Assistant Director of Finance

Sonesta Hotels•Irvine, CA

1d•$95,000 - $105,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Assistant Director of Finance sets the tone for Sonesta’s Culture of Caring. We expect leaders to focus on creating amazing moments for guests and team members and dig deep to find ways to create success for their team. The responsibilities of the Assistant Director of Finance include planning, organizing, directing and controlling the financial operations while ensuring the security of hotel assets, maximizing the return on investment, providing timely and accurate reporting and analysis of results and integrity of the management information systems in a decentralized accounting environment Sonesta managers are charged with providing strategic vision, ensuring tactical execution, actively managing their department to achieve the company’s revenue, profitability goals and objectives. The ideal candidate has a passion for building and motivating teams that achieve results. Sonesta managers are guest-focused (both internal and external) achievement-oriented leaders.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting/Finance or equivalent required.
3+ years’ experience in accounting in a hotel environment.
Demonstrated progressive career growth and a pattern of exceptional performance.
Track record of delivering exceptional guest and client experience.
Demonstrable expertise in analysis and action taking.
Demonstrate ability to interact with customers, employees and third parties that reflects highly on the hotel, the brand and the company.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Strong supervisory and leadership skills.
Ability to prioritize and organize work assignments.
Extensive knowledge of hotel and hospitality industry.
Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.

Responsibilities

Ensure compliance with company policies and local standard operating procedures.
Assist in the completion of timely and accurate annual budget and periodic forecasts.
Prepare accurate, timely and complete monthly financial statements with detailed workpapers and schedules in accordance with the company’s policies and procedures, applicable hotel management agreements, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and the Uniform System of Accounts for the Lodging Industry (USALI).
Develop and implement local accounting and financial control procedures and systems to ensure compliance with Sarbanes-Oxley (Sox) 404 key controls, safeguard assets, improve operations and profitability.
Responsible for risk management to preserve hotel property and reduce potential liability claims.
Manage and control receivables, payables, credit, payroll, cash handling and treasury functions with the hotel’s accounting department staff.
Develop, implement and monitor hotel-specific A/R Responsibility Matrix and credit and collection practices in compliance with company-level policies and procedures.
Distribute outlook and forecast information as an up-to-date management tool for operating departments, review and analyze variance versus actual results to measure and improve accuracy.
Collaborate with department managers to provide clear explanations for budget and forecast variances, along with commentary on financial discrepancies.
Maintain insurance coverage for protection against property losses and potential liabilities.
Use financial and operational performance analysis, including benchmarking, to maximize hotel’s revenue, GOP flow-through and bottom-line financial return.
Assist operations to improve the accuracy of work schedules and set labor standards to maximize productivity. Monitor and accurately measure actual labor usage versus labor standards to ensure timely reporting and decision-making.
Comply with record retention as required for internal and external audits, coordinate audit visits and respond to auditor requests. Ensure compliance with government regulations, federal, state and local laws and contractual agreements.
Perform any other job-related duties as assigned.
Set departmental goals and strategy to align to company mission. Provide leadership by clearly communicating financial concepts when rolling out initiatives and projects, measures and reports on actual versus anticipated results.
Develop a strong business relationship with owners by understanding the priorities and strategic focus, attending and participating in meetings, addressing owner requests and initiatives, and demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of the terms and provisions of hotel management agreements.
Ensure that all licenses, permits, contracts and legal agreements are up to date.
Interview, train, and promote Finance department staff. Provide constructive and consistent feedback and recommend disciplinary action when appropriate.
Ensure team members receive proper training applicable to their position and career aspirations and in accordance with company policy.
Responsible for monitoring, measuring, and recognizing performance of team members who directly report to the role and indirect reports.
Support, comply and promote company initiative, policies and guidelines.
Handle employee issues in a professional and timely manner.
Responsible for ensuring success through the eyes of employees, guests, and owners.
Promote teamwork and quality service to all stakeholders including guests, vendors, Accounting staff, regulatory agencies and owners.
Utilize and collaborate with resources across different departments and corporate office.
Capable of influencing employees to perform to their highest standard and establishing a trusting environment to enrich the culture.
Focus on the mission and well-being of the department, hotel, and company as a whole.
Lead by example and operate with integrity and respect.
Inspire your team to embrace and demonstrate our values and GUEST People Standards.