Area Director of Finance

Lodging Dynamics•San Diego, CA

22h

About The Position

The Area Director of Finance provides strategic financial leadership for hotel operations. The role is based at the Hilton Garden Inn and Homewood Suites San Diego Downtown and provides direct financial oversight of both properties as well as Hotel Thaynes in Park City, Utah. The position supplies accurate, timely financial information to support management decisions, maintains internal controls to safeguard owners’ and investors’ assets, and ensures compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations. The Area Director of Finance manages the accounting function and its financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, cash management, payroll, audit, and other finance processes. The role works with the general manager, executive committee, property managers, corporate office, and owners on financial and operating matters, and serves as a member of the Hotel Executive Committee. This supervisory position establishes departmental goals and exercises independence in making significant decisions. Travel of 10% is required.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in finance, accounting, or a related field.
At least seven years of experience as a Director of Finance and/or Controller in the hotel industry.
Proficiency in M3 accounting software and ProfitSword.
In-depth knowledge of accounting software, financial forecasting and diagnosis, corporate principles, and financial analysis.
Computer proficiency in Google Workspace, Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Ability to understand and follow oral and written directions and use correct business English and office practices.
Effective communication, problem-solving, analytical, and relationship-building skills for interactions with internal and external customers.
Attention to detail, confidentiality, integrity, and professionalism in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to interpret and create policies, procedures, and manuals; organize and manage multiple priorities; take initiative; adapt to change; and use sound judgment.
Ability to work effectively with frequent interruptions and distractions.
Ability to coordinate the work of others and exercise judgment within defined procedures and policies.

Responsibilities

Manage the accounting department to support efficient financial operations and adherence to the management contract.
Direct and prepare financial reports, ledger reviews, and forecasts according to established schedules for management decision-making and budget preparation.
Establish and oversee internal financial controls for purchasing, cash handling, receipts, disbursements, inventories, payroll, and employee records.
Develop, implement, and monitor financial strategies, budgets, and forecasts to support profitability and financial goals.
Analyze actual, budgeted, and forecast wages to support more efficient budget planning.
Develop and implement business plans and participate in annual operating budget creation and bi-monthly forecasting.
Provide analytical support during budget reviews to identify cost-saving and productivity opportunities.
Establish appropriate controls to manage business risks, safeguard assets, and improve operations and profitability.
Lead, influence, and communicate financial priorities and strategic goals to executive teams, property managers, and other stakeholders.
Oversee internal, external, and regulatory audit processes and facilitate critique meetings with department heads.
Attend meetings and communicate with the management team, corporate office, and owners; advise the general manager, Executive Committee, and VP of Finance on operating and financial issues.
Prepare monthly cash flow forecasts, balance sheet reconciliations, and bank reconciliations.
Negotiate and monitor hotel vendor contracts.
Monitor and approve hotel sales, purchases, salaries, and expenses; ensure accurate profit-and-loss reporting.
Ensure compliance with GAAP and monitor applicable local, state, and federal taxes.
Reconcile balance sheets monthly and ensure profit-and-loss entries accurately match costs to revenue and are recorded in the proper accounts.
Verify the accuracy and timeliness of daily and month-end reporting, payroll, income audit, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and cash and credit card management.
Complete month-end close activities, including journal entries, accruals, cost-of-sales entries, balance sheet reconciliations, tax reporting, and profit analysis.
Adhere to company standards and policies and perform other related duties as assigned.
Establish departmental goals and objectives; analyze and resolve problems; determine work techniques; monitor regulatory compliance; and interpret and create policies.