Director, Finance & Business Support

AccorHotel•Chicago, IL

3h•$155,000 - $170,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Finance provides strategic leadership, functional guidance and valuable insights to Operations Leader, Partner, Executive Committee and Department Heads for optimal business decision; Interacting with hotel’s legal counsel, insurance companies, tax consultants, auditors, commercial and government banks to effectively control the assets of the business. The Director of Finance will be a highly motivated team player with strong accounting, communication, business presentation and analytical skills.

Requirements

Hotel Operational Finance knowledge
Computer Skills – Strong computer skills, particularly Excel and preferably Opera, SUN, Dayforce, Silverware, Birchstreet
Accounting - Knowledge of accounting principles and practices, P&L statements, operating budgets, forecasting and scheduling, and the reporting of financial data
Excellent interpersonal, communication and organizational skills
Strong problem-solving abilities
Highly responsible and reliable
Ability to work cohesively as part of a team
Ability to focus attention on both guest needs, while balancing colleague needs, remaining calm and courteous at all times
Empathetic leader, you are keen to build emotional connection with your colleagues, help them develop their strength and provide regular and constructive feedback.
You ensure a good communication of the Finance information and maintain excellent relationship and partnership with all the different hotel stakeholders (Owners, Accor Europe Luxury Division, Banks etc.)

Responsibilities

Creating and embracing the business culture through partnership with the General Manager. The Director of Finance and the General Manager are jointly responsible for achieving optimal operating performance and returns for the Hotel and for our owners without losing sight of all measured KPI’s
Developing and managing key relationships, including with Executive Committee Members and hotel leaders, to provide financial support and understanding of short and long-term financial functions and objectives
Reviewing the financial performance of all hotel departments, conducting analysis of variances, forecasts and budgets. Challenging existing strategies and/or recommending alternate strategies to continually improve effectiveness of the business and financial management.
Contributing to all business decisions of the hotel regarding revenue generation, hotel expenditure and investment.
Assisting department heads in the development and implementation of action plans to address internal and/or external audit and operational reports
Assisting in the development of business acumen of all levels of the hotel leadership team to drive the financial performance and meet all relevant obligations in their areas of responsibility
Promoting, driving and maximizing GOP Theoretical Flow Through concepts across departments.
Support the General Manager in developing a strong business relationship with hotel owner by participating and contributing to meetings and discussions, and responding proactively to owner requests
Analyzing and interpreting financial data and communicating findings in a comprehensible form with meaningful variations to the operations.
Analyzing the balance sheet accounts on a selected basis
Preparing monthly internal benchmarking and operational performance analysis reports.
Developing and implementing benchmarking techniques that will enable the hotel to enhance revenues while improving productivity and cost efficiencies. Seeking, identifying and implementing best practices that will serve to enhance revenues, guest service and improve cost and productivity efficiencies.
In conjunction with the General Manager and other department heads, preparing the annual budget, capital budgets and the rolling forecast. The Director of Finance will establish the annual budget preparation procedures and guidelines.
Overseeing the design, implementation, and use of methods and procedures that improve the accuracy of working schedules, labor standards, forecast, plans to assist operational staff. Monitoring the accuracy and recommend correct measurements on an ongoing basis.
Providing accurate, complete, and timely financial and management reports to hotel management, corporate office and owners in accordance with the company and ownership reporting requirements and policy.
Maintaining adequate records to reflect the comparison of the actual expenditures to budgeted amounts.
Managing all facets of the capital process. Establishing the tracking mechanisms of fixed assets sub-ledgers and depreciation.
Participating in the development, maintenance and adherence to a single chart of accounts, payroll and expense dictionary, and the function of accounts in order that the hotels financial and statistical data is accurately and consistently recorded and reported.
In addition to the preparation of all financial statements, accounting and statistical reports, and any other special report that may be required by corporate office or the General Manager, the Director of Finance & Business Support is responsible for interpreting said reports and then communicating the results with the General Manager and relevant department heads.
The Director of Finance & Business Support has a fiduciary responsibility to the Company and/or Owners for ensuring the hotels are reporting in compliance with the policies, the Uniform Chart of Accounts and hotel management or other contractual arrangements with respect to accounting matters
All laws and fiscal regulations of the area location, which affect financial matters of the hotel, will be complied with. This includes seeing that proper permits and licenses are obtained for such things as liquor licenses, sellers permit, business licenses, etc.
Protecting the owners and the management company’s interest in the hotel assets and operations by assuming the role of guardian of the Hotel Management Agreement. Demonstrating a thorough understanding of Management Agreement terms, priorities, performance tests and incentive fees distribution requirements.
Ensuring the safe keeping of all lease and contracts and any other legal records and documents, which may affect the financial status of the hotel. Such documents are to be listed and keep current on the Critical Date List
Monitoring and auditing control systems on a regular basis, as documented by Audit Services, to measure compliance with internal controls. Segregation of duties for non-compatible functions is enforced. Controls are explained and understood by all employees, as part of their job description that the employee has signed off on.
Ensuring cash flow is adequate to meet the needs of the operation. Approving all cash disbursements and ensure that all disbursements are properly documented and executed. Approving all rebates, adjustments and allowances in accordance with company policy.
Overseeing the Information Technology department and Procurement Department, which includes staff and process management of both areas.