Director of Finance

POSITION STATEMENT:

To be responsible for all accounting and financial requirements for the Hotel in an environment of tight control. Providing financial support, advice and expertise to the General Manager and Hotel Team, with the aim of maximizing value. To develop the quality of the finance function within the Hotel...

At Hilton, our promise is “to ensure every guest feels care for, valued and respected”, which means we need you to live our Hilton Values and embrace our Hilton Blue Energy Culture which you will be shared and trained when you join us.

CORE COMPETENCIES / ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Best practice financial accounting processes in a robust control environment

• Overall management of the accounting records and financial reports of the hotel ensuring compliance with company, owner, statutory and fiscal requirements and timetables.

• Where applicable the above must include the accounts for Hilton International’s branch or subsidiary.

• Ensure that the balance sheet is a fair reflection of the assets and liabilities of the hotel. The balance sheet must be regularly reviewed and reconciliation’s performed of all accounts.

• Ensure compliance with the management agreement with Hilton International, and any Owner / Lease agreement.

• Maintain a focused system of internal controls, which will provide an effective and efficient control over the hotel assets, liabilities, revenue and costs. Ensure compliance with company policy.

• Ensure legal and tax compliance and that adequate insurance cover is maintained. Manage the pension scheme, where applicable, ensuring that adequate accounting, actuarial and legal controls are in place.

• Ensure proper permits and licenses have been obtained for such matters as importation, currency transfers and hotel operations (bars, clubs, casinos etc.). Take responsibility for the safekeeping and updating of all leases and contracts, which may affect the financial status of the hotel.

• Liaise and co-operate with both Internal and External Audit. Ensure that an effective programmed of in-hotel audit is in place and that corrective action is promptly taken where required. Give particular emphasis to ensuring that all revenue is captured. Make use of a monthly control checklist.

• Develop best practice financial accounting and control procedures. Financial reporting and control to be an area of continuous review and development with the aim of maximizing both impact and efficiency.

Management Reporting

Focused, innovative and balanced reporting that stimulates management action

• Develop high quality management information and performance measurement that is timely, accurate. Reporting should be thought provoking and action oriented.

• Implement reporting that incorporates benchmarking, identification and measurement of key performance indicators, and use of the balanced scorecard. Reporting should not only look to historical performance within the hotel, but also outwards and forwards.

Business Support

Provision of the highest standards of financial and commercial support to the Business

• Support and advice on financial and commercial matters to the General Manager and to the hotel team, including the interpretation of financial data.

• Review management information for the hotel and make proposals for the General Manager for value added initiatives. Where appropriate, play the “Devils Advocate” to challenge practices and proposals.

• Provide financial and commercial skills to support business development initiatives, major pricing decisions and other commercial decision making.

Information Technology & Systems

Optimize the use of I.T. within the finance department to improve efficiency and information

• With Project Managers, support the implementation of financial systems in the hotel. Full support for The Future Office project is a critical element of the Controller position.

• With the ISM ensure proper use and maintenance of financial systems, including adequate security and back up procedures.

Investment

Optimizing returns on capital investment

• Utilise project evaluation techniques to assist in directing investment to those projects which optimise returns both for the individual project and the enterprise as a whole.

• Prepare and review the AFE, ensuring financial accuracy and sound commercial and business judgement is applied to the process, and that authorisation is obtained prior to commitment of the hotel to expenditure.

• Perform post investment audit on major capital investments.

• Ensure compliance with HI capital policy. Maintain proper control and recording of project spends.

• Where applicable, prepare review and be involved in the production of financials for new developments and acquisitions.

Looking Ahead

Operating against meaningful strategic plans and budgets with accurate forecasting

• Take a support role to the General Manager in hotel strategic planning. Particular emphasis on Master-Planning and “thinking outside the box” to identify value opportunities.

• Manage the formulation, review and approval process for budgeting within the hotel.

• Ensure a regular cycle of forecasting takes place within the hotel with content and detail appropriate to the needs of the operation.

Investment in People

Ensuring the best person in each job, in an environment of continuous development

• Recruit and retain the best people for the job, especially at Assistant Controller level. Make use of succession planning to develop and replace individuals effectively. Establish and maintain good employee relations within the Finance Department.

• Aim to maximise efficiency in the accounting department. We should aim for optimum staffing levels - in many cases this is not the case now. Recognise that a highly organised Accounts Office is often a sign of an efficient department.

• Develop the effectiveness of the hotel finance function through the ongoing training and development of the team. Lead and motivate the team to high levels of performance.

• Ensure you manage to specific measurable objectives. Give regular feedback including appraisals.

• Both the Controller and Assistant should have a personal development plan.

• Provide training to enhance the financial skills of the Management Team as a whole.

Cash & Working Capital

Optimise cash position in an environment of tight control

• Minimise the level of working capital, with particular emphasis on the management of debtors, stocks and sundry receivables. Maximize interest earnings and minimise interest expense.

• Maintain accurate cashflow forecasts for at least one year ahead, and ensure adequate notice is given To Hilton, and to Owners, of any future cash requirements.

• Ensure full reconciliation of all bank accounts on a monthly basis. The highest standards of control must be maintained over all cash and bank balances at all times.

Cost Management

Support the operation to optimize efficiency of the cost base

• Understand and measure cost drivers for the hotel. Utilise innovative analysis to stimulate thought and management action.

• Ensure that adequate purchasing procedures are in operation so that purchases of goods and services are made in the most cost-effective manner.

• Benchmark costs against other hotels. Identify cost reduction opportunities. Manage financial risks of the business.

• Set an example to the hotel by operating an efficient and cost effective finance department.

- Fully paid insurance regimes: social insurance, health insurance, unemployment insurance, health insurance

- Get job-related professional training, opportunities for advancement

- Professional working environment with opportunities to learn and grow

1. Fluent in written and spoken English.

2. Ability to train, motivate, evaluate, mentor and direct team members and managers to meet desired ends.

3. Ability to manage by example, maintain excellent relations with team members and maintain team member and guest confidentiality at all times.

4. Ability to create, implement and monitor hotel and team members goals, strategies and policies.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS：

1. Bachelor’s degree or higher education qualification in Accounting, Finance or related field. CPA preferred

2. 4-8 years in hotel accounting or audit with at least one year in similar management role, or an equivalent combination of education and work-related experience.