Job Description

JOB SUMMARY

Function as one of the property's financial business leaders supporting the property executive leadership team while executing much of the same daily work activities and responsibilities as directed by the Director of Finance and Accounting (DOFA), who is the strategic decision maker for the property and serves on the executive leadership team. The position is responsible for championing, developing and implementing the daily property-wide initiatives that deliver products and services to meet or exceed the needs and expectations of the brand's target customer and property associates. Financial expertise is critical to enable the successful implementation of the brand service strategy and brand initiatives as directed by the DOFA, while maximizing the return on investment. In addition, this position contributes to the creation and execution of a business plan that is aligned with the property and brand's business strategy and focuses on the execution of financial and accounting activities and the delivery of desirable financial results.

CANDIDATE PROFILE

Education and Experience
• 4-year bachelor's degree in Finance and Accounting or related major; 2 years' experience in the finance and accounting or related professional area.

OR
• Master's degree in Finance and Accounting or related major; no work experience required.

CORE WORK ACTIVITIES

Engaging in Strategic Planning and Decision Making
• Develop strategy to improve profit, including estimating cost and benefit, exploring new business opportunities, etc.
• Analyze information, forecast sales against expenses, and contribute to the creation of annual budget plans.
• Compile information, analyze and monitor actual sales against projected sales.
• Analyze difference between actual budget wages and forecasted wages for more efficient budget planning.
• Identify the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
• Think creatively and practically to develop, execute and implement new business plans.
• Contribute to the creation of the annual operating budget for the property.
• Provide analytical support during budget reviews to identify cost saving and productivity opportunities for property managers.
• Implement a system of appropriate controls to manage business risks.
• Verify a strong accounting and operational control environment to safeguard assets, improve operations, and profitability.
• Analyze financial data and market trends.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of a comprehensive annual business plan which is aligned with the company's and brand's strategic direction.
• Provide on-going analytical support by monitoring the operating department's actual and projected sales.
• Produce accurate forecasts that enable operations to react to changes in the business.

Leading Finance & Accounting Teams
• Utilize interpersonal and communication skills to lead, influence, and encourage others; advocate sound financial/business decision making; demonstrate honesty/integrity; lead by example.
• Communicate the strategic goals, the focus and the owner priorities to subordinates in a clear and precise manner.
• Leverage strong functional leadership and communication skills to influence the executive team, the property's strategies and to lead own team.
• Manage internal, external and regulatory audit processes.
• Provide excellent leadership by assigning team members and other departments managers' clear accountability backed by appropriate authority.
• Conduct annual performance appraisals with direct reports according to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

Anticipating and Delivering on the Needs of Key Stakeholders
• Attend meetings and communicates with the owners as necessary, understanding the priorities and strategic focus.
• Understand and meet the needs of key stakeholders (owners, corporate, guests, etc.).
• Advise the GM, Director of Finance and executive committee on existing and evolving operating/financial issues.
• Communicate financial concepts in a clear and persuasive manner that is easy to understand and drives desired behaviors.
• Demonstrate an understanding of cash flow and owner priorities.
• Manage communication with owner in an effective manner when directed by the DOFA
• Manage property working capital and cash flow in accordance with brand SOPs and owner requirements.
• Facilitate critique meetings to review information with management team.

Developing and Maintaining Finance and Accounting Goals
• Verify Profits and Losses are documented accurately.
• Monitor all taxes that apply, validate that taxes are current, collected and/or accrued.
• Submit reports in a timely manner, verifying delivery deadlines.
• Develop and supports achievement of performance goals, budget goals, team goals, etc.
• Improve profit growth in operating departments.
• Review audit issues to validate accuracy.

Managing Projects and Policies
• Generate and provides accurate and timely results in the form of reports, presentations, etc.
• Reconcile balance sheet to verify account balances are supported by appropriate documentation in accordance with SOPs.
• Validate the P&L is accurate (e.g., costs are properly matched to revenue, costs are recorded in the proper accounts).
• Validate compliance with management contract and reporting requirements.
• Verify compliance with standard and local operating procedures (SOPs and LSOPs).

Managing and Conducting Human Resource Activities
• Validate team members are cross trained to support successful daily operations.
• Verify property policies are administered fairly and consistently.
• Verify new hires participate in the department's orientation program.
• Confirm new hires receive the appropriate new hire training to successfully perform their job.
• Create appropriate plans which develop team members based on their individual strengths, development needs, career aspirations and abilities.
• Conduct performance review process for employees.
• Participate in hiring activities as appropriate.