Sr. Controller

Howard

About The Position

The Senior Controller will lead financial operations for multiple hospitality clients and entities simultaneously, while managing and developing an internal accounting team. This role blends hands-on technical accounting expertise with client-facing leadership, strategic advisory, and people management. Direct, hands-on hospitality industry experience and multi-entity accounting oversight are mandatory. The ideal candidate understands the pace and complexity of hospitality operations and can translate financial data into actionable insights for diverse ownership groups.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field (CPA preferred)
8+ years of progressive accounting experience with mandatory hospitality industry experience (hotels, restaurants, multi-unit hospitality groups)
Proven experience leading multi-entity, multi-client accounting environments (outsourced accounting, management companies, or complex ownership structures)
Demonstrated success managing teams and reviewing work across multiple entities simultaneously
Strong understanding of GAAP and hospitality-specific accounting practices
Experience with hospitality systems (e.g., PMS, POS, inventory, payroll)
Advanced Excel skills; experience with accounting and financial reporting software
Strong client-facing communication and relationship management skills
Ability to translate complex financial data into clear, actionable insights
Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
Hands-on leader who can balance strategy with execution
Detail-oriented, proactive, and solutions-driven

Responsibilities

Serve as the primary financial lead for assigned hospitality clients (hotels, restaurants, multi-unit groups, and related entities)
Act as a trusted advisor to owners, GMs, and executive leadership, providing clear financial insights and recommendations
Oversee monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close processes across client portfolios
Review and approve financial statements, management reports, and KPI dashboards
Ensure GAAP compliance, internal controls, and consistency across client engagements
Support budgeting, forecasting, cash flow planning, and long-term financial strategy
Analyze labor, food & beverage costs, occupancy, ADR, RevPAR, and other hospitality KPIs
Partner with operations teams to identify margin improvement opportunities
Ensure accurate revenue recognition across multiple revenue streams (rooms, F&B, events, management fees, etc.)
Support new property openings, system implementations, and transitions
Lead, mentor, and develop accounting managers, senior accountants, and staff accountants
Review team output for accuracy, timeliness, and quality
Establish clear workflows, deadlines, and performance expectations
Provide ongoing coaching, training, and professional development
Participate in hiring, onboarding, and performance management
Drive standardization and efficiency across accounting processes
Identify and implement best practices, automation, and system enhancements
Oversee accounting systems and integrations (e.g., POS, PMS, payroll, AP platforms)
Collaborate with leadership on scaling operations as the client base grows
Coordinate with external auditors, tax advisors, and banking partners
Ensure timely completion of audits, tax filings, and regulatory requirements
Maintain strong internal controls and risk management practices