Controller

Controller

The Controller at The Chanler is a hands-on financial leader who combines precise financial oversight with high-touch operational agility. In a boutique luxury environment, this role partners closely with the General Manager, ownership, and department heads to safeguard the hotel's financial health, protect asset value, support operational excellence, and maintain the highest standards of guest service. The Controller is responsible for overseeing the hotel's accounting and financial functions while serving as a strategic business partner to leadership. This position requires strong attention to detail, sound judgment, discretion, and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, luxury hospitality environment.

Core Responsibilities

Financial Stewardship & Accounting

• Oversee full-cycle accounting operations, including general ledger maintenance, month-end and year-end closing, bank and balance sheet reconciliations, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and cash-flow management.
• Monitor daily financial activity and ensure accurate, timely financial reporting.
• Maintain strong internal controls and financial procedures to protect company assets.
• Analyze financial performance and provide recommendations to the General Manager and ownership.

Budgeting, Forecasting & Financial Analysis

• Assist department heads in preparing the annual operating budget and capital budgets.
• Prepare and maintain monthly forecasts and provide ongoing financial analysis.
• Coach department heads on expense management, budget accountability, productivity, and variance analysis.
• Monitor departmental performance against budget and identify opportunities for improved profitability and cost control.
• Analyze key hotel performance metrics, including ADR, RevPAR, occupancy, and TRevPAR, in partnership with the revenue team.

Payroll & Employee Benefits

• Oversee and ensure accurate and timely payroll processing, including review of payroll reports, hours, adjustments, and related documentation.
• Work closely with management and payroll providers to resolve payroll discrepancies and ensure compliance with applicable regulations.
• Assist with the annual health benefits planning and renewal process, including coordination with brokers, reviewing plan options and costs, and communicating changes to management and employees.
• Monitor benefit-related expenses and incorporate anticipated changes into annual budgets and forecasts.

Contracts & Vendor Management

• Maintain and oversee hotel contracts, agreements, and key vendor relationships.
• Review contracts for financial terms, renewal dates, pricing, and other obligations.
• Coordinate contract renewals and work with the General Manager and ownership to evaluate and negotiate terms when appropriate.
• Maintain an organized system for tracking contracts and ensuring timely renewals.

Audit, Tax & Compliance

• Maintain accurate financial records and ensure compliance with applicable accounting standards and local, state, and federal requirements.
• Coordinate annual external audits and provide requested documentation and financial information.
• Oversee required tax filings and work with outside accountants, advisors, and other professionals as needed.
• Ensure appropriate financial controls and procedures are consistently followed.

Insurance & Risk Management

• Manage the annual insurance renewal process in coordination with the hotel's insurance broker.
• Review insurance coverage, premiums, and proposed changes and communicate recommendations to the General Manager and ownership.
• Oversee property, liability, workers' compensation, and other insurance claims.
• Monitor potential financial exposure and incorporate anticipated insurance costs into budgets and forecasts.

Hotel IT & Systems Oversight

• Serve as the primary point of contact for external IT support firms.
• Oversee IT support for the hotel's network, property management system (PMS), point-of-sale (POS) systems, accounting software, and other critical technology.
• Ensure systems remain operational, secure, and appropriately supported.
• Maintain PCI compliance and promote appropriate cybersecurity practices and controls.
• Coordinate with outside technology providers regarding upgrades, troubleshooting, system changes, and security issues.

Executive & Operational Partnership

• Partner closely with the General Manager and ownership on financial, operational, and strategic matters.
• Provide department heads with the financial information and guidance necessary to make informed business decisions.
• Participate in leadership meetings and contribute financial perspective to operational decisions.
• Identify opportunities to improve profitability, efficiency, and financial controls without compromising the hotel's luxury guest experience.
• Maintain the highest level of confidentiality regarding financial, employee, ownership, and business information.

Key Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field preferred.

Experience

• 3–5 years of progressive accounting or finance experience, with at least 2 years in a supervisory, management, or independent financial role.
• Hospitality experience strongly preferred, particularly within a luxury boutique hotel, high-end resort, or upscale hospitality environment.
• Experience with hotel accounting, payroll, budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting.

Technical Skills

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
• Working knowledge of property management, point-of-sale, accounting, and hospitality financial systems such as RoomKey PMS, M3, ProfitSword, Sage, or similar platforms.
• Ability to learn and manage multiple technology systems and coordinate effectively with outside IT providers.

Competencies

• Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• High level of discretion and confidentiality.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills.
• Hands-on, proactive approach with the ability to work independently.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced boutique hospitality environment.
• Strong business judgment and the ability to translate financial information into practical operational recommendations.

Budgeting & Financial Management

• Demonstrated ability to prepare and manage hotel operating budgets.
• Experience developing and updating monthly forecasts.
• Strong understanding of financial statements, departmental profitability, labor costs, expense management, and variance analysis.
• Ability to identify trends and provide actionable recommendations to leadership.