Senior Controller

Job Description

Job Description

Overview

We are seeking a highly skilled and detail-oriented Senior Controller to join our team. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in accounting and finance, with a strong background in hospitality accounting. Understanding of financial regulations and compliance standards, including the USALI 12th edition and U.S. GAAP is a must. This role is crucial for maintaining the financial health of our organization, ensuring accurate reporting, and implementing effective financial strategies. The Senior Controller will oversee accounting operations, manage accounting staff, and collaborate closely with senior management and the Director of Finance to drive the organization's financial goals. This is not a complete job description and other duties may be assigned based on departmental and business needs.

Duties

The Senior Controller will be responsible for managing the organization's accounting operations, ensuring accurate financial records, maintaining compliance, and supporting the Director of Finance with timely financial reporting. Specific responsibilities include:

• Oversee daily accounting operations, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, general ledger, bank reconciliations, fixed assets, and cash management.
• Manage, in conjunction with the Director of Finance, the month-end and year-end close process, including journal entries, accruals, account reconciliations, supporting schedules, and preparation of preliminary financial statements for review by the Director of Finance.
• Prepare, review, and maintain accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports in accordance with company policies and applicable accounting standards.
• Prepare monthly balance sheet reconciliations for approval by the Director of Finance to ensure accounts are accurate, properly supported, and variances resolved in a timely manner.
• Ensure accurate recording of hospitality operating activity, including occupancy-related revenue, departmental expenses, labor costs, inventory activity, sales tax, and vendor payments.
• Maintain internal controls over cash handling, purchasing, accounts payable, payroll, revenue reporting, and financial recordkeeping.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local tax requirements, financial regulations, company policies, and hospitality accounting procedures.
• Coordinate with external auditors by preparing schedules, gathering documentation, responding to audit requests, and assisting with audit follow-up items as instructed by the Director of Finance.
• Supervise and support accounting staff, including reviewing work, assigning tasks, monitoring deadlines, and providing guidance on daily accounting procedures.
• Oversee accounts payable processes, including invoice review, coding, approvals, payment processing, vendor records, and expense documentation.
• Oversee accounts receivable processes, including billing, collections, guest ledger activity, aging reports, credit card disputes, and payment application.
• Maintain accurate general ledger records and ensure proper classification of revenue, expenses, assets, and liabilities.
• Review and document accounting procedures to ensure consistency, accuracy, and proper separation of duties.
• Utilize accounting systems and hospitality-related software to process transactions, prepare reports, and maintain financial records.
• Assist with budgeting and forecasting by providing accurate historical financial data, reports, and supporting schedules as requested.
• Provide technical accounting support for reconciliations, journal entries, revenue recognition, prepaid expenses, accruals, fixed assets, and other routine accounting matters.
• Maintain organized financial records, supporting documentation, and audit trails in accordance with record retention requirements.
• Communicate with department managers regarding invoice coding, expense questions, payroll issues, revenue discrepancies, and other accounting-related matters.
• Support the Director of Finance with routine financial reporting, compliance tasks, and special accounting projects as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field. CPA or equivalent certification preferred.
• Proven experience in public accounting or corporate accounting roles with a focus on hospitality.
• Strong knowledge of financial concepts.
• Proficiency in financial report writing and regulatory reporting requirements.
• Familiarity with various accounting software systems.
• Excellent analytical skills with a keen attention to detail and the ability to interpret complex financial data effectively.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Exceptional communication skills for collaboration with stakeholders at all levels.

Understanding of hospitality operations and accounting processes is a must.