing compliance risk• Established scalable close processes supporting rapid growth and multi-market development activitiesBUSINESS PARTNERSHIP:• Partner with legal and operations teams on transaction structuring and financial modeling for development projects• Drive process improvements and automation initiatives enhancing financial data accuracy and reporting speed

Education

• University of the Cumberlands

  Bachelor of Science, Accounting

  2002 — 2006

• University of Houston, C.T. Bauer College of Business

  Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.), Accounting and Finance

  2011 — 2014

Skills

• Business Modeling
• Analytical Skills
• Customer Service
• Strategic Planning
• Financial Audits
• Financial Forecasting
• Auditing
• Budgets
• Finance
• Valuation
• Business Analytics
• Accounting
• Microsoft Office
• Analysis
• International Financial Reporting
• Ifrs
• Property
• Training
• Leadership
• Business Strategy
• Management
• Competitive Analysis
• Microsoft Excel
• Global Management
• General Ledger