Role Overview
Director of Hotel Accounting to provide executive-level financial leadership across a large, multi-property portfolio operating in a high-volume, multi-brand hospitality environment. This role owns the financial integrity of the accounting function across the assigned portfolio - from month-end close oversight through team leadership, audit readiness, and cross-functional partnership with operations and ownership. In addition, this supports elevating accounting quality, consistency, and capability across the broader organization.
The ideal candidate brings deep hotel accounting expertise, proven experience leading teams, and the ability to operate effectively at both the strategic and hands-on level. This is a role for a leader who earns credibility through technical rigor, communicates financial complexity with clarity, and builds high-performing teams.
Key ResponsibilitiesTeam Leadership & Development
- Lead, develop, and manage a team of Regional Controllers and Staff / Senior Staff Accountants, providing clear direction, performance accountability, and ongoing coaching. Develop team members not only for portfolio success, but to operate effectively within standardized, enterprise-wide processes.
- Design and deliver a structured training program for both accounting and hotel operational teams, covering financial reporting, internal controls, standard operating procedures, and expense management
- Execute performance management processes including recruitment and retention initiatives and annual performance reviews
Financial Reporting & Month-End Close
- Oversee month-end close with a focus on accuracy, completeness, and consistency across properties, reducing variability and rework
- Ensure financial results are accurate, complete, and delivered in accordance with established close schedules and ownership reporting requirements
- Implement quality controls and review frameworks to ensure financial results are reliable and decision-ready
Cash & Liquidity Management
- Prepare and review cash flow forecasts across the portfolio, ensuring leadership has timely and accurate visibility into liquidity positions
- Monitor cash activity and partner with operational and ownership teams to support effective liquidity management at scale
Controls, Compliance & Audit Readiness
- Ensure compliance with all applicable internal control frameworks
- Maintain audit readiness across the portfolio, ensuring properties meet internal and external audit standards per Internal Audit guidelines and Corporate communications
- Lead the coordination of external audits, serving as the primary point of contact for auditors
Operations Partnership
- Serve as a trusted advisor to operational leadership, hotel owners, and third-party asset managers on financial performance, identifying risks and opportunities across the portfolio
Success Profile
This role is well-suited for a candidate who:
- Thrives leading a distributed team in a fast-paced, multi-property hospitality environment
- Combines executive-level strategic thinking with a hands-on approach to problem-solving and team development
- Communicates financial complexity - from entry-level staff to ownership groups - with equal clarity and confidence
- Takes ownership of outcomes across a large portfolio while managing competing priorities and deadlines
- Builds trust with operational leaders, hotel owners, and asset managers by being present, knowledgeable, and solutions-oriented
- Champions change by driving adoption of new processes and standards, not just designing them
Qualifications
Education & Experience
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance required
- Minimum 5 years of financial management experience, with demonstrated progression to a senior leadership role
- Multi-property controller experience required; hotel/hospitality industry experience required
Technical Skills
- Strong knowledge of US GAAP, USALI, internal controls, and financial reporting standards
- Experience with ERP systems required (e.g., Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central or similar)
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite
- Familiarity with PMS and POS systems preferred
Competencies
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present financial data to executive and non-financial audiences
- Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills
- Demonstrated ability to lead, motivate, and develop teams across multiple locations
- High degree of professionalism; ability to operate with minimal supervision in a complex, fast-paced environment
Compensation & Benefits
SHG offers a competitive compensation package and a comprehensive suite of benefits, including:
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance options
- 401(k) with company match
- Paid time off, holiday pay, and paid parental leave
- Employee assistance program and free telemedicine and virtual mental health access starting day one
- Daily Pay - work today, get paid today
- Pet insurance, discount programs, and additional voluntary benefits
