Area Director of Finance

Job Summary

The Area Director of Finance will oversee the financial operations for The LaSalle Chicago, the Canopy & Hilton Garden Inn hotels, located in the downtown Chicago area. They will be responsible for all activities related to budgeting, forecasting, profit and loss reporting, and account reconciliation for operating and balance sheet accounts. This role directly oversees all accounting activities related to income auditing, cashiering accounts payable, processing accounts receivable collection, tax compliance, payroll, and month-end processing. This position is a high-profile Executive Committee position.

Qualifications

• Possess a 4-year Bachelor Degree in Finance/Accounting and a minimum of 5 years of experience in a finance leadership position or a 5+ year history of progressive career growth in hotel finance (or in a similar industry).
• Experience with budgeting, forecasting, profit and loss reporting, and balancing ledgers for operating and balance sheet accounts.
• Aptitude for performing numerical analysis of data and formulating conclusions and/or solutions.
• Ability to use logic to define a problem, collect information, establish facts, draw valid conclusions, interpret information, and deal with abstract variables for unique or unfamiliar situations.
• Proven leadership and coaching skills with a track record of developing a highly motivated and cross-trained group of progressive accounting professionals.
• Ability to clearly and concisely present technical subjects.
• Must possess strong oral and written communication skills and the ability to conduct effective group meetings and presentations.
• Ability to comprehend and use technical or professional language, either written or spoken, to communicate complex ideas.
• Superior computer skills: Microsoft Office, POS/PMS systems, and the ability to create, maintain, and analyze data in Excel spreadsheets.
• Ability to work a varied schedule including days, evenings, weekends, holidays, and extended hours based on business needs.
• Supervises and leads the professional development of a dynamic finance team.
• Demonstrate leadership and strategic decision-making.
• Thinks creatively and practically to develop, execute, and implement business strategies.
• Utilizes effective interpersonal and communication skills to lead, influence, and drive the performance of others.
• Leads by example by demonstrating honesty and integrity in all business and personnel decisions.
• Leverages strong financial and operational leadership skills to guide the executive team, influence property focus areas, and lead their own department.
• Communicates complex financial concepts and expectations in a clear manner that drives results.
• Possesses behavioral styles that convey confidence and command respect from others.
• Maintains peak performance levels under pressure and in a dynamic work environment.

Responsibilities

• Verifies the accuracy and timeliness of all finance functions: daily and month-end reporting, payroll processing, income audit, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and cash and credit card management.
• Completes comprehensive month-end close to include preparing journal entries and accruals, completing cost of sales entries, reconciling balance sheet accounts, ensuring proper tax reporting, and analyzing profit performance.
• Develops and achieves financial goals.
• Creates the annual operating plan that is aligned with the company's strategic direction.
• Provides analytical tools and support to department heads during budget preparation.
• Leads the sales and operations team in creating accurate monthly forecasts that allow the team to react to changes in business levels.
• Implements and upholds business practices that positively support our obsession with having a sales-driven culture.
• Ensures monthly P&Ls reflect accurate revenues, expenses, and cost of sales calculations.
• Analyzes daily and monthly variances between actual, forecasted, and budgeted performance.
• Advises GM and executive team on existing and upcoming financial and operational issues.
• Analyzes financial data and operational and market trends to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Leads the property in developing and maintaining a strong labor culture that maximizes productivity performance.
• Facilitates monthly P&L reviews to uncover challenges, opportunities, and trends.
• Manages capital expense budget and reconciles expenditures monthly.
• Ensures strong accounting and operational controls to safeguard assets and maximize profits.
• Oversees internal and city audit processes.
• Manages the accurate collection, posting, and reconciliation of occupancy taxes, sales taxes, and transient marketing district (TMD) fees.
• Reconciles balance sheet accounts monthly and ensures totals are supported by appropriate documentation.
• Provides continuous direction to and education of the operational team in all areas related to finance, financial reports, internal controls, labor management, payroll, month-end reconciliation, P&L performance, etc.
• Fosters strong professional relationships with the entire management group by providing direct counsel and feedback that positively impacts the performance of the business and sharpens the financial acumen of the team.
• Conducts ongoing coaching and annual reviews to influence positive team development.
• Cross-trains team members to support successful department operations.
• Sets high standards for performance and holds the team accountable for results.
• Supports and brings to life the property's core values and service culture.