Financial Controller

SUMMARY/OBJECTIVE

This role will oversee the financial operations of a luxury hotel, ensuring precise financial reporting, managing budgets, and partnering with the Sales Department to enhance revenue strategies. The Controller will collaborate with the management team to boost hotel profitability and ensure adherence to accounting standards and regulations.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Responsibilities and essential job functions include but are not limited to the following:

• Financial Management:
• Oversee all financial operations of the hotel, including budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, and cash flow management.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements, analyzing variances and trends.
• Ensure timely submission of all required sales taxes in compliance with California law.
• Reconcile all balance sheet accounts promptly.
• Provide ongoing guidance and education to the operations team on finance-related areas such as financial reports, internal controls, labor management, payroll, month-end reconciliation, and P&L performance.

• Budgeting and Forecasting:
• Collaborate with department heads to develop and manage the hotel’s annual budget.
• Conduct financial forecasts and analyses to support strategic planning and achieve operational goals.

• Accounting Oversight
• Ensure adherence to accounting procedures and compliance with company policies and regulations.
• Oversee accounts payable and receivable, ensuring accuracy in payments and collections.

• Internal Controls and Compliance:
• Establish and maintain internal controls to protect assets, ensure accurate financial reporting, and prevent fraud.
• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal financial regulations.
• Coordinate audits of property accounts.
• Maintain records of contracts, insurance coverage, and documentation for protection against property losses and liabilities.

• Team Leadership:
• Supervise and mentor the accounting staff, fostering a professional and collaborative work environment.
• Provide training and guidance on financial processes and systems.

• Collaboration and Communication:
• Work closely with department heads to align financial performance with operational objectives.
• Present financial performance metrics to ownership and management, offering insights and recommendations for improvement.
• Maintain positive relationships with ownership, banks, auditors, and other external partners.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Highly organized, attentive, and accountable, with the ability to plan and manage multiple activities efficiently.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Consistently maintain a positive, professional attitude.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• At least 2 years of experience in hospitality financial management is required, preferably within the hotel industry.
• Union experience is highly preferred.
• Pre-opening experience preferred.
• Solid understanding of hotel financial operations, including budgeting and forecasting.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities with strong attention to detail.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, capable of collaborating well with team members and stakeholders.
• Knowledge of city, county, state, and federal regulations regarding financial data management and reporting.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment while managing multiple priorities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Fluency in reading, writing, and speaking English.
• Experience with M3, Paycom, Stay N Touch, and Toast is a plus.
• Capable of working in a dynamic hotel office environment, handling multiple tasks, and excelling in a self-directed role.