The Controller will oversee the financial functions of Hotel Emma, including accounting, budgeting, forecasting, and compliance. This role is critical in shaping the financial operations and reporting for the property, with a primary focus on the day-to-day financial performance and controls of Hotel Emma. The Controller combines hospitality industry expertise with strong analytical skills and a proactive, hands-on approach to financial leadership.
Essential Functions
Financial Strategy & Planning
Provide strategic partnership in overseeing the day-to-day Hotel Emma finance department responsibilities.
Lead budgeting and forecasting processes in partnership with both internal operating functions and Ownership for current Hotel Emma operations.
Accounting & Reporting
Oversee daily accounting operations, including accounts payable/receivable, payroll, and general ledger. Develop and execute an efficient month-end closing calendar to allow timely delivery of financials in accordance with the hotel operating agreement.
Ensure timely and accurate financial reporting in compliance with GAAP and local regulations, supporting the Emma Hospitality Group CPA as the primary point of contact for external auditors with documentation and on-site fieldwork during the annual audit cycle.
Maintain accurate general ledger records and reconcile balance sheet accounts on a monthly basis, submitting reconciliations to the Emma Hospitality Group CPA for review and approval.
Cash Flow & Risk Management
Monitor cash flow and manage liquidity to support Hotel Emma's operational needs and capital projects.
Identify financial risks specific to hotel operations and implement mitigation strategies.
Compliance & Controls
Enact and instill internal controls throughout Hotel Emma's finance operations, incorporating advisory guidance from the Emma Hospitality Group CPA, and ensure compliance with tax laws, hospitality regulations, and audit requirements.
Ensure adherence to Hotel Emma's policies and procedures as well as applicable brand and ownership reporting standards.
Support the Emma Hospitality Group CPA as the primary point of contact for tax compliance matters across the portfolio by ensuring timely completion of Hotel Emma's property-level tax filings and providing required documentation.
Team Leadership
Manage and mentor the Hotel Emma finance team, fostering a culture of accountability and excellence.
Provide staffing recommendations to Ownership to ensure optimal finance department performance at the property.
Collaborate with the Emma Hospitality Group CPA, who serves as the primary point of contact for external audits, balance sheet reconciliations, and tax compliance across the two-property portfolio, and provides advisory guidance on internal controls; this is a peer/support relationship, not a reporting line.
Supervisory Responsibility
This position directly supervises members of the Hotel Emma accounting and finance team, including accounts payable/receivable staff and income audit, and carries responsibility for hiring, coaching, and performance management within the department.
Required Education and Experience
• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field (CPA preferred).
• Minimum 5 to 7 years of progressive finance/accounting experience, with at least 3 years in the hospitality or luxury service industry.
• Strong knowledge of hotel financial systems and the Uniform System of Accounts for the Lodging Industry (USALI).
• Proven experience in budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis for a single-property hotel operation.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
