Hotel Financial Controller - Property Operations

Compensation Type: Yearly Highgate Hotels:

Highgate is a premier real estate investment and hospitality management company widely recognized as an innovator in the industry. Highgate is the dominant player in U.S. gateway markets including New York, Boston, Miami, San Francisco and Honolulu, with a rapidly expanding presence in Europe, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Highgate’s portfolio of global properties represents an aggregate asset value exceeding $20B and generates over $5B in cumulative revenues. The company provides expert guidance through all stages of the hospitality property cycle, from planning and development through recapitalization or disposition. Highgate also has the creativity and bandwidth to develop bespoke hotel brands and utilizes industry-leading proprietary revenue management tools that identify and predict evolving market dynamics to drive out performance and maximize asset value. With an executive team consisting of some of the industry’s most experienced hotel management leaders, the company is a trusted partner for top ownership groups and major hotel brands. Highgate maintains corporate offices in London, New York, Dallas, and Seattle.

Location:

Located just steps away from top Big Easy attractions in the Arts District and French Quarter, this luxury hotel reflects the charm and mystery of New Orleans. Enjoy newly renovated accommodations and the flawless service of a professional, courteous staff that knows how to take care of everything.

Overview:

The Controller is responsible for providing consistent leadership in the financial area of the hotel by supplying the accounting staff with guidance and training. He/she is also responsible for focusing on the profitability of the business, maintaining accurate and timely financial reporting, ensuring acceptable levels on internal control, ensuring compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations, and safeguarding owners/investors assets.

Responsibilities:

• Controller in timely preparation of monthly financial statements for the property
• Prepare, monitor, and accurately record hotel revenues daily by preparation of the Income Journal. Identify all variances to budget and last year.
• Monitoring and control of hotel operations, cash flow and operating forecasts for the property
• Under guidance of Highgate Accoutning maintain timely interaction with Department Heads to assure that property operations are on track and under control at all times
• Preparation of monthly bank reconciliations and general ledger account reconciliations for the property
• Supervision of accounting department staff
• Compliance with Highgate Accounting Policies and Procedures and internal controls for our finance and accounting operations
• Effectively manage and communicate related issues related to management of receivables, payables, daily cash balances, and timely deposits of all funds.
• Monitor hotel revenues and expenses and ensure the accurate recording in accordance with Highgate Hotel’s established guidelines. Investigate and critique variances to budget or to prior year and offer practical improvement methodologies to management.
• Analyze financial data and operations in order to assist Director of Finance and advise Department Heads in maintaining the hotels’ financial objectives.
• With supervision of Highgate Accounting hire, train, supervise and develop staff, including coaching, counseling and discipline.
• Preparation of any special reports, statements, etc., as requested.
• Other special projects and responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelors Degree, preferably in Accounting.
• Strong PC skills including Excel, Word and financial accounting systems.
• Strong organizational, analytical, verbal and written communication skills.
• Long hours and sometimes required.
• Hospitality related financial management and accounting experience desirable.